ABSTRACT
The purpose of sampling is to collect a representative, undisturbed sample of the sediment to be investigated. There are many factors which need to be considered in the selection of suitable equipment for bottom sediment sam pling. These factors include the sampling plan, the type of available sampling platform (vessel, ice, etc.), location and access to the sampling site, physical character of the sediments, the number of sites to be sampled, weather, number and experience of personnel who will carry out the sampling, and the budget. Because of these many factors, the standardization of the sampling techniques is difficult. Generally, the selected sampling equipment should recover an undisturbed sediment sample.
