Due to their 3D structure, explorers can sometimes use multibeam sonar to locate potential deep sea reefs. Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) allow scientists to get a closer look at the corals in their natural habitat and also collect samples to bring back to the lab for further analysis. Once coral samples are back on the vessel, the important task of sorting samples, identifying species, and measuring the corals begins. Often, the coral samples are then preserved so that they can be transported back to various labs on land for more detailed analyses.