Measurements of methane, carbon dioxide, and ammonium in the ocean and atmosphere were collected during the Belgica BG9506 research cruise in March 1995. The dataset includes 532 oceanic methane, 150 atmospheric methane, 86 pCO2, 86 TCO2, and 47 ammonium measurements. Data was produced by researchers Robin Keir, Michel Frankignoulle, and Marc Elskens for the JGOFS and OMEX projects.
Use Cases
- Analyze correlations between oceanic pCO2 and total inorganic carbon (TCO2) concentrations to study carbonate system dynamics.
- Model the spatial distribution of dissolved methane (CH4) in the water column across the cruise track from +51N to +44N.
- Compare atmospheric methane concentration (v/v) measurements with concurrent oceanic methane levels to estimate sea-to-air flux.
- Investigate regional ammonium (NH4) concentrations as a nutrient indicator in relation to other measured biogeochemical parameters.
Strengths
- Provides 901 distinct chemical measurements across five key variables.
- Clear temporal (March 3-17, 1995) and spatial (+51N to +44N, +09W to +03E) boundaries for analysis.
- Data generated using established methods like gas chromatography and manual colorimetric analysis.
Limitations
- Limited temporal scope to a single two-week cruise in 1995.
- Sample sizes vary significantly between variables, from 47 ammonium measurements to 532 oceanic methane measurements.
- Geographic coverage is restricted to a specific transect in the North-East Atlantic.
Provenance
- Source
- British Oceanography Data Centre (BODC), originating from the JGOFS and OMEX projects.
- Collection Method
- Sea water samples collected via CTD/Rosette, analyzed by gas chromatography (CH4, pCO2), computation from pH/alkalinity (pCO2, TCO2), and manual colorimetric analysis (NH4).
- Time Range
- 1995-03-03 to 1995-03-17
- Freshness
- Data is from a single cruise in March 1995; no updates are expected.
- Geography
- North-East Atlantic Ocean, latitude +51N to +44N, longitude +09W to +03E.