Transects for coring had been previously established here using geologic maps of the seafloor (NOAA). Exact locations for coring were established on-site via sonar, looking specifically for soft, layered mud (see previous post<\/strong><\/span><\/a>).<\/p>\n In this post, I\u2019ll cover the two main methods of sediment coring we employed today \u2013 gravity coring and multicoring.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gravity Coring<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Gravity coring is one of the most common types of sediment coring used by geologists. The corer consists of a tube (core barrel), a PVC liner, and a heavy weight (3500-6000 lb) intended to drive the corer into seafloor sediment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n We carefully labeled different sections of the liner prior to loading it, taking special care to note the intended top and bottom ends. The liner was inserted into the core barrel, and a core catcher assembly was installed on the bottom to allow mud to enter but not exit. At the end of the barrel, a metal core cutter was mounted to aid in penetrating the seafloor sediment. The core barrel was loaded into the hub housing the weight, and the entire apparatus was lowered into the water using a crane. It took over an hour for the corer to reach the seafloor (at around 2100 meters deep). It was then retrieved and secured aboard the ship. The liner was recovered from the core barrel, sectioned, and capped for analysis. Here\u2019s a time-lapse of this 2+ hour process:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n![\"Gravity](\"http:\/\/sites.rutgers.edu\/pufins-at-sea\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/791\/2022\/06\/Gravity-Coring-Diagram-282x300.jpg\")