Atmospheric and Oceanic Organosulfur Measurements from Challenger 16 Cruise

Measurements of atmospheric and oceanic organosulfur compounds and oceanic carbon dioxide were collected during the Challenger 16 research cruise in the North Atlantic Ocean. The dataset includes 175 measurements of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) in the ocean, made by researchers Sue Turner, Gill Malin, and J. Robertson. Data collection occurred during a single cruise from June 8 to July 3, 1987.

Use Cases

• Analyze the spatial distribution of DMS and DMSP concentrations across the cruise transect from 64.3N to 54.2N latitude.
• Correlate oceanic carbon dioxide measurements with organosulfur compound levels to study biogeochemical linkages.
• Model air-sea flux of DMS using atmospheric and oceanic concentration data from the summer 1987 period.
• Validate satellite-derived ocean color products with in-situ DMSP measurements from the North Atlantic.
• Investigate diurnal or short-term variability in DMS concentrations using the time-series from the cruise track.

Strengths

• 175 specific measurements of DMS and DMSP provide a focused snapshot.
• Clear temporal coverage defined by a single research cruise from June 8 to July 3, 1987.
• Well-defined spatial coverage between 64.3N to 54.2N latitude and 1.5W to 20.0W longitude.

Limitations

• Small sample size of 175 total measurements limits statistical power for broad conclusions.
• Data is from a single season (summer 1987) and may not represent annual or interannual variability.
• Unknown column structure and lack of sample data hinder immediate usability without further documentation.

Provenance

Source

Measurements made by researchers Sue Turner, Gill Malin (organosulfur), and J. Robertson (carbon dioxide) during the Challenger 16 cruise.

Collection Method

Organosulfur data collected using cryogenic purge and trap extraction technique and measured using FPD gas chromatography.

Time Range

1987-06-08 to 1987-07-03

Freshness

Data is from 1987 and is not updated; it represents a historical snapshot.

Geography

North Atlantic Ocean, 64.3N to 54.2N latitude, 1.5W to 20.0W longitude.