High-Resolution CTD Profiles from Gulf of Alaska, 1984

135 oceanographic stations were sampled across Resurrection Bay, the Gulf of Alaska, and Skan Bay during three R/V Alpha Helix cruises in 1984. The data, processed to the NODC F022 standard, contains high-resolution vertical profiles of temperature, salinity, density, and possibly dissolved oxygen or transmissivity at depth intervals as fine as 1 meter. Each cast includes cruise metadata, position, date, time, and environmental conditions at the time of sampling.

Use Cases

• Analyzing vertical water column structure based on high-resolution CTD/STD profiles.
• Studying seasonal hydrographic changes in the Gulf of Alaska using time-series data from three cruises.
• Calibrating regional ocean models with historical in-situ measurements of temperature, salinity, and density.
• Investigating coastal-offshore gradients by comparing data from 8 Resurrection Bay, 122 Gulf of Alaska, and 5 Skan Bay stations.

Strengths

• Contains data from 135 distinct sampling stations, providing broad spatial coverage.
• High-resolution profiles with measurements potentially reported at 1-meter depth intervals.
• Processed to a recognized standard (NODC F022 format) ensuring consistency.

Limitations

• Column names and exact data structure are not provided in the available metadata.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates (1984 vs. 2026) suggest potential metadata inconsistencies.
• Original license and detailed authorship information are unknown.

Provenance

Source

University of Alaska, Institute of Marine Science; collected by Dr. Henrichs, Dr. Royer, and Dr. Reeburgh.

Collection Method

Data collected using CTD and STD instruments aboard R/V Alpha Helix cruises HX57, HX61, and HX62.

Time Range

1984-05-17 to 1984-09-27

Freshness

2026-03-05 23:24:17.843338

Geography

Resurrection Bay, Gulf of Alaska, and Skan Bay, Alaska, USA.