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

3. 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.

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

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

6. HYDROPHONE
A microphone for acoustic measurements in fluids.

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

8. REFRACTOMETER
An instrument which measures the refractivity of liquids, which is affected by how many ions are in the liquid & indicates the salinity.

9. SEINE NET Long flat nets like a fence that are
used to encircle a school of fish.

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

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

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

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

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