An Inexpensive Core Sampler for Use in Sandy Substrata

A core sampler is described which is especially suitable for sandy substrata. It consists of an 80 cm long, 5 cm diameter PVC tube mounted on a 2 cm diameter section of galvanized pipe. The closure device, situated between the tube and pipe, is a brass valve. The core sampler is pushed into the substratum from a boat, and the valve is closed by a pull cord. The sampler can be operated at water depths up to 5 m, at current velocities up to 1 m/s, and will retain sandy substrata with a median grain size of 2.0 mm or less. Average depth of penetration into the substratum was 25 cm.