CTD sampling uses a set of small probes attached to a carousel of water collection bottles and linked to a computer on the ship to collect a continuous real-time set of conductivity and temperature measurements as the carousel is lowered to the seafloor.  Conductivity and temperature measurements can be used to generate salinity, temperature and density profiles of the water column at a particular location, giving scientists insight into the structure of the water column and the opportunity to at depths with traits of particular interest.  Results of CTD cast (updated!)

Relatively small water samples are taken just above the sea floor at each coring site to be analyzed for oxygen (O-18), carbon (C-13)  and neodymium (Nd) isotopes, salinity and trace elements such as cadmium.  These measurements will give oceanographers a clearer picture of the chemical characteristics of the watermasses existing at various depths near the Demerara Rise in the modern ocean.  Additionally, comparing bottom water values to measurements made on recently deposited sediment at the corresponding depth is a first step toward gauging whether a sediment-based record is a reliable indication of contemporary ocean chemistry. 

In addition to the smaller bottom water samples collected at each coring location, one large volume sample will be taken to be analyzed for radiocarbon.  With some tracers, such as the ones listed above under bottom water sampling, relatively small volumes of water are needed to make measurements. However only a small fraction of carbon isotopes are radioactive so a larger volume of water is needed to obtain enough C-14 atoms to make a reliable measurement.