RV CiroLANA 4B/1996: High-Resolution CTD Profiles from European Shelf Waters

Data from CEFAS research cruises collected using a lowered CTD rosette system while vessels were stationary. The dataset broadly covers the European Shelf and includes some data from the Iberian Abyssal Plain. Profiles from the surface to near the seabed were taken, with core parameters including Pressure (Depth), Temperature, and Conductivity, from which Salinity can be calculated.

Use Cases

• Calculate water density and salinity profiles based on the core Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD) parameters.
• Analyze vertical structure of the water column for oceanographic modeling based on the clean downcast profile data.
• Calibrate satellite-derived ocean color data using in-situ fluorometer and light (PAR) sensor readings mentioned for later years.
• Study sediment transport or water clarity using data from optical backscatter or transmissometer sensors added in subsequent years.

Strengths

• Data collection follows a standardized oceanographic method using a lowered CTD rosette system on station.
• Core parameters allow for the calculation of fundamental oceanographic properties like salinity using UNESCO formulations.
• The geographic coverage includes the European Shelf, a significant and well-studied marine region.

Limitations

• Row count and file size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment for large-scale ML tasks.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics and the exact sensor configuration must be inferred after download.
• The last update date is unknown, making data freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science) research cruises.

Collection Method

Collected using a lowered CTD rosette system with water samples taken for calibration.

Time Range

Data collection includes the year 1996, with cruises spanning multiple years.

Freshness

Last updated date is unknown.

Geography

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