BioChem data from SCIOPS contains copepod species composition and associated chlorophyll measurements from Resolute Passage in the Canadian Arctic. Data collection occurred between 1983 and 1989 from an ice station using vertical net tows. The dataset focuses on dominant taxa like Pseudocalanus and Calanus hyperboreus to establish a baseline for monitoring Arctic ecosystem changes.
Use Cases
- Analyze temporal trends in species like Pseudocalanus and Calanus glacialis abundance from 1983-1989.
- Correlate copepod community structure (e.g., 'other' category counts) with chlorophyll and phaeophytin measurements.
- Model baseline species composition for dominant taxa (Metridia, Oithona, Oncaea) in Resolute Passage.
- Investigate stage composition data for key copepod species to understand population dynamics.
Strengths
- Multi-year temporal coverage from 1983 to 1989.
- Focus on seven dominant, identified copepod taxa plus an 'other' category.
- Includes associated chlorophyll and phaeophytin data for ecological correlation.
Limitations
- Sample size and row count are unknown.
- Associated nutrient data was noted as poor quality and not archived.
- Data is temporally stale, with the last update in 1989.
Provenance
- Source
- SCIOPS, via NASA Earthdata and OBIS Canada.
- Collection Method
- Plankton samples collected via vertical tows from near-bottom to surface using a 1/2m ring net with 100-200u mesh, preserved in 4% formaldehyde.
- Time Range
- 1983 to 1989.
- Freshness
- Last updated 1989-09-08; no update frequency provided.
- Geography
- Resolute Passage, Canadian Arctic (74°40'N, 94°54'W).