“Big Sucker” sampling device

The “Big Sucker” sampling device. We used this large, rigid hose attached to the sub arm to suck the mud from around the base of the tubeworm bush. This helped us collect whole bushes with mostly intact root systems. This information will help us to determine where the sulfide that the tubeworms need comes from. Image courtesy of Gulf of Mexico 2002, NOAA/OER.

Related Links

Gulf of Mexico

Gulf of Mexico: Leg 1

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery