RV CIRLANA 04/1991: Low-Resolution CTD Data from the European Shelf

European Shelf and Iberian Abyssal Plain oceanographic data collected by CEFAS research vessels using a lowered CTD rosette system. The dataset contains profiles of pressure, temperature, and conductivity, with salinity derivable from conductivity. Later cruises may include additional sensor data such as fluorometer and light measurements.

Use Cases

• Calculate seawater salinity profiles based on conductivity data using UNESCO formulations.
• Analyze vertical water column structure based on pressure and temperature profiles.
• Study temporal changes in marine parameters by comparing data from different research cruises.
• Calibrate oceanographic models using in-situ CTD measurements.

Strengths

• Data collected using a standardized lowered CTD rosette system for stationary vessel profiles.
• Description indicates the dataset broadly covers the European Shelf with some data from the Iberian Abyssal Plain.
• Later cruises expanded parameter collection to include sensors like fluorometers and light meters.

Limitations

• Row count, file formats, and specific column definitions are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• The exact sensor configuration varies between cruises, which may affect data consistency.

Provenance

Source

Government Digital Service (aggregating data from CEFAS/DFR research cruises).

Collection Method

Collected from research vessels on station using a lowered CTD rosette system, with water samples taken for calibration.

Time Range

Cruise from April 1991; overall temporal coverage of the archive is unspecified.

Freshness

Last updated is unknown.

Geography

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