CLIVAR P16N 2006: Underway Ocean Carbon Measurements

Dr. Robert H. Byrne of the University of South Florida collected this dataset during the 2006 CLIVAR P16N cruise aboard the R/V Thomas G. Thompson. It provides high-resolution surface underway measurements of key ocean carbon cycle parameters, including dissolved inorganic carbon and carbon dioxide fugacity, across the North and South Pacific Ocean. The data were collected using an automated Multi-parameter Inorganic Carbon Analyzer (MICA) to support the quantification of changes in heat, freshwater, and carbon dioxide storage and transport.

Use Cases

• Calibrating ocean carbon models based on direct measurements of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and CO2 fugacity.
• Analyzing spatial gradients in ocean acidification indicators using underway pH and temperature data.
• Studying air-sea CO2 flux dynamics using concurrent measurements of sea surface temperature, salinity, and CO2 partial pressure.

Strengths

• Data originates from a major international research program (CLIVAR) and a recognized principal investigator.
• Specific instrument (automated Multi-parameter Inorganic Carbon Analyzer - MICA) and precise collection period (2006-02-13 to 2006-03-30) are documented.
• Dataset is hosted on multiple authoritative platforms (NASA Earthdata, Data.gov), indicating vetting and persistence.

Limitations

• Key structural metadata is missing: the exact column names, row count, and file size are unknown across all sources.
• Conflicting 'last updated' timestamps (2006-03-30 vs. 2026-03-06) create uncertainty about metadata maintenance.
• License information is not provided, restricting clarity on reuse permissions.

Provenance

Source

Dr. Robert H. Byrne, University of South Florida, collected for the CLIVAR Section P16N_2006 dataset.

Collection Method

Surface underway observations collected via automated Multi-parameter Inorganic Carbon Analyzer (MICA) and other instruments aboard the R/V Thomas G. Thompson.

Time Range

2006-02-13 to 2006-03-30

Freshness

2026-03-06 00:02:55.688515

Geography

Gulf of Alaska, North Pacific Ocean, South Pacific Ocean