Vibracoring is a fast and effective method for sampling unconsolidated and semi-consolidated sediments. Unlike conventional rotary drilling, it uses a submersible electrically powered vibrating head attached to a rigid aluminium or stainless steel core barrel, which is driven into the seabed.
The technique performs best in water‑saturated sediments, where vibration increases pore pressure and creates a thin liquefied layer along the core tube wall. A cutting bit with an integrated core catcher at the base of the barrel retains the sediment. Once maximum penetration or refusal is reached, the barrel is withdrawn, providing a continuous, largely undisturbed in‑situ sample.
core handling & processing
After recovery, core samples may be analysed on site or stored for processing later. Core barrels are cut to match the recovered core length, capped, and transported ashore. When processed, the core barrels are cut longitudinally and split for logging, photography and sampling. Alternatively, if a plastic liner is used, the sediment ‘sausage’ can be removed and split to allow the core to be processed immediately.
