A 1999 research cruise on the Iberian Slope collected 65 measurements each of seawater partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and total inorganic carbon (TCO2), plus 6 ammonium (NH4) concentration measurements. The data was gathered by scientists Michel Frankignoulle and Marc Elskens during the Belgica BG9919C cruise from September 14-18, 1999. It was part of the international Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS) and Ocean Margins EXchange (OMEX) programmes.
Use Cases
- Analyze the relationship between pCO2 and TCO2 measurements to study carbon dioxide solubility and seawater carbonate chemistry.
- Model spatial gradients of ammonium concentration (NH4) against latitude and longitude to identify nutrient sources on the Iberian Slope.
- Use the geospatial coordinates (+42N to +43N, +9W to +10W) and temporal data (September 1999) to contextualize these point measurements within seasonal or regional models.
- Calibrate or validate ocean biogeochemical models using the 65 paired pCO2 and TCO2 data points from a defined coastal region.
Strengths
- Provides 65 paired measurements for key carbon system variables (pCO2 and TCO2).
- Data has precise geospatial bounding coordinates (+42N to +43N, +9W to +10W) and a clear 5-day temporal window.
Limitations
- Sample size is very small, with only 6 measurements for ammonium (NH4) concentration.
- Data is from a single, brief cruise in September 1999, limiting seasonal or interannual analysis.
- The 24-year-old data may not reflect current ocean conditions due to ongoing climate change.
Provenance
- Source
- Measurements by Michel Frankignoulle (pCO2, TCO2) and Marc Elskens (NH4) during the Belgica BG9919C research cruise, part of JGOFS and OMEX programmes.
- Collection Method
- pCO2 and TCO2 computed from pH and alkalinity; NH4 measured by manual colorimetric analysis of water column samples.
- Time Range
- 1999-09-14 to 1999-09-18
- Freshness
- Data is from 1999; no update frequency indicated.
- Geography
- North-East Atlantic, Iberian Slope, bounded by +42N to +43N latitude and +9W to +10W longitude.