Instruments

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.

Motoda Net (Motoda, 1971). XX13 indicates a mesh size of 100 microns. This is a "messenger based net system which utilized a framework attached to the towing wire. The circular net (56 cm diameter) was a cylinder (80 cm length)/cone (110 cm length) and was mounted on a wire with a triangular framework so that up to 10 could be towed simultaneously."(P.H. Wiebe and M.C. Benfield, 2003. Progress in Oceanography 56: p.25)

Motoda, S. (1971). Devices of simple plankton apparatus V. Bulletin of the Faculty of Fisheries Hokkaido University, 22, 101-106.

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 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 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/

A mid-water or pelagic trawl is a net towed at a chosen depth in the water column to catch schooling fish such as herring and mackerel. Midwater trawl nets have very large front openings to herd schooling fish toward the back end where they become trapped in the narrow "broiler". The sides of the deployed net are spread horizontally with two large metal foils, called "doors," positioned in front of the net. As the trawler moves forward, the doors, and therefore the net, are forced outward, keeping the net open.
This instrument designation is used when specific make and model are not known.

The MicroStrain 3DM-GX3 is a triaxial accelerometer designed to measure 360 degrees of angular motion on three orthogonal axes. The 3DM-GX1 has now been retired in favour of later MicroStrain products. The 3DM-GX1 featured on-board processing/filtering of accelerometer, gyro and magnetometer channels, with standard RS-232 and RS-485 outputs, and optional analog output. It offers 16 bit A/D resolution, accuracy of +/-0.5 degrees for static test conditions or +/-2 degrees for dynamic test conditions, 100 Hz digital output rate for Euler, Matrix and Quaternion, and operates in temperatures of -40 to 70 degrees C with enclosure (or +85 degrees C without enclosure).

A flat dish with multiple individual wells that are arrayed in a standardized number, size, and arrangement.

Microarray scanners are instruments used to detect and quantify the intensity of fluorescence of spots on a microarray slide, by selectively exciting fluorophores with a laser and measuring the fluorescence.

A microarray scanner typically consists of lasers, a special microscope, and a camera. The DNA material in the microarray is labeled with fluorescents which become excited by the lasers in the scanner. The microscope and camera work together to create a digital image of the array.

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.

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

A tape measure or measuring tape is a flexible ruler. It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fibre glass, or metal strip with linear-measurement markings. It is a common tool for measuring distance or length.

The Mark 8 Sediment Trap is a time-series instrument that autonomously collects the flux of settling particles on an operator-defined schedule. The wide top funnel accumulates particulate specimens into individual sample bottles. The cone interior is natural polyethylene. Deploys from a stand-alone mooring or a large high-tension vertical array.

McLane Mark 8 Data Sheet (PDF)
McLane website: http://www.mclanelabs.com/master_page/product-type/samplers/sediment-traps

Testing systems that are used to test a wide range of
materials in tension or compression.

Mass Flow Controller (MFC) - A device used to measure and control the flow of fluids and gases

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.

The Moored Autonomous pCO2 (MAPCO2) surface drifting buoy designed by NOAA/PMEL is a low profile, high payload buoy. It was used in the SO GasEx project as a drogued drifter instrumented with a variety of autonomous instruments capable of making a coordinated set of physical, geochemical, and biological measurements at high temporal resolutions. These measurements provide a key component in the study of processes controlling air-sea CO2 exchange.

A machine vision camera captures images or videos of a scene, which are then processed and analyzed using machine vision algorithms.

A luminometer is an instrument that measures light and other optical properties of specimens in chemiluminescent and bioluminescent applications.

Longlining employs a central fishing line that can range from one to 50 miles long; this line is strung with smaller lines of baited hooks, dangling at evenly spaced intervals. Longlines can be set near the surface to catch pelagic fish like tuna and swordfish, or laid on the sea floor to catch deepdwelling fish like cod and halibut. (www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_gear.aspx)

Liquid Waveguide Capillary Cells (LWCC) are optical sample cells that combine an increased optical pathlength (2-500 cm) with small sample volumes. They can be connected via optical fibers to a spectrophotometer with fiber optic capabilities. Similar to optical fibers, light is confined within the (liquid) core of an LWCC by total internal reflection at the core/wall interface. Ultra-sensitive absorbance measurements can be performed in the ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) to detect low sample concentrations in a laboratory or process control environment. According to Beer’s Law the absorbance signal is proportional to chemical concentration and light path length.

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.

The Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system is an active remote sensing system that can be operated in either a profiling or scanning mode using pulses of light to illuminate the terrain. LIDAR data collection involves mounting an airborne laser scanning system onboard an aircraft along with a kinematic Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to locate an x, y, z position and an inertial navigation system to monitor the pitch, roll, and heading of the aircraft. By accurately measuring the round trip travel time of the laser pulse from the aircraft to the ground, a highly accurate spot elevation can be calculated. Depending upon the altitude and speed of the aircraft along with the laser repetition rate it is possible to obtain point densities that would likely take months to collect using traditional ground survey methods (June 2010 definition from: http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/RESEARCH/RSD/main/lidar/lidar.shtml).The LIDAR transmitter uses a Galium-Aluminum-Arsenic laser which emits energy in pulses at a constant rate and wavelength. The LIDAR has two sounding modes: active and acoustic.

Note: A LIDAR system was used during US JGOFS Arabian Sea cruises to acquire SST, DOM and fluorometric pigment data, but there are also bathymetric LIDAR systems.

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.

