RV CIRLANA 10/1995: High-Resolution CTD Profiles from the European Shelf

European Shelf and Iberian Abyssal Plain oceanographic data collected by CEFAS research vessels. The dataset contains high-resolution Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) profiles from stationary vessel stations, with calibration samples taken via water bottles. Data collection began with core parameters like pressure, temperature, and conductivity, with later cruises adding sensors for fluorescence, optical backscatter, and photosynthetically available radiation.

Use Cases

• Calculate seawater salinity based on conductivity using UNESCO 1978/1983 formulations as described.
• Analyze vertical water column structure from surface-to-sea-bed profiles mentioned in the description.
• Study phytoplankton dynamics using fluorescence sensor data referenced for later cruises.
• Investigate water clarity or sediment load using optical backscatter or transmissometer data noted in the description.

Strengths

• Data is described as high-resolution, collected from the surface to near the sea bed.
• Includes calibration via water bottle samples fired at specific depths, as noted in the description.
• Sensor suite expanded over time to include fluorometers and light sensors, indicating evolving data capture.

Limitations

• Row count and file size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The exact configuration of sensors varies between cruises, requiring careful data integration.

Provenance

Source

Government Digital Service, originating from CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science) research surveys.

Collection Method

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

Time Range

Specific time range is unknown; data from the RV CIRLANA cruise in October 1995 is indicated in the title.

Freshness

Last updated date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Geography

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