Gravity Corer

Knowledge of sediment types will help scientists and engineers identify the best locations for the regional observatory nodes.

Collecting Sediment from the Seafloor

Gravity cores collect 2- to 3-foot long columns of sediment from the seafloor. Knowledge of sediment types will help scientists and engineers identify the best locations for the regional observatory nodes. The nodes themselves are heavy and will settle into the sediments. Sediment type will determine amount of settling.

Gravity corers are so-named because it is gravity that carries the instrument to the seafloor. The corer consists of a metal pipe with a removable lining of plastic tubing. A heavy weight sits atop the pipes. The core is lowered over the side of the ship using a winch and wire rope and is allowed to free fall into the sediments. A core catcher helps trap the sediments in the tubing and the corer is brought back to the surface and  brought aboard the ship.

On this cruise, we are sending a gravity corer down with TowCam.

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