High-Resolution CTD/STD Data from RV Alpha Helix in Alaskan Seas

High-resolution CTD/STD data was collected by the RV Alpha Helix across the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and Gulf of Alaska during a single cruise from June to October 1988. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration processed the data to the NODC standard F022 format, which provides detailed oceanographic profiles. This dataset captures nearly continuous measurements of parameters like temperature and salinity at fine depth intervals.

Use Cases

• Analyzing vertical profiles of temperature, salinity, and computed density (sigma-t) for water mass identification.
• Studying spatial oceanographic gradients across the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and Gulf of Alaska.
• Correlating cast-specific environmental data, such as meteorological conditions, with subsurface measurements.
• Examining high-resolution data reported at depth intervals as fine as 1 meter for detailed feature analysis.

Strengths

• Data is processed to a standardized format (NODC F022), ensuring consistency and interoperability.
• Provides high-resolution profiles with measurements potentially at 1-meter depth intervals.
• Covers a defined temporal range from 1988-06-05 to 1988-10-17 during a dedicated research cruise.
• Includes station metadata such as position, date, time, and cruise information for contextual analysis.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, file sizes, and the complete column schema are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date, with one listing 2026-03-05 and another listing the collection end date of 1988-10 17.
• The presence of parameters like dissolved oxygen or transmissivity is noted as 'possibly' included, indicating potential data gaps.

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce

Collection Method

Data collected using CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth) and STD (salinity-temperature-depth) instruments deployed from RV Alpha Helix, processed by NODC.

Time Range

1988-06-05 to 1988-10-17

Freshness

2026,03-05 23:38:33.893214

Geography

Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, Gulf of Alaska