Optical instruments and graduated poles used in surveying to determine the elevation of a location relative to a datum level.

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons.

Laser diffraction is particle sizing technique for materials ranging from hundreds of nanometers up to several millimeters in size. Laser diffraction measures particle size distributions by measuring the angular variation in intensity of light scattered as a laser beam passes through a dispersed particulate sample. One example is the Beckman Coulter LS200.

The Standard Monitoring Unit for the recruitment of Reef Fishes (SMURF) consists of a cylinder of fine mesh plastic grid that contains a folded section of larger mesh plastic grid.

See Ammann, A.J. 2004. SMURFs: standard monitoring units for the recruitment of temperate reef fishes. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 299:135– 154. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2003.08.014

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.

The Lachat QuikChem 8000 can operate flow injection analysis and ion chromatography simultaneously and independently on the same instrument platform. Instrument includes sampler, dilutor, sampling pump, electronics unit, and data station. Analysis takes 20-60 seconds, with a sample throughput of 60-120 samples per hour. Measurements are in the range of parts per trillion to parts per hundred.

Passive devices attached to captured organisms to specifically identify them when recaptured after release.

The KC Pore-water pressing bench, made by KC Denmark Research Equipment, allows pore-water extraction of any kind of sediments, from sediments rich in organic material, to sandy sediments. Sediment cores are segmented and placed in the pressing house, which is closed by means of the handle on top of the house. An over-pressure is applied (fed-in) at the reduction valve and the valves of the houses in operation are opened. The resulting compression of the sediment matrix leads to expelling of the pore-water, which is sampled in containers beneath the pressing house. Operation in a glove bag prevents atmospheric contamination with, for example, oxygen, so anaerobic analysis of the pore-water is possible. The standard cylinders are made from black Polyoxymethylene (POM). However, the cylinders and all accessories are also available as AISI 316 stainless steel for special purposes. The pressing bench consists of 5 pressing houses, each 100 ml. They can hold a maximum sample diameter of 40 mm. The instrument has a maximum operating pressure of 4 bar (400 kPa).

A JelNet is a plankton net system specifically designed to quantify fragile zooplankton ("jellies"). The net is 1.5m^2 at its opening and tapers to a shallow 50 cm deep flat bottom which has a collection "sock" to which a standard MOCNESS cod collar and end bucket were attached. Mesh size of the net is 5mm (3/16 inch). The square net frame is 16mm (5/8 inch) stainless steel and is bridled from each of the corners to a common point above by a 5mm (3/16 inch) stainless steel wire with thimbles spliced into the wire ends. A 45-kg lead ball is attached to a 13mm ( 1/2 inch) oblong stainless ring when the net is fished.

The Satlantic ISUS nitrate sensor is an in-situ UV absorption sensor which calculates nitrate concentration from the seawater spectrum. The ISUS V2 has a 1cm path length, a 200-400 nm wavelength range., and is depth rated to 1000 m. Satlantic's ISUS V3 nitrate sensor uses advanced UV absorption technology to measure nitrate concentration in real-time.

Isobaric Gas Tight (IGT) samplers, designed and built by scientists and engineers at WHOI, are titanium instruments designed to be used with deep submergence vehicles to sample corrosive hydrothermal vent fluids at high temperature and high pressure. The IGT prevents the sampled fluid from degassing as pressure decreases during the vehicle’s ascent to the surface.

A system of instruments/devices that provide irradiation of materials. Irradiation is an energy transfer process during which a material entity receives energy through radiation.

An inverted microscope is a microscope with its light source and condenser on the top, above the stage pointing down, while the objectives and turret are below the stage pointing up. It was invented in 1850 by J. Lawrence Smith, a faculty member of Tulane University (then named the Medical College of Louisiana).

Inverted microscopes are useful for observing living cells or organisms at the bottom of a large container (e.g. a tissue culture flask) under more natural conditions than on a glass slide, as is the case with a conventional microscope. Inverted microscopes are also used in micromanipulation applications where space above the specimen is required for manipulator mechanisms and the microtools they hold, and in metallurgical applications where polished samples can be placed on top of the stage and viewed from underneath using reflecting objectives.

The stage on an inverted microscope is usually fixed, and focus is adjusted by moving the objective lens along a vertical axis to bring it closer to or further from the specimen. The focus mechanism typically has a dual concentric knob for coarse and fine adjustment. Depending on the size of the microscope, four to six objective lenses of different magnifications may be fitted to a rotating turret known as a nosepiece. These microscopes may also be fitted with accessories for fitting still and video cameras, fluorescence illumination, confocal scanning and many other applications.

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.

Also referred to as an Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscope (ICP-AES). These instruments pass nebulised samples into an inductively-coupled gas plasma (8-10000 K) where they are atomised and excited. The de-excitation optical emissions at characteristic wavelengths are spectroscopically analysed. It is often used in the detection of trace metals.

The Indian Ocean Standard Net was designed specifically for the International Indian Ocean Exploration project. The net has a mouth area of one square meter and a total length of 5 meters. The net is made of nylon gauze with a mesh size of .333 mm (330um).

A device on a ship or in the laboratory that holds water samples under controlled conditions of temperature and possibly illumination.

An IMET Recorder is an instrument package that can be mounted on a ship or buoy to record mean weather data including air and sea-surface temperature, incoming short and long-wave radiation, precipitation, humidity, wind velocity and barometric pressure. Each sensor in the system communicates digitally and returns calibrated values to a central data recorder.