SeaCone - A Cone Penetrometer for use With the Pisces Submersible

On the eastern Canadian continental shelf, observations by manned submersibles have been used by geologists and engineers to enhance, and groundtruth, interpretations of the seabed and seabed processes which were previously based on geophysical surveys. A prototype cone penetrometer, the SeaCone, was built for use with the PISCES IV submersible to measure the undrained shear strength of the seafloor across iceberg scours, and in sedimentary bedforms. The SeaCone provides end bearing strength as well as temperature in the top metre of sediment. The design and operation of the deployment apparatus for the SeaCone was constrained by safety considerations in the operation of the manned submersible. An anchor system is used to provide the reaction force required for pushing the cone into the sediments. Results are presented for dives over densely-packed, medium-grained sands.