The International Continental Scientific Drilling Program is a multinational program to further and fund geosciences in the field of Continental Scientific Drilling. Scientific drilling is a critical tool in understanding of Earth processes and structure. It provides direct insight into Earth processes and critically tests geological models. Results obtained from drilling projects at critical sites can be applied to other areas worldwide. It is, therefore, believed that international cooperation in continental scientific drilling is an essential component for a responsible management strategy for the Earth's natural resources and environment.
Currently, Austria, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.S.A. are members of the ICDP.[1]