Cruise D313 of the RRS Discovery collected high-wind-speed data on gas and aerosol exchange processes in the North East Atlantic. The joint DOGEE-SOLAS and SEASAW projects, led by researchers from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and the University of Leeds, conducted this fieldwork in 2006. Measurements include direct eddy covariance fluxes of CO2, heat, momentum, and sea spray aerosols.
Use Cases
- Parameterize CO2 gas transfer velocity (kw) using dual-tracer (3He SF6) release and direct eddy covariance flux data.
- Relate sea spray aerosol source functions to wind speed and other meteorological variables measured by ultrasonic anemometers and optical particle counters.
- Compare air-sea fluxes of sensible heat, latent heat, and momentum derived from eddy covariance and inertial dissipation methods.
- Analyze the impact of flow distortion on flux measurements by comparing eddy correlation and Computational Fluid Dynamics-corrected inertial dissipation data.
- Model climate-relevant air-sea exchange using concurrent measurements of dissolved gases, sea surface temperature, and downwelling radiation.
Strengths
- Direct measurement of turbulent air-sea fluxes (CO2, heat, momentum, aerosols) using eddy covariance methods.
- High-temporal-resolution meteorological data with 5 to 10 second means for key variables.
- Simultaneous collection of gas exchange and aerosol production data under high wind speeds for joint analysis.
Limitations
- Dataset is from a single research cruise in 2006, limiting temporal and spatial generality.
- Specific row counts, column details, and sample sizes for tracer and aerosol measurements are not provided.
- Data is over 15 years old, which may affect relevance for contemporary climate modelling without subsequent validation.
Provenance
- Source
- SCIOPS, via NASA Earthdata.
- Collection Method
- Field measurements from RRS Discovery cruise D313, using shipboard sensors, Lagrangian floats, tracer releases, and direct eddy covariance systems.
- Time Range
- 2006 (specific cruise dates unknown).
- Freshness
- 2006-12-06
- Geography
- North East Atlantic Ocean.