these lines with the universities that have indicated an interest, and with 

 other Federal agencies which have similar requirements. 



Question: Does the sand drop out of the core barrel as the tool is being 

 retrieved? 



Answer: This difficulty existed and may still exist. Losses may occur 

 as the core barrel is being pulled from the bottom notwithstanding the 

 presence of a core catcher and a cloth wrap-around to help the core catcher. 

 We don't know how to check this. Once the core barrel is out of the bottom, 

 the opening is closed off by a metal plate which prevents any loss of 

 material. The problem has been identified by the penetrameter which may 

 indicate 12 feet of penetration and the core recovery may be only 6 or 8 

 feet, depending upon sediment type. Less core is recovered in carbonate 

 sediments than in silica sediments. Because the driving force is vibratory, 

 compaction is expected but how much is unknown. 



15 



