World Ocean Circulation Experiment Global Data Resource

The World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) Global Data Resource is a multi-version compilation of oceanographic observations collected during the project's intensive phase from 1990 to 1998. The US National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) produced and distributed the data across 12 CD-ROMs for Version 1, 15 CD-ROMs for Version 2, and a final 2-DVD suite for Version 3.0. It integrates 15 distinct data streams, including hydrography, current meters, satellite measurements, and surface meteorology.

Use Cases

• Calibrating satellite-derived sea surface temperature and height measurements with in-situ hydrographic and drifter data.
• Analyzing deep-water formation and thermohaline circulation using profiles from subsurface floats and current meter moorings.
• Studying air-sea interactions and surface wind patterns by combining surface meteorology and satellite surface wind data.
• Mapping ocean bathymetry and its influence on current pathways using the dedicated bathymetry data stream.
• Investigating sea level variability by comparing fast-delivery and delayed-mode in-situ sea level records.

Strengths

• Integrates 15 coordinated data streams from a major international oceanographic experiment, providing a multi-faceted view of ocean physics.
• Covers most of the global ocean over a sustained 8-year intensive observation phase (1990-1998).
• Data underwent quality control and was formally released in three successive versions by the authoritative US NODC.

Limitations

• The exact row counts, column names, and total dataset size are not provided by any source.
• The primary data is stored in legacy CD-ROM/DVD formats (APPLICATION/VND.LOTUS-ORGANIZER), requiring specific tools for access.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date, listing both 2000-12-31 and 2026-04-01, suggesting possible archival re-posting versus original release.

Provenance

Source

US National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC)/NOAA NCEI.

Collection Method

Collected via an international consortium during the World Ocean Circulation Experiment using ships, moorings, satellites, and floats.

Time Range

Primarily 1990-1998, with some data from before and after this period.

Freshness

2026-04-01 15:00:00.326271

Geography

Most of the global ocean.