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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 (International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics - IUGG) communities.

The ILP seeks to achieve a fine balance between: "addressing societal needs", e.g. understanding natural catastrophes and other solid earth processes that affect the biosphere, providing information for improved resource exploration and environmental protection; and "satisfying scientific curiosity".

The ILP was established in 1980 by the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) at the request of the IUGS and the IUGG.

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