Gulf of Alaska Zooplankton Net Samples from GLOBEC Cruises

Zooplankton data were collected via net casts from the R/V Alpha Helix in the Gulf of Alaska. The dataset contains measurements from 13 October 1997 to 9 May 1999. It was collected and submitted by the University of Alaska Institute of Marine Sciences as part of the Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics (GLOBEC) project.

Use Cases

• Analyze temporal trends in zooplankton abundance and species composition over the 19-month sampling period.
• Correlate zooplankton distribution data from net casts with concurrent physical oceanographic measurements (e.g., temperature, salinity).
• Model population dynamics of key zooplankton taxa identified in the samples to understand ecosystem responses to seasonal cycles.
• Use the cruise-based collection data to validate regional biogeochemical or ecosystem models for the Gulf of Alaska.

Strengths

• Data collection spans a continuous 19-month period from October 1997 to May 1999.
• Samples were collected using standardized net cast methods from a dedicated research vessel, the R/V Alpha Helix.
• Dataset is part of the coordinated, international GLOBEC program, ensuring a defined scientific context.

Limitations

• The specific number of sampling events, rows of data, and measured variables (columns) are unknown.
• Spatial coverage is limited to the Gulf of Alaska region and specific cruise tracks, not a global survey.
• Data is over 25 years old, limiting its use for studying recent oceanographic changes without contemporary comparisons.

Provenance

Source

University of Alaska Institute of Marine Sciences, submitted to NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI).

Collection Method

Zooplankton samples collected using plankton nets deployed from the R/V Alpha Helix.

Time Range

1997-10-13 to 1999-05-09

Freshness

Data collection ended on 9 May 1999; no updates are expected.

Geography

Gulf of Alaska