Relative Importance to U. S. National Oceanographic Program: 

 Individual instrument/equipment priority 4. 



I.e. SUB-SEA FLOOR STRATA PROFILER 



Primary Use: 



To be utilized by oceanographic survey ships in determining 

 the types, characteristics, and discontinuities in the upper layer 

 sediments which cover the sea floor. In those oceanic areas where 

 the sedirnent carpet is thin, it will be utilized to provide pertinent 

 informiation concerning the basement rock structure. 



Requirements and Specifications : 



a. To perform reliably on oceanographic survey ships with the 

 ship stopped ("lying-to") or underway at ship speeds of 0-10 knots. 



b. The instrument shall be designed to perform reliably in 

 ocean areas varying in depth from to 6, 500 fathoms. Within this 

 depth of water range, it shall be capable of penetrating sediments 

 to at least 2, 000 feet in depth. 



c. The transducer (s): 



(1) Shall include a fixed active transducer (or other sound 

 source) attached to the ship's hull, and/or 



(2) It shall have an active streamilined transducer (or other 

 sound source) capable of being towed at a depth suitable for maximium 

 sediment penetration. 



d. Recorder: 



(1) Shall afford maximum accessability for immediate read- 

 ing and marking of traces. 



(2) In addition to a selection of fixed recorder paper speeds, 

 it shall provide variable paper speeds to conform to own ship's 

 speed. 



(3) It shall permit direct navigational position data on the 

 trace. 



(4) This recorder shall be located with and controlled by the 



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