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The Tools Used Aboard a Ship to Collect Sea Water Samples

To conduct research in deep ocean waters, scientists must use sophisticated equipment to collect samples of water, sediment, flora and fauna to further study them in the labs. Oceanographic tools must endure corrosive seawater, low temperatures and high pressure of the deep sea. They must be very precise to give accurate information to the researchers.

CTD/Rosette Water Sampler
- CTD, which stands for "Conductivity, Temperature and Depth," is a large frame that holds up to 36 bottles of different sizes. A sensor attached to the frame sends information to the lab about the salt content, temperature and depth of the water. Scientists can open and close any bottle at any time to collect samples. Researchers can attach other tools, such as oxygen sensors, depth measuring devices, or radars, to the CTD to study other properties of the ocean.
Sondes
- Sondes are torpedo-shaped devices used to monitor and sample water conditions. Sondes are battery-operated and can be left for several weeks to collect data. They can collect and store readings as often as every four second. Sondes are typically placed in depth up to 656 feet. For depths more than 700 feet, they are placed in special stainless steel cases to protect from high pressure in deeper waters.

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