1996 to present data on temperature, salinity, chlorophyll a, nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and plankton biomass from fixed stations and transects in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Scientists from the Institut Maurice-Lamontagne (IML) collect samples following established protocols, with some stations sampled up to 20 times per year. The program provides quasi-synoptic views of seasonal and interannual variability in eastern Canadian waters.
Use Cases
- Analyze seasonal cycles of phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass against temperature and salinity data from the Gaspé Current station.
- Model interannual trends in chlorophyll a and nutrient concentrations across the seven transects covering 46 stations.
- Correlate dissolved oxygen levels with plankton biomass time-series from the Anticosti Gyre and Rimouski stations.
- Validate satellite-derived ocean color data using in-situ chlorophyll a measurements from the weekly Rimouski station.
Strengths
- Long-term time-series initiated in 1996 for key stations, providing over 25 years of data.
- Spatial coverage includes 46 stations across seven transects in the Gulf and estuary.
- High temporal resolution with fixed stations sampled up to 20 times per year.
Limitations
- Sample size unknown; specific row counts for biological, chemical, and physical measurements are not provided.
- Sampling frequency for transects is limited to 1-3 times per year, offering only seasonal snapshots.
- Data collection depends on ship availability, potentially introducing gaps in the time-series.
Provenance
- Source
- Institut Maurice-Lamontagne (IML) scientists under the Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program (AZMP).
- Collection Method
- Oceanographic sampling at fixed stations and along transects, following established common protocols for field and laboratory analysis.
- Time Range
- 1996 to present (transects and key fixed stations). The Rimouski station has weekly data from May to October since 1992.
- Freshness
- null
- Geography
- Gulf of St. Lawrence and estuary, Quebec region, eastern Canadian waters.