EKMAN DREDGE Meaning and
Definition
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The Ekman dredge is a type of device used in marine biology and oceanography to collect bottom sediment samples from the ocean floor. Named after its inventor, Swedish oceanographer Vagn Walfrid Ekman, this dredge consists of a steel frame with a rectangular mouth, designed to be dragged along the seabed.
The mechanism of the Ekman dredge involves its ability to efficiently gather a representative sample of sediments present on the ocean floor. As the dredge is towed by a research vessel, it maintains a constant angle with the seabed, provided by its streamlined body and attached weights. This angle allows the mouth of the dredge to remain open, scooping up a variety of sediments from the surface layer as it progresses.
The collected sediment, which may include sand, silt, mud, or other types of particles, is retained within the dredge due to its closed mouth and the use of mesh material on its frame. Once the dredge is hauled back onboard, the sediment sample is carefully removed for further analysis and study.
Ekman dredges are particularly useful for investigating benthic habitats, studying sediment characteristics, and examining the distribution of marine organisms on the seafloor. With its reliable design and ease of use, the Ekman dredge has become a valuable tool in understanding the complex dynamics of marine ecosystems and the geological processes shaping the ocean floor.
Common Misspellings for EKMAN DREDGE
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Etymology of EKMAN DREDGE
The term "Ekman dredge" is named after its inventor, Vagn Walfrid Ekman, a Swedish oceanographer. Vagn Ekman developed this plankton sampling device in the early 1900s to study the distribution and composition of plankton in the oceans. The dredge consists of a large cone-shaped net made of fine mesh that is towed through the water column to collect planktonic organisms. Over time, this sampling method became known as the "Ekman dredge" in honor of its creator.
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