Antarctic Ocean Phytoplankton and Productivity from 2004-2006 Cruises

Two NSF-funded research cruises collected this biological dataset in the Southern Drake Passage and Scotia Sea. Measurements include pigment concentrations, particulate organic matter, macronutrients, and microbial productivity. The data capture conditions during the Southern Hemisphere late summer of 2004 and winter of 2006.

Use Cases

• Modeling carbon export based on primary productivity and particulate organic matter concentration.
• Studying phytoplankton community structure using pigment concentration data.
• Analyzing nutrient limitation dynamics in the Antarctic Ocean from macronutrient profiles.
• Investigating seasonal microbial biomass and productivity changes between summer and winter cruises.

Strengths

• Data originates from two dedicated NSF-funded research cruises (LMG0402, NBP0606), indicating a controlled collection method.
• Covers two distinct seasons (Feb-Mar 2004, Jul-Aug 2006), allowing for seasonal comparison.
• Hosted by authoritative organizations (NOAA, NASA Earthdata), suggesting quality assurance.

Limitations

• Column names and exact data structure are unknown, complicating direct analysis.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates (2006-08-09 vs. 2026-03-06) create uncertainty about metadata maintenance.
• No explicit license, row counts, or file formats are provided, limiting reproducibility and reuse.

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce; NSF awards OPP 03-30443 and ANT 04-44134.

Collection Method

Bottle casts from the R/V Laurence M. Gould and R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer during research cruises.

Time Range

15 February 2004 to 09 August 2006

Freshness

2026-03-06 00:15:42.448837

Geography

Southern Drake Passage and Scotia Sea (Antarctic Ocean)