Gulf of Mexico Brine Disposal Project Marine Data 1981-1982

Multiple data formats from the Brine Disposal project contain measurements of ocean currents, marine chemistry, fish and shellfish resources, zooplankton, benthic organisms, and toxic substances. Data were collected using moored current meter casts and other instruments in the Gulf of Mexico from March 24, 1981 to February 19, 1982. Texas A&M University submitted the data, which was processed by the National Oceanographic Data Center.

Use Cases

• Analyze correlations between current direction/speed (F005) and concentrations of toxic substances like hydrocarbons (F069/F144).
• Model zooplankton distribution (F124) against environmental parameters like water temperature and salinity (F005/F069).
• Assess benthic organism populations (F132) in relation to chemical parameters like dissolved oxygen and nitrate (F069).
• Study fish and shellfish catch statistics (F123) alongside concurrent meteorological conditions and surface salinity.
• Track temporal changes in marine chemistry parameters (F069) over the 11-month sampling period.

Strengths

• Data processed to six standardized NODC formats (F005, F069, F123, F124, F132, F144) ensuring consistency.
• Time-series current data reported at 10-15 minute intervals providing high temporal resolution.
• Collection spanned 11 months from March 1981 to February 1982.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, column names, and sample sizes for each format are unknown.
• Data is over 40 years old (1981-1982), limiting analysis of current conditions.
• Geographic coverage is limited to the Gulf of Mexico study area for the Brine Disposal project.

Provenance

Source

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI Accession 8200129).

Collection Method

Collected using moored current meter casts and other instruments; submitted by Texas A&M University.

Time Range

1981-03-24 to 1982-02-19

Freshness

Data collection ended on February 19, 1982; no updates expected.

Geography

Gulf of Mexico.