Instruments

A Nordic 264 surface rope trawl is a 198-m long, 25-m wide, 35-m vertical trawl net, equipped with a 1.2-cm mesh liner in the cod end and towed at the surface.

The Model 1010X NISKIN-X External Spring Niskin Water Sampler is a Niskin water sample bottle with the stainless steel closure springs mounted externally. The external closure mechanism is designed to support applications such as trace metal analysis where the inside of the sampler must be totally free of contaminants. The 1010X Niskin bottle, manufactured by General Oceanics Inc., is available in a variety of sizes (sample volume). It can be activated by the GO Devil Messenger (1000-MG) if individually or serially attached to a hydrocable or can be deployed as part of a Rosette multibottle array. The bottles can be teflon-lined and are available as GO-FLO bottles to further avoid sample contamination. (more from General Oceanics)

Neuston Nets are nets that collect zooplankton that live in the top few centimeters of the sea surface (the neuston layer). This specialized net has a rectangular mouth opening usually 2 or 3 times as wide as deep, i.e. 1 meter by 1/2 meter or 60 cm by 20 cm, with sometimes hollow piping construction to aid in flotation. They are generally towed half submerged at 1-2 kts from the side of the vessel on a boom to avoid the ship's wake.

In general, sediment traps are specially designed containers deployed in the water column for periods of time to collect particles from the water column falling toward the sea floor. The Neutrally Buoyant Sediment Trap (NBST) was designed by researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The central cylinder of the NBST controls buoyancy and houses a satellite transmitter. The other tubes collect sediment as the trap drifts in currents at a predetermined depth. The samples are collected when the tubes snap shut before the trap returns to the surface. (more: http://www.whoi.edu/instruments/viewInstrument.do?id=10286)

The Multiple Unit Large Volume Filtration System (MULVFS) was first described in Bishop et al., 1985 (doi: 10.1021/ba-1985-0209.ch009). The MULVFS consists of multiple (commonly 12) specialized particulate matter pumps, mounted in a frame and tethered to the ship by a cable (Bishop et al., 1985; Bishop and Wood, 2008). The MULVFS filters particulates from large volumes of seawater, although the exact protocols followed will vary for each project.

A Multibeam Echosounder system is used to measure bathymetry (depth of the ocean). The resultant data can be used to map large areas of the seafloor.

An analytical instrument that can measure multiple parameters, such as pH, EC, TDS, DO and Temperature with one device.

The Geotek Standard Multi-Sensor Core Logger (MSCL-S) is a commercially available tool for gathering both physical and chemical properties from core samples in an automated and quality controlled way. See more info from the manufracturer: https://www.geotek.co.uk/products/mscl-s/

The Coupled Asymmetrical Multiple Opening/Closing Net and Environmental Sensing System (MOCNESS) couples two sub-systems (1-m2 and 4-m2 net sizes) working in synchronization. The system allows for sampling of both zooplankton prey and icthyoplankton predator fields by employing a combination system of two sets of nets with different mesh and mouth sizes. This Coupled Asymmetrical MOCNESS, first described by Guigand et al. (2005), was constructed using a 1-m2 and a 4-m2 MOCNESS system from Biological Environmental Sampling System Inc. (B.E.S.S. Inc.). The individual net frames were removed and a new frame was constructed, joining the two systems, at the Rosentiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) in Miami. Refer to:
Guigand, C.M., Cowen, R.K., Llopiz, J.K., and Richardson, D.E. 2005. A coupled asymmetrical multiple opening closing net with environmental sampling systems. Mar. Technol. Soc. J. 39(2): 22–24. doi:10.4031/002533205787444042.

The Double MOCNESS 1D carries 20 1m2 nets usually of mesh size 335micron and is designed to collect macrozooplankton.

