RV CIRLANA 01/1997: Low-Resolution CTD Data from European Shelf Cruises

CEFAS research cruises collected this Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) data from the European Shelf and Iberian Abyssal Plain. Data were gathered using a lowered CTD rosette system while vessels were stationary, with water samples taken for calibration. The parameters collected likely include pressure, temperature, and conductivity, with salinity calculable using UNESCO formulations.

Use Cases

• Modeling salinity distribution based on conductivity, temperature, and pressure data mentioned in the description.
• Analyzing vertical water column profiles from surface to sea bed, as described for the down cast.
• Calibrating CTD sensor readings using bottle sample data referenced in the collection method.
• Studying temporal changes in oceanographic parameters, as data collection spans from early years with limited sensors to later years with added fluorometers and optical sensors.

Strengths

• Data collection follows a standardized method using a lowered CTD rosette system and calibration bottles.
• Coverage includes the European Shelf and the Iberian Abyssal Plain.
• The description specifies the use of UNESCO 1978,1983 formulations for calculating salinity from conductivity.

Limitations

• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science) research cruises.

Collection Method

Collected using a lowered CTD rosette system on stationary vessels, with bottle samples fired at depths for calibration.

Time Range

Includes data from 1997 and likely other years, as the description references 'early years' and 'subsequent years'.

Freshness

Last updated is unknown.

Geography

European Shelf and Iberian Abyssal Plain.