Core Analysis Protocol
Jose A. Constantine

1. To begin, obtain a core from the cold room across the hall.
2. Place the core within the two red clamps.
3. Use tape chalk to make a line across the length of the core.
4. Using a circular saw (making sure goggles and ear protection are on) cut core along the chalked line.
5. Turn core 180° and make a second chalked line directly across core.
6. Cut a length of fishing line using a knife or razor blade.
7. Insert the fishing line on one end of the core and run the line, with each end of the line on either side of the cut, down the length of the core.
8. Place core on table and carefully separate.
9. Place an ID card near the core and measuring tape along its length.
10. Carefully photograph the core with most of the viewfinder taken up by the core.
11. Mark the core into 5 cm sections.
12. Begin description of the core by distinguishing each 5 cm section with a letter and using the stratigraphic description handout seen on desk.
13. Mark a pre-weighed 6x6 plastic bag with the 5 cm section core ID and carefully remove the 5 cm section last examined and place inside the bag.
14. Record the weight of the bag + sediment.
15. Remove a small portion of the sample and place inside a pre-weighed plastic vial.
16. Record the section core ID on the vial.
17. Repeat steps 12-16 through the entire core.
18. Mark an 8x8 plastic bag with the core ID and place the plastic vials within it.
19. Take the bag of vials to Building 4 behind IOE and place inside the -80° C freezer.
20. Mark a jumbo zip-lock bag with core ID and place all remaining sediment samples within it.
21. Take the jumbo bag to the cold room and store within one of the plastic tubs.
22. Mark the core ID being stored on the outside of the tub.
23. Smile because you have just survived describing one whole core.