This MOCNESS system uses the same underwater and shipboard electronic system for operation and data acquisition as other MOCNESS systems. The nets are opened and closed sequentially by commands transmitted from the surface deck unit through a single conducting cable to the underwater unit. The command circuit has a provision to permit commands to be sent to either the left of right set of nets when using the double MOCNESS-1D. - from Wiebe et al, 1985.

The Multiple Opening/Closing Net and Environmental Sensing System or MOCNESS is a family of net systems based on the Tucker Trawl principle. The MOCNESS-1 carries nine 1-m2 nets usually of 335 micrometer mesh and is intended for use with the macrozooplankton. All nets are black to reduce contrast with the background. A motor/toggle release assembly is mounted on the top portion of the frame and stainless steel cables with swaged fittings are used to attach the net bar to the toggle release. A stepping motor in a pressure compensated case filled with oil turns the escapement crankshaft of the toggle release which sequentially releases the nets to an open then closed position on command from the surface. -- from the MOCNESS Operations Manual (1999 + 2003).

The Pop-up Archival Transmitting (Mk10-PAT) tag, manufactured by Wildlife Computers, is a combination of archival and Argos satellite technology. It is designed to track the large-scale movements and behavior of fish and other animals which do not spend enough time at the surface to allow the use of real-time Argos satellite tags. The PAT can be configured to transmit time-at-depth and time-at-temperature histograms, depth-temperature profiles, and/or light-level curves. The histogram duration (1 to 24 hours) and bin ranges can also be configured. PAT archives depth, temperature, and light-level data while being towed by the animal. At a user-specified date and time, the PAT actively corrodes the pin to which the tether is attached, thus releasing the PAT from the animal. The PAT then floats to the surface and transmits summarized information via the Argos system. Argos also uses the transmitted messages to provide the position of the tag at the time of release.

Membrane-introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) is a method of introducing analytes into the mass spectrometer's vacuum chamber via a semipermeable membrane.

An externally powered, high-accuracy instrument, designed for shipboard determination of sea surface (pumped-water) conductivity and temperature. Salinity and sound velocity can also be computed.

The Multi-parameter Inorganic Carbon Analyzer (MICA) developed in the USF/College of Marine Science is an autonomous multi-parameter flow-through CO2 system capable of simultaneously measuring pH, carbon dioxide fugacity (fCO2), atmospheric carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2), and the total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) of natural water.

Multiparameter Inorganic Carbon Analyzer (MICA)

The Metrohm 805 Dosimat is a dispensing instrument for titrating and dosing operations in the laboratory. The 805 Dosimat is controlled by Touch control or PC control software. The instrument controls the dosing of liquids, which are attached via an exchange unit. Metrohm recommends using the Metrohm 806 Exchange units which come with 1, 5, 10, 20, or 50 milliliter (mL) dosing cylinders. The instrument can read and overwrite data from the exchange unit. It has a resolution of 20,000 steps per cylinder volume and a dosing/filling time of 18 seconds.

The 805 Dosimat and the corresponding 806 Exchange Unit are suitable as a buret not only for simply dosing auxiliary solutions but also for titrations. Additional information is available from the instrument manufacturer: https://www.metrohm.com/en_au/products/2/8050/28050010.html

A Methot Net, a type of plankton net, is used to sample juvenile fish, shrimp, and 'larger' plankton, e.g. 4 millimeters and larger. Named after its designer, Richard D. Methot, of La Jolla, California, it is also called a Methot Trawl. It is a single net with a large square opening or mouth. The net is deployed from the stern and towed behind the vessel. The Methot uses fine mesh (e.g. 4 mm) but with openings slightly larger than other plankton net systems. The larger mesh size allows the net to be towed at higher speeds. A flowmeter suspended in the mouth of net measures the flow of water moving through the net and allows for the calculation of the volume of water sampled. With its larger mouth and faster speed through the water, the Methot is designed to catch the larger zooplankton that are often missed by other plankton net samplers.

