We explore new methods for ice-rafted debris detection in marine sediment cores to detect past climate changes and ice sheet dynamics. Traditional IRD detection methods are destructive and time-consuming. To alleviate this problem, we utilize non-destructive imaging techniques core material from the Indian Ocean. While promising, we found contamination to be an issue. Machine learning identifies density and chemical differences, but rigorous testing is needed to avoid false positives.

The Chikyu Shallow Core Program (SCORE) has been started to provide more opportunities for scientific ocean drilling of shallow boreholes (up to 100 m) during a short-term expedition. The proposal flow is a simplified version of that of the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP). Although there are several limitations for a SCORE project, the opportunity to retrieve 100 m of continuous core samples will be of interest for the scientific ocean drilling community in multiple disciplines.