High-Resolution CTD Oceanographic Profiles from the European Shelf, 1998

European Shelf and Iberian Abyssal Plain oceanographic data collected from CEFAS research cruises. The data were gathered using a lowered CTD rosette system while vessels were stationary, providing profiles from the surface to near the seabed. Parameters likely include pressure, temperature, conductivity, and later additions like fluorometry and light measurements.

Use Cases

• Calculate ocean salinity from conductivity data based on the UNESCO 1978/1983 formulations mentioned in the description.
• Analyze vertical water column structure based on high-resolution pressure and temperature profiles.
• Study phytoplankton dynamics based on fluorometer and PAR (photosynthetically available radiation) sensor data.
• Investigate sediment transport or water clarity based on optical backscatter or transmissometer readings.

Strengths

• Data collection method is specified: profiles from surface to seabed using a lowered CTD rosette system.
• Describes a clear calibration process using water samples fired on the up-cast.
• Notes the evolution of sensor capabilities from core CTD parameters to additional biogeochemical instruments.

Limitations

• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data format varies between cruises, requiring inspection of individual output files.

Provenance

Source

Government Digital Service

Collection Method

Collected from CEFAS research vessel cruises using a lowered CTD rosette system.

Time Range

January 1998

Freshness

Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Geography

Broadly covers the European Shelf with some data from the Iberian Abyssal Plain.