Quinault Canyon Current and Temperature Measurements from 1980-1981

Ocean current and water temperature data were collected from nine moorings in the Quinault Canyon region of the Northeast Pacific Coast. The dataset contains measurements of speed, direction, and temperature recorded at 20-minute intervals by Aanderaa instruments, with data spanning from September 25, 1980, to January 24, 1981. The University of Washington maintained the moorings, and the data were processed and filtered for spurious values before being resolved into eastward (u) and northward (v) current components.

Use Cases

• Analyze temporal patterns in eastward (u) and northward (v) current components to characterize flow variability around a submarine canyon.
• Correlate water temperature time-series with current speed and direction to study heat transport and water mass properties.
• Validate regional ocean circulation models using the filtered and resolved current meter data from nine distinct mooring locations.
• Investigate the role of longshore pressure gradients by examining the pressure-adjusted current vectors derived from the original speed and direction measurements.

Strengths

• Data from nine distinct mooring locations provides spatial coverage in and around Quinault Canyon.
• High temporal resolution with measurements sampled every 20 minutes captures sub-daily ocean dynamics.
• Data underwent quality control, including editing for spurious values and application of a 5-point binomial filter.

Limitations

• Dataset is temporally limited to a four-month period from late 1980 to early 1981.
• Specific row count, file size, and complete column schema are unknown.
• Data is historically significant but may not reflect contemporary ocean conditions due to its age.

Provenance

Source

University of Washington, accessed via NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI Accession 0164076).

Collection Method

Data collected from Aanderaa current meters deployed on nine moorings, measuring speed, direction, and temperature.

Time Range

1980-09-25 to 1981-01-24

Freshness

Data collection ended on 1981-01-24; it is a historical snapshot with no stated updates.

Geography

Vicinity of Quinault Canyon, Northeast Pacific Coast off Washington, USA.