Core splitting

Due to the nature of MSP Expeditions with their limited availability of space during the offshore phase the cores will generally be split during the Onshore Science Party. The ESO core splitter developed by MARUM in 2004 is designed for splitting up to 1.5 m cores of up to 8 cm diameter.

Soft sediment are split using two blades on ether side to cut through the liner and a metal wire or plastic string to separate te two halfes of the core.

A diamond blade mounted on the saw is used for hard rock core splitting.