Saginaw Bay Water Quality and CTD Casts from 2008-2010
Updated 4mo ago
31filesPDF
Available on 2 platforms
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Description
Water sampling data from Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration between May 2008 and October 2010. The dataset includes over 15 physical, chemical, and biological parameters, such as Secchi depth, temperature, particulate Microcystin, Chlorophyll-a, and multiple phosphorus and nitrogen species. Conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) casts were also performed, sometimes with sensors for chlorophyll fluorescence, dissolved oxygen, and photosynthetically active radiation.
Use Cases
Analyzing correlations between nutrient concentrations (e.g., total phosphorus, nitrate+nitrite) and algal bloom indicators like particulate Microcystin and Chlorophyll-a.
Assessing water clarity and light penetration by combining Secchi depth measurements with photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) sensor data from CTD casts.
Modeling the distribution of suspended solids by examining total suspended solids, volatile suspended solids, and beam attenuation data.
Investigating carbon and nitrogen cycles through particulate organic carbon, particulate organic nitrogen, and dissolved organic carbon measurements.
Evaluating beach health and ecosystem stressors by cross-referencing multiple chemical parameters collected at consistent sampling stations.
Strengths
Includes a multi-year time series from 2008 to 2010, allowing for seasonal and inter-annual trend analysis.
Documents a detailed, standardized collection protocol: samples were taken 0.5m below surface, stored at 4°C in the dark, and processed within 24 hours.
Covers a wide suite of over 15 distinct water quality parameters, from basic physical measures to specific toxins and nutrients.
Cross-platform presence on Data.gov and NASA EarthData signals importance and broad accessibility for the scientific community.
Limitations
Key metadata is missing: the exact row count, file size, and complete column list are unknown across all sources.
A conflict exists in the 'last updated' date: Data.gov lists 2026-03-05, while NASA EarthData lists 2010-10-13, creating uncertainty about data maintenance.
The license information is not provided, which may restrict clear understanding of usage rights.
Provenance
Source
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce
Collection Method
Water samples collected from small boats in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, using acid-washed bottles; CTD casts performed with Sea-Bird 19 and other sensors.
Time Range
2008-05-12 to 2010-10-13
Freshness
Most recent update is listed as 2026-03-05 on Data.gov, though this conflicts with the NASA EarthData date.
Geography
Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, Great Lakes region
Dataset is only available in PDF format, which may complicate direct computational analysis. The conflicting 'last updated' dates between platforms should be noted.