ARPA rock drill report

Abstract

This report outlines the development and capabilities of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's Rock Core Drill. The Rock Drill is shown to provide a relatively inexpensive means of recovering oriented bottom rock samples from the oceanic crust for magnetic and petrochemical studies. It is completely self-contained and capable of recovering 1 m long, 3/4-inch diameter, rock cores from depths to 4000 m. Most efficient deployment is from a surface vessel, but with sufficient modification it is capable of being safely transported by a DSRV.