Antarctic Marine Acoustic Survey For Zooplankton Patches

Acoustic returns from 38, 120, and 200 kHz transducers were recorded continuously along a ship's track from August 3 to September 15, 2002. The data focuses on zooplankton patches and density structures, correlating signals with plankton tows and CTD casts. The survey was conducted by the RVIB Nathaniel B. Palmer (cruise NBP0204) for the SCIOPS organization.

Use Cases

• Correlate acoustic backscatter intensity from 38, 120, and 200 kHz signals with physical water column data from CTD casts.
• Map the spatial distribution of zooplankton patches using georeferenced acoustic returns along the ship's track.
• Analyze temporal changes in density structures from continuous recordings over the 44-day cruise period.
• Validate acoustic signal classifications against biological samples collected from known plankton tows.

Strengths

• Continuous acoustic recordings over a 44-day time period (Aug 3 - Sept 15, 2002).
• Multi-frequency data collection using 38, 120, and 200 kHz transducers.
• Geographic coverage includes a defined Antarctic region from Adelaide Island to Alexander Island.

Limitations

• Data is from a single cruise in 2002, limiting temporal generalizability.
• Sample size and row count are unknown, and specific data columns are not provided.
• Geographic scope is restricted to the continental margin west of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Provenance

Source

SCIOPS, collected via RVIB Nathaniel B. Palmer (cruise NBP0204).

Collection Method

Acoustic returns recorded continuously using a hull-mounted Simrad EK500 Scientific Sounder System.

Time Range

August 3, 2002 to September 15, 2002.

Freshness

null

Geography

Continental margin west of the Antarctic Peninsula, from Adelaide Island to Alexander Island, including Crystal Sound and Marguerite Bay.