RV CIRLANA 5A/1996: Low-Resolution CTD Profiles from the European Shelf

European Shelf and Iberian Abyssal Plain oceanographic data collected by CEFAS research vessels using a lowered CTD rosette system. The data likely contain profiles of pressure, temperature, and conductivity, with salinity calculated from UNESCO formulations, and later cruises may include fluorometer and light sensor readings. The dataset is provided by the Government Digital Service via the eu_open_data platform.

Use Cases

• Calculate water salinity and density based on conductivity, temperature, and pressure data.
• Analyze vertical ocean profiles for thermocline structure based on temperature and depth measurements.
• Study phytoplankton distribution patterns based on fluorometer data mentioned for later cruises.
• Model light attenuation in the water column based on PAR (Photosynthetically Available Radiation) sensor data.

Strengths

• Data collection methodology is explicitly described, using a stationary vessel and a lowered CTD rosette system.
• The description specifies the core parameters measured: Pressure (Depth), Temperature, and Conductivity.
• Covers a defined geographic area: the European Shelf and the Iberian Abyssal Plain.

Limitations

• Row count, file formats, and column-level documentation are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• The exact data parameters vary between cruises, requiring manual inspection of individual output files.

Provenance

Source

CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) or 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

The 1996 cruise date is in the title, but the overall temporal coverage for the archive is unknown.

Freshness

Last updated date is unknown.

Geography

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