MET station systems are designed to record meteorological information on board ships or mounted on moorings. These are commonly referred to as EMET (Electronic Meteorological Packages) or IMET (Improved Meteorological Packages) systems. These sensor packages record measurements of sea surface temperature and salinity, air temperature, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, solar and long-wave radiation, humidity and precipitation.

McLane pumps sample large volumes of seawater at depth. They are attached to a wire and lowered to different depths in the ocean. As the water is pumped through the filter, particles suspended in the ocean are collected on the filters. The pumps are then retrieved and the contents of the filters are analyzed in a lab.

A Multi Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) is a type of mass spectrometry where the sample is ionized in a plasma (a partially ionized gas, such as Argon, containing free electrons) that has been generated by electromagnetic induction. A series of collectors is used to detect several ion beams simultaneously.

A MC-ICPMS is a hybrid mass spectrometer that combines the advantages of an inductively coupled plasma source and the precise measurements of a magnetic sector multicollector mass spectrometer. The primary advantage of the MC-ICPMS is its ability to analyze a broader range of elements, including those with high ionization potential that are difficult to analyze by Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS). The ICP source also allows flexibility in how samples are introduced to the mass spectrometer and allows the analysis of samples introduced either as an aspirated solution or as an aerosol produced by laser ablation.

General term for instruments used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions; generally used to find the composition of a sample by generating a mass spectrum representing the masses of sample components.

The PMEL MAPR is an inexpensive, lightweight yet rugged, simple to use self-contained instrument for recording light-backscattering (for suspended particle concentrations), oxidation-reduction potential (ORP, for detecting the presence of reduced chemical species such as H2S and Fe+2), temperature, and pressure during a wide variety of seagoing operations. MAPRs especially target operations where hydrothermal plume data are not normally collected: rock cores, dredges, or deep-towed geophysical and bottom imaging are some examples. To make these operations multi-disciplinary requires an instrument that is sensitive enough to detect hydrothermal optical anomalies yet simple enough for untrained researchers to use as an ancillary program without detracting from the time or efforts of the main sampling programs. With such an instrument, the opportunities to collect hydrothermal plume data through collaborations with other researchers, and without the need for additional dedicated technicians, expand to the global ocean.

https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/eoi/PlumeStudies/mapr/

"Manual Biota Sampler" indicates that a sample was collected in situ by a person, possibly using a hand-held collection device such as a jar, a net, or their hands. This term could also refer to a simple tool like a hammer, saw, or other hand-held tool.

The the Marine-Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (M-AERI) is a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) sprectoradiometer with calibrations traceable to NIST standards. The M-AERI measures spectra in the infrared (about 3 to 18 micrometers) range with a resolution of about 0.5 cm-1. It uses two infrared detectors cooled to 78 K by a Stirling cycle cooler to reduce the noise equivalent temperature difference to levels well below 0.1 K.

The radiometric calibration of the M-AERI is done continuously using two internal black-body cavities, each with an effective emissivity of greater than 0.998. The mirror scan sequence includes measurements of the reference cavities before and after each set of spectra from the ocean and atmosphere. The absolute accuracy of the M-AERI calibration is monitored by episodic use in the laboratory of a NIST-certified water-bath black-body calibration target and residual errors in the M-AERI spectral brightness temperature measurements at temperatures typical of the ocean surface and lower troposphere are typically less than 0.03K.

The interferometer integrates measurements over a pre-selected time interval, usually a few tens of seconds, to obtain a satisfactory signal to noise ratio, and a typical cycle of measurements including two view angles to the atmosphere, one to the ocean, and calibration measurements, takes about ten minutes. The absolute accuracy of the spectral measurements (when expressed as a brightness temperature) is 20-30 mK. The measured spectra are processed in real-time to generate measurements of the skin SST and air temperature at the height of the instrument to accuracies much better than 0.1K.

Reference:

Minnett, P. J., R. O. Knuteson, F. A. Best, B. J. Osborne, J. A. Hanafin and O. B. Brown, 2001. The Marine-Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (M-AERI), a high-accuracy, sea-going infrared spectroradiometer. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 18: 994-1013.

