TV-Grab

During the SO 106 cruise the heavy hydraulic grab was used for sampling once on a seamount northeast of the DEA. The instrument is used to collect loose or soft rocks or even biological material and is controlled via a TV camera which allows observation of the seafloor and the selection of a suitable sampling target. The energy for lights and for closing the grab is provided by powerful batteries mounted on the grab.

Schematic drawing of a TV-grab operation (Source: GEOMAR)