The Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) was an international research initiative that began in 1985 and continued until 2003. Its primary goal was to explore the Earth's oceanic crust and gather data on geological processes, climate change, and the history of the oceans. Scientists used specialized drilling ships to collect core samples from the seafloor, which provided valuable insights into the Earth's formation and tectonic activity. The ODP was a collaborative effort involving multiple countries and institutions, including the National Science Foundation and the University of Texas. The program significantly advanced our understanding of oceanography and geology, leading to discoveries about the Earth's climate history and the dynamics of plate tectonics.