A microstratification sampler for mud and water.

This sampler is intended to serve as an alternative to the Jenkin sampler and as a complement to the Ekman dredge. On principle it is a long open tube made of plexiglass. The cross-section is almost square. The sampler is submerged to the desired depth and pushed into the mud. It is immediately released and thin metal slides enter rapidly into the tube and divide it into separate chambers. The high speed of the closure makes it difficult even for very agile animals to move vertically to any appreciable extent. The stratification of the sediments in the sample is almost intact as has been proved by aquarium experiments Experiments in situ have been very successful. The sampler is intended for limnological as well as marine investigations of soft bottom sediments and of water strata close to the bottom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]