RV Corystes 05/1999: Low-Resolution CTD Data from the European Shelf

Research vessel RV Corystes collected Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) data in May 1999 using a lowered rosette system while stationary. The data broadly covers the European Shelf and the Iberian Abyssal Plain, with profiles from the surface to near the sea bed. The Government Digital Service provides this archive from CEFAS (or DFR) research cruises.

Use Cases

• Calculate salinity from conductivity data based on the UNESCO 1978/1983 formulations mentioned in the description.
• Analyze vertical water column profiles based on pressure (depth), temperature, and conductivity data.
• Study potential relationships between physical parameters and biological activity based on the mention of fluorometers and PAR sensors in later years.
• Calibrate oceanographic models using in-situ station data collected from research vessels.

Strengths

• Data collection follows a standardized oceanographic method using a lowered CTD rosette system.
• The description specifies the core parameters collected: Pressure (Depth), Temperature, and Conductivity.
• Coverage includes a defined geographic area: the European Shelf and Iberian Abyssal Plain.

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 sensor configuration and available parameters vary between cruises, as noted in the description.

Provenance

Source

CEFAS (or DFR) research cruises, provided by the Government Digital Service.

Collection Method

Data collected from research vessels on station using a lowered CTD rosette system, with water samples taken for calibration.

Time Range

May 1999.

Freshness

Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Geography

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