Oceanic Methane, CO2, and Organosulfur Measurements from Challenger 62 Cruise

Measurements of oceanic methane, carbon dioxide, dimethylsulfide, and dimethylsulphoniopropionate were collected during the Challenger 62 research cruise in the North Sea. The dataset includes 60 discrete DMS concentration measurements and continuous pCO2 and methane records. Data collection was led by researchers Andy Watson and Gillian Malin for the SCIOPS organization during a cruise from October 6 to 18, 1989.

Use Cases

• Analyze correlations between dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) concentration and dimethylsulfide (DMS) concentration across the sampled water column.
• Model oceanic pCO2 and methane (CH4) spatial variability using latitude and longitude coordinates from 52.32N to 52.15S and 3.45E to 3.15W.
• Study short-term temporal trends in continuous pCO2 and methane measurements over the 13-day cruise period from October 6-18, 1989.
• Investigate the relationship between oceanic methane concentration and concurrent carbon dioxide levels as co-measured by automated gas chromatography.

Strengths

• Includes 60 discrete measurements of dimethylsulfide (DMS) concentration.
• Provides continuous, co-located measurements for pCO2 and methane, enabling direct correlation analysis.
• Spatial coverage spans a defined North Sea region with specific latitude and longitude bounds.

Limitations

• Small temporal scope limited to a single 13-day cruise in October 1989.
• Sample size for DMS is limited to 60 discrete measurements; other compound counts are unknown.
• Geographic coverage is restricted to the North Sea, limiting generalizability to other ocean basins.

Provenance

Source

SCIOPS organization, via NASA EarthData (nasa_earthdata).

Collection Method

Gas chromatography for DMSP; filtration, purging, cryogenic trapping, and gas chromatography for DMS; automated gas chromatography for continuous pCO2 and methane.

Time Range

1989-10-06 to 1989-10-18.

Freshness

Data is from a single collection event ending October 18, 1989; no updates are expected.

Geography

North Sea, from 52.32N to 52.15S latitude and 3.45E to 3.15W longitude.