Liquid scintillation counting is an analytical technique which is defined by the incorporation of the radiolabeled analyte into uniform distribution with a liquid chemical medium capable of converting the kinetic energy of nuclear emissions into light energy. Although the liquid scintillation counter is a sophisticated laboratory counting system used the quantify the activity of particulate emitting (ß and a) radioactive samples, it can also detect the auger electrons emitted from 51Cr and 125I samples.

The LongTrack Profiler was a custom data acquisition system that used the ship's SAIL-loop acquisition system with SeaBird conductivity and temperature sensors. The LongTrack Profiler used the R/V Endeavor's IEEE standard serial ASCII instrumentation loop (SAIL) shipboard data communication system to record data from SeaBird conductivity and temperature sensors. The serial ASCII Instrumentation Loop (SAIL) was a hardware and software protocol that was used for collecting data from a variety of instruments aboard the research vessel.

A lobster trap (often called a lobster pot) is a baited trap which traps lobsters or crayfish and is used in lobster fishing. A lobster trap can catch multiple lobsters at once and can be a various sizes. An opening permits the lobster to enter a tunnel of netting and proceed into a "chamber" or "kitchen", where there is bait, and then into the "parlor" from which it cannot escape.

The light/dark bottle is a way of measuring primary production by comparing before and after concentrations of dissolved oxygen.

Bottles containing seawater samples with phytoplankton are incubated for a predetermined period of time under light and dark conditions. Incubation is preferably carried out in situ, at the depth from which the samples were collected. Alternatively, the light and dark bottles are incubated in a water trough on deck, and neutral density filters are used to approximate the light conditions at the collection depth.

Rates of net and gross photosynthesis and respiration can be determined from measurements of dissolved oxygen concentration in the sample bottles.

A Lifetime Fluorometer is used to measure picosecond fluorescence decay kinetics in phytoplankton. 

The LI-COR LI-840 is specifically designed for continuous monitoring of CO2 and H2O over a wide range of environmental conditions. The LI-840 is an absolute, non-dispersive, infrared (NDIR) gas analyzer based on a single, interchangeable optical path, and a dual wavelength infrared detection system.

The LI-6262 CO2/H2O Gas Analyzer measures CO2 flux in the environment. It was manufactured by LI-COR Biosciences Inc. (licor.com) from 1990 through 2005 and serial Numbers for this model have the prefix of IRG3-XXXX. The LI-6262 is a differential, non-dispersive, infrared (NDIR) gas analyzer. The CO2 and H2O measurements are based on the difference in absorption of infrared (IR) radiation passing through two gas sampling cells. The reference cell is used for a gas of known CO2 or H2O concentration, and the
sample cell is used for a gas of unknown concentration. Infrared radiation is transmitted through both cell paths, and the output of the analyzer is proportional to the difference in absorption between the two (LI-6262 CO2/H2O Analyzer Operating and Service Manual, Publication Number 9003-59, March, 1996, pg 18).

The LI-193 Underwater Spherical Quantum Sensor uses a Silicon Photodiode and glass filters encased in a waterproof housing to measure PAR (in the 400 to 700 nm waveband) in aquatic environments. Typical output is in micromol s-1 m-2. The LI-193 Sensor gives an added dimension to underwater PAR measurements as it measures photon flux from all directions. This measurement is referred to as Photosynthetic Photon Flux Fluence Rate (PPFFR) or Quantum Scalar Irradiance. This is important, for example, when studying phytoplankton, which utilize radiation from all directions for photosynthesis. LI-COR began producing Spherical Quantum Sensors in 1979; serial numbers for the LI-193 begin with SPQA-XXXXX (licor.com).

