1. Some of the types of equipment oceanographers use to do research.
OCEANOGRAPHY TOOLS
Some of the types of equipment oceanographers use to do research.

2. GRAVITY CORE
The most basic sampling device used to collect core samples from the seafloor.
It penetrates up to 10 meters into the sediment.

3. SECCHI DISK Used to estimate the transparency of seawater.
Can give a relative measure of productivity or turbidity.

4. DIP NET
Useful for scooping up seaweed, jellyfish and other drifting organisms from docks or the side of a vessel.

5. SEDIMENT SIEVES
Used to analyze sediment grain size composition.

6. PLANKTON NETS A fine mesh net.
Collects small plant and animal plankton.
Typically towed behind or to the side of a vessel.

7. NEUSTON NET
Used to collect organisms and other particulates from the surface to about 1 ½ feet down.

10. NISKIN BOTTLE Used to collect water samples from specific depths.
The “messenger” triggers the valves to close.

11. CAROUSEL
A device used for deploying multiple sensory devices at one time.
Devices may include: oxygen sensors, niskin bottles, salinometers, conductivity meters, depth sensors, etc…

13. HYDROPHONE
A microphone for acoustic measurements in fluids.

14. BOTTOM (SHIPEK) GRAB SAMPLER
Used to take samples from off the ocean floor.
Sediment, as well as any organisms on the substrate will be collected when it closes.

15. DREDGE
Used to catch organisms living on the ocean floor and right above it.
Towed behind the vessel.

16. HYDROMETER
Device used to measure the densities of liquid and solutions.
Salinity levels are determined with this instrument.

17. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)
A worldwide radio-navigation system that uses satellites to triangulate your location on earth.

18. ROV’S (Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles)
Unoccupied, highly maneuverable underwater robots operated by a person aboard a surface vessel.

19. TUCKER TRAWL Used to collect samples at various depths.
Insures that only what is caught in the net is at the specified depth.