In addition to studying how the Earth moves in response to impact events , IODP also studies the processes that cause earthquakes . For example , Expedition 362 brought new insight to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami through the sampling and analysis of sediments and rocks from the oceanic plate that feeds the Sumatra subduction zone . The science team discovered that the sediment 's minerals dehydrated before reaching the subduction zone , resulting in a strong fault that allowed for a larger than previously expected earthquake to occur
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
International Ocean Discovery Program