The LI-190SA Quantum Sensor is used to accurately measure (non-aquatic) Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) in the range of 400-700 nm. Colored glass filters are used to tailor the silicon photodiode response to the desired quantum response. The LI-190SA is also used as a reference sensor for comparison to underwater PAR measured by the LI-192SA or LI-193 Underwater Quantum Sensors.

The LI-COR Biospherical PAR Sensor is used to measure Photosynthetically Available Radiation (PAR) in the water column. This instrument designation is used when specific make and model are not known.

Built at the University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory, the Lagrangian Float is not an ARGO float. It is primarily designed to accurately follow the three-dimensional motion of water parcels within the mixed layer, through a combination of neutral buoyancy and high drag provided by a one meter diameter black drogue. Typical buoyancies of a few grams result in vertical velocities relative to the water of a few mm/s, small compared to the cm/s turbulent velocities in the mixed layer. The float’s motion within the mixed layer thus closely imitates that of a planktonic organism. The float can also profile vertically. It sends data and receives commands using the Iridium satellite system. The float is designed to accommodate a wide variety of sensors.

A JelNet2 is a 0.61-m bongo frame fitted with paired 1000 micrometer mesh nets to collect larger gelatinous predators. A 45 kg ball was attached beneath the bongo frame to depress the sampler. Although the JelNet2 is designed for the same purpose as a JelNet (to sample fragile zooplankton or "jellies"), it is not a variation on a JelNet.

An Itrax X-ray Fluoresence (XRF) core scanner provides high-resolution, non-destructive elemental analysis of sediment cores. They can provide optical and radiographic images as well as XRF spectrometry elemental profiles. Itrax instruments may accommodate a variety of sample types including sediment and rock cores, speleothems, corals and wood.

The In Situ Ichthyoplankton Imaging System (ISIIS) is an underwater imaging system aimed at capturing in situ, real time images of marine zooplankton of relatively low abundance such as fish larvae and fragile gelatinous organisms. The first prototype, delivered in 2007, was attached to a relatively simple vehicle towed by an oceanographic vessel at a speed of five knots. The vehicle, and associated imaging system and sensors, was moved up and down through the water column by paying cable in and out via an oceanographic winch. Subsequently, a new vehicle has been designed with the capacity of self undulation using motor actuated dive fins. 

The ISIIS system utilizes a high-resolution line-scanning camera with a Light Emitting Diode (LED) light source, modified by plano-convex optics, to create a collimated light field to back-light a parcel of water.

ISIIS was developed in collaboration between the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Atmospheric and Marine Science (RSMAS) and the subsea engineering company, Bellamare, LLC, located in San Diego CA. See complete description from RSMAS.

Reference:
Cowen RK and Guigand CM. 2008. In situ Ichthyoplankton Imaging System (ISIIS): system design and preliminary results. Limnol. Oceanogr. Methods. 6:126-132. doi:10.4319/lom.2008.6.126

The Intelligent Operative Net Sampling System (IONESS) is a sampling net system similar to a MOCNESS that is towed through the water column and can be controlled to open and close over specified depth intervals.

The Versatile INstrument for the Determination of Total inorganic carbon and titration Alkalinity (VINDTA) 3C is a laboratory alkalinity titration system combined with an extraction unit for coulometric titration, which simultaneously determines the alkalinity and dissolved inorganic carbon content of a sample. The sample transport is performed with peristaltic pumps and acid is added to the sample using a membrane pump. No pressurizing system is required and only one gas supply (nitrogen or dry and CO2-free air) is necessary. The system uses a Metrohm Titrino 719S, an ORION-Ross pH electrode and a Metrohm reference electrode. The burette, the pipette and the analysis cell have a water jacket around them. Precision is typically +/- 1 umol/kg for TA and/or DIC in open ocean water.

A device in which environmental conditions (light, photoperiod, temperature, humidity, etc.) can be controlled.

Note: we have more specific terms for shipboard incubators (https://www.bco-dmo.org/instrument/629001) and in-situ incubators (https://www.bco-dmo.org/instrument/494).

