Home :: The Observatory :: Instruments :: Particulate DNA Sampler

The Particulate DNA Sampler filters a volume of seawater and preserves the particulate matter for genetic analysis of microbial communities after the instrument is recovered. The RAS (Remote Access Sampler) allows time-series temperature measurement in real-time and in situ sampling of hydrothermal vent fluids, while the PPS (Phytoplankton Sampler) allows filtering and preservation of microbial DNA. This coupled system, developed by D. Butterfield at NOAA-PMEL, is now installed in the International District Hydrothermal Vent Field and cabled to the Primary Infrastructure. Because it is cabled, which allows two-way communication and power, the sample bottles can be triggered from shore in response to volcanic or tectonic events.

(text and images courtesy of Interactive Oceans)

Data Products

This instrument measures the following data products. Select a data product's name to learn more.

Data Product Code DPS
16s rRNA sequence of filtered physical sample DNASAMP

Instrument Models & Deployed Locations

The OOI includes the following instrument makes and models for this instrument type. Follow the links below to find out where in the OOI this instrument has been deployed. You'll also find quick links for each instrument to Data Explorer, where you can plot and access data.

Class-Series Make Model
PPSDNA PMEL/Butterfield modified McLane Particulate Sampler
A Project Scientist with the UW RSN Team, prepares a Remote Access Fluid Sampler (front) and microbial DNA sampler for installation in a diffuse flow site at the vent called 'El Gordo' in the International District hydrothermal field. The instrument is designed by Dr. David Butterfiled and NOAA-PMEL and the UW. Image Credit: Mitch Elend, University of Washington; V14. Creative Commons License

Reference Information

The Core Instrument Analytical Results data repository contains processed analytical data and metadata for a subset of Cabled Array instruments that collect fluid or particulate samples that are brought back to shore and analyzed in a laboratory. Numerical and other processed analytical results are generally provided in spreadsheet form. Associated metadata files including analytical protocols, sampling and recovery notes, and sample log files are presented in .pdf format. As-deployed images of instruments are provided in .jpg format, with image metadata summarized in spreadsheet-based catalogs.

The PPSDN analytical results can be found here: International District Vent Field PPSDN Data

Primary Science Discipline

Biological

Research Themes

Access Data

Particulate DNA Sampler on Data Explorer