RV CIRLANA 1X/2002: High-Resolution Ocean CTD Profiles from the European Shelf

The European Shelf and Iberian Abyssal Plain are covered by this collection of Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) profiles. Data was collected from stationary research vessels using a lowered CTD rosette system, with water samples taken for calibration. The dataset is provided by the Government Digital Service via the eu_open_data platform.

Use Cases

• Calculate ocean salinity profiles based on conductivity data using UNESCO formulations.
• Analyze vertical water column structure based on high-resolution pressure (depth) and temperature profiles.
• Study phytoplankton distribution patterns based on fluorometer data mentioned in the description.
• Investigate water clarity or sediment transport based on optical backscatter or transmissometer readings.
• Model light availability for photosynthesis based on PAR (photosynthetically available radiation) sensor data.

Strengths

• Data collection follows a standardized oceanographic method using a lowered CTD rosette system.
• The description indicates the dataset includes calibration samples from water bottles fired at specific depths.
• Coverage includes the broad European Shelf and the Iberian Abyssal Plain.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• The exact sensor configuration and parameters collected vary between cruises, as noted in the description.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Collected from research vessels on station using a lowered CTD rosette system, with profiles from surface to near seabed.

Time Range

The title suggests data from 2002, but the description references 'early years' and 'subsequent years', indicating a multi-year collection.

Freshness

Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Geography

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