The International Lithosphere Program (ILP) seeks to elucidate the nature, dynamics, origin and evolution of the lithosphere through international, multidisciplinary geoscience research projects and coordinating committees. The ILP is charged with promoting multidisciplinary research projects of interest to both the geological (IUGS) and geophysical (IUGG) communities.
The ILP seeks to achieve a fine balance between: "addressing societal needs", and "satisfying scientific curiosity". Additionally, ILP has the mandate of ICSU to act as an Interdisciplinary Body with the special task of evaluation and recommendation of scientific projects submitted to ICSU. Since 1990, ILP projects have been operating under the umbrella of four broad research themes: Geoscience of Global Change, Continental Dynamics and Deep Processes, Continental and Oceanic Lithosphere.
Since 1990, ILP projects have been operating under the umbrella of four broad research themes: Geoscience of Global Change, Continental Dynamics and Deep Processes, Continental Lithosphere and Oceanic Lithosphere.