A Deep-Sea Multiple Rock Corer and Self-Recording Digital Camera System with UNOLS Standard CTD Triggering Controls

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

This ocean science technology development project will design and implement a cost-efficient and easy-to-operate, multiple rock corer and deep sea camera system that will have wide application for ocean floor imaging and sampling. It will be made available on UNOLS research vessels. The core of the system is based on standard CTD equipment and .322" coaxial conducting cable and winches which are familiar to all UNOLS ships and technicians. The purpose of the multi-corer/camera is to take multiple cores during a lowering while at the same time collecting digital photographs of the seafloor being sampled. The system uses a proven self-recording digital camera system, a CTD pylon for triggering each corer, and a pressure sensor and altimeter, that are commonly integrated with CTD units for determining depth altitude off bottom. The multi-corer/camera will permit 20 rock cores to be taken on each lowering, with digital photographs taken every ~10 sec. The imaging system will be easily transformable for use with a fiber optic hydrographic cable and direct telemetry of the images to the surface once fiber optic hydrographic cables are introduced on UNOLS ships.