RV CIRLANA 04/1994: Low-Resolution CTD Data from the European Shelf

Research vessel CIRLANA collected this oceanographic data in April 1994 using a lowered CTD rosette system while stationary. The data broadly covers the European Shelf and the Iberian Abyssal Plain, capturing profiles from the surface to near the seabed. The Government Digital Service provides this archive, which likely contains core parameters like pressure, temperature, and conductivity for calculating salinity.

Use Cases

• Calculate historical seawater salinity based on conductivity, temperature, and pressure data.
• Analyze vertical ocean profiles from the surface to the seabed for specific stations.
• Study the evolution of sensor configurations in marine research cruises over time.
• Calibrate modern sensor readings against bottle sample data collected on the up cast.

Strengths

• Data collection followed a standardized method using a lowered CTD rosette system while the vessel was stationary.
• The description specifies the geographical coverage includes the European Shelf and the Iberian Abyssal Plain.
• Core parameters allow for salinity calculation using established UNESCO formulations.

Limitations

• Row count, file formats, and column-level documentation are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• The last update date is unknown; data freshness is unverified.
• The exact sensor configuration and available parameters vary between cruises, as noted in the description.

Provenance

Source

Government Digital Service, originating from CEFAS (or DFR) research cruises.

Collection Method

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

Time Range

April 1994 (for this specific cruise).

Freshness

Data is from a specific cruise in April 1994; no information on subsequent updates.

Geography

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