Submersible heating element for water tanks and aquaria.

A trawl with a pentagonal mouth opening and a dihedral depressor vane as part of the mouth opening. IKMTs come in various dimensions (refer to individual dataset documentation).

The original IKMTs were 10 foot (304 cm) and 15 foot (457 cm) at the mouth. The 10 foot IKMT net was 31 feet (9.45 m) in length (Wiebe and Benfield 2003).

The Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB) is an in-situ automated submersible imaging flow cytometer that generates images of particles in-flow taken from the aquatic environment. https://mclanelabs.com/imaging-flowcytobot/

An ICP Mass Spec is an instrument that passes nebulized samples into an inductively-coupled gas plasma (8-10000 K) where they are atomized and ionized. Ions of specific mass-to-charge ratios are quantified in a quadrupole mass spectrometer.

An ice corer is used to drill into deep ice and remove long cylinders of ice from which information about the past and present can be inferred. Polar ice cores contain a record of the past atmosphere - temperature, precipitation, gas content, chemical composition, and other properties. This can reveal a broad spectrum of information on past environmental, and particularly climatic, changes. They can also be used to study bacteria and chlorophyll production in the waters from which the ice core was extracted.

The Satlantic Hyperspectral Surface Acquisition System (HyperSAS) radiometer is an above-water optical sensing system designed to provide continuous ocean color measurements over the spectral range 350-800 nm. The HyperSAS can be mounted on ships and fixed platforms, or on aircrafts for remote sensing surveys. The standard configuration of the system includes one irradiance sensor to measure downwelling irradiance, and two hyperspectral radiance sensors to capture the sea surface signal. The irradiance sensor response is proportional to the cosine of the angle of incidence of the incoming radiation, while each radiance sensor has a 3 deg field of view (FOV). The orientation precision, geo-referencing and time-stamp accuracy may be improved by mounting an optional GPS unit with Satlantic tilt and heading sensor. Moreover, a radiation pyrometer may also be added to measure land or sea surface temperature.

Multi-parameter probes that can measure from 12 (MS5) to 16 (DS5 and DS5X) parameters simultaneously. Measurements include temperature, depth, conductivity, salinity, specific conductance, TDS, pH, ORP, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll a, blue-green algae, Rhodamine WT, ammonium, nitrate, chloride, PAR and total dissolved gases. These probes can be deployed at depths up to 200 m and can be used in continuous monitoring programs.

Nereus is an efficient, multi-purpose “hybrid” vehicle that can explore and operate in the crushing pressures of the greatest ocean depths. An unmanned vehicle, Nereus operates in two complementary modes. It can swim freely as an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to survey large areas of the depths, map the seafloor, and give scientists a broad overview. When Nereus locates something interesting, the vehicle’s support team can bring the vehicle back on board the ship and transforms it into a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) tethered to the ship via a micro-thin, fiber-optic cable. Through this tether, Nereus can transmit high-quality, real-time video images and receive commands from skilled pilots on the ship to collect samples or conduct experiments with a manipulator arm.

Technical specifications:

• Weight on land: 2,800 kg
• Payload capacity: 25 kg
• Maximum speed: 3 knots
• Batteries: rechargable lithium ion, 15 kilowatt hours in two pressure housings
• Thrusters: 2 fore and aft, 2 vertical, 1 lateral (ROV mode) 2 fore and aft, 1 vertical (AUV mode)
• Lights: variable output LED array, strobes
• Manipulator arm: Kraft TeleRobotics 7-function hydraulic manipulator
• Sonar: scanning sonar, forward look and profile, 675 KHz
• Sensors: magnetometer, CTD (to measure conductivity, temperature, and depth)

Nereus supports a variety of science operations: Push coring, measuring heat flow, geotechnical and geochemical sensing, rock sampling and drilling, biological sampling, water sampling, high resolution acoustic bathymetry, and optical still and video imagery.

More information is available from the operator site at URL.