CARINA: North Atlantic Ocean Biogeochemical Profile Data from 1984

Discrete sample and profile data from the R/V Garcia del Cid cruise in the North Atlantic Ocean, collected between February 18 and March 7, 1984. The dataset includes measurements of chlorophyll A, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, nitrite, salinity, total alkalinity, water temperature, pH, phosphate, and silicate, gathered using CTD and bottle instruments. It is part of the CARINA synthesis project for creating an internally consistent dataset of subsurface carbon system measurements across the Atlantic and adjacent oceans.

Use Cases

• Calibrating ocean carbon models based on direct measurements of total alkalinity and pH.
• Investigating nutrient (nitrate, phosphate, silicate) distributions and their relationship to biological activity in the North Atlantic.
• Analyzing vertical water column structure using concurrent CTD profile data for hydrostatic pressure, temperature (potential theta), and salinity.
• Studying phytoplankton biomass through chlorophyll A measurements alongside physicochemical parameters.

Strengths

• Provides a specific, multi-variable snapshot from a defined 18-day research cruise (1984-02 18 to 1984-03-07).
• Data is part of the curated CARINA international synthesis project, aimed at internal consistency for carbon system studies.
• Includes both discrete bottle samples and continuous CTD profile data, offering complementary measurement types.

Limitations

• Key metadata is missing or conflicting: row count, file size, and license are not provided by any source; one source lists a last update date of 1984-03-07 while others list 2026-03-05.
• The dataset's age (1984) may limit its utility for contemporary trend analysis without complementary modern data.
• Column names and a complete data dictionary are not available from the provided sources.

Provenance

Source

Data collected by Aída F. Ríos and Fernando Fraga (Institute of Marine Research Vigo) and Fiz F. Pérez (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization) during cruise CARINA/29GD19840218.

Collection Method

Discrete samples and profiles collected using CTD and bottle instruments.

Time Range

1984-02-18 to 1984-03-07

Freshness

2026-03-05 23:23:23.269970

Geography

North Atlantic Ocean, from the R/V Garcia del Cid.