RV CIRLANA 9A/1993: High-Resolution CTD Profiles from the European Shelf

CTD data were collected from CEFAS research cruises using a lowered rosette system while vessels were stationary. The data broadly cover the European Shelf with some measurements from the Iberian Abyssal Plain. Parameters likely include pressure, temperature, and conductivity, with later cruises adding sensors for fluorometry and light measurement.

Use Cases

• Calculate water salinity profiles based on conductivity data using UNESCO formulations.
• Analyze vertical structure of the water column based on high-resolution pressure and temperature profiles.
• 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 used a standardized lowered CTD rosette system, which suggests consistent profile methodology.
• Coverage includes the broad European Shelf and the Iberian Abyssal Plain, providing a specific geographic scope.
• Later cruises incorporated additional sensors like fluorometers and transmissometers, expanding parameter coverage.

Limitations

• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The exact sensor configuration varies between cruises, which may affect data consistency.

Provenance

Source

Government Digital Service

Collection Method

Collected from CEFAS research vessel cruises using a lowered CTD rosette system, with water samples taken for calibration.

Time Range

1993 (from title), with data from subsequent years mentioned.

Freshness

Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Geography

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