406 



OCEAN-BOTTOM MENING TECHNOLOGY 



Fig. 168. Rotary coring device 



Sealab II Tests 



Three tests were made at the Sealab 11 site. Due to the slope of the bottom (approximately 

 22 degrees) the unit tipped over each time it was placed on the sea floor. On the first test, a 

 six-inch core was obtained before tipping occurred. On the third test the corer fell with suf- 

 ficient impact to cause a short in the electrical system which resulted in termination of the 

 test. 



Conclusions and Recommendations 



1. A portable coring device designed to rest on the seafloor must adjust to the topography 

 of the area. 



2. The power cable must be armored to protect it from sudden shocks and abrasion. 



3. Some mechanical method of handling the power cable during raising and lowering is 

 required. 



