Piston Corer

At this stage, the piston core is in a vertical position as crew work on further rigging to lower it to the seafloor. Next, they readied the pilot core (on deck), which is used in tandem with the piston corer. This 500-pound instrument counter balances the weight of the piston corer, and it also helps release the piston corer once on the seafloor. Like the piston corer, it is carefully raised and lowered over the side of the ship. (Jim Broda)