SEA FLOOR SAMPLING SYSTEM 
Sketchs 
(To be provided) 
Primary Use: 
This is primarily a series of interchangeable bottom sampling de- 
vices designed for utilization by oceanographic survey ships in the 
collection of various samples of the sea floor. 
Specifications and Requirements: 
a.» The system shall be designed for utilization by oceanographic 
survey ships "lying-to" and/or underway with slight "head-way" on. 
b. The system shall be operable in water depths varying from 
0-6,500 fathoms. 
ce The system shall include, but not be restricted to, the follow- 
ing interchangeable sampling devices: (1) small "grab" samplers, 
(2) short corers (0-15 feet), (3) long corers (0-100 feet), (4) light- 
weight dredge, (5) heavy-weight dredge, (6) long "in-situ" sampling 
device, (7) large volume interface sediment sampler (capacity 1 cubic 
foot), (8) short "in-situ" sampling device. 
d.- The "in-situ" sampling devices indicated above shall be capable 
of obtaining an undisturbed sample of the water/bottom interface, in- 
cluding retention of ambient pressure at sampling depths of 1 to 20 feet 
for the long and up to 6 inches for the short "in-situ" devices 
ee Although certain types of corers and samplers now exist, they 
are considered to be in need of improvement and consequently, new and 
radical scientific and engineering techniques are needed to develop an 
overall improved Sea Floor Sampling System. 
f. The various attachments associated with this system, if tended 
by a wire, shall be so designed that they can be used with the Multi- 
Purpose Heavy Duty Oceanographic Winch described separately in this 
Oceanographic Survey Ship instrument system. 
Potential Users and Estimated Number of Units Which They May Require: 
ae U. S. Navy (for oceanographic survey ships, basic research ships, 
and applied research ships) - 19 to 22 
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