Plankton Composition Survey from Edisto Inlet Ice Hole

Sampling for vertical plankton migrants was conducted over 24-hour periods in Edisto Inlet during 1968-69. The study, by SCIOPS, aimed to assess low light effects under ice but reported a general account of captured organisms due to strong tidal currents. Hauls were taken through a seal hole in the ice using a 50cm diameter net with 250µm mesh.

Use Cases

• Analyze plankton species composition captured in 50-meter depth hauls.
• Study the relationship between tidal currents under ice and organism capture rates.
• Investigate the vertical distribution of plankton using data from 24-hour sampling periods.
• Compare plankton communities sampled from seal holes versus standard open-water methods.

Strengths

• Sampling conducted over 24-hour periods for temporal analysis.
• Specific net dimensions (1.7m length, 50cm mouth, 250µm mesh) are documented.
• Data collection occurred in a distinct Antarctic inlet environment under ice cover.

Limitations

• Dataset size, row count, and specific variables are unknown.
• Original study objective was compromised by strong tidal currents, limiting planned analysis.
• Data is from a single location (Edisto Inlet) and a short time period (1968-69).

Provenance

Source

nasa_earthdata, organization SCIOPS.

Collection Method

Plankton hauls through a seal hole in ice using a nylon net, from near the bottom to surface or left in tidal currents.

Time Range

1968-1969.

Freshness

Data is from 1968-69; no update frequency is specified.

Geography

Edisto Inlet, Antarctica.