RV Corystes 11/2002 CTD Data: High-Resolution Ocean Profiles from the European Shelf

RV Corystes 11/2002 High Resolution Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) Data was collected by CEFAS research cruises. The data broadly covers the European Shelf and the Iberian Abyssal Plain, with profiles taken from the surface to near the seabed. The dataset includes core parameters like pressure, temperature, and conductivity, with salinity calculated using UNESCO formulations.

Use Cases

• Modeling ocean stratification and water mass properties based on high-resolution CTD profiles.
• Calculating salinity and density for ocean circulation studies based on conductivity, temperature, and pressure data.
• Calibrating satellite-derived oceanographic data using in-situ CTD measurements.
• Studying seasonal or spatial variability in marine environments based on profiles from the European Shelf.

Strengths

• Data was collected using a lowered CTD rosette system, which is a standard method for high-quality oceanographic profiles.
• The description specifies the use of UNESCO 1978,1983 formulations for calculating salinity from conductivity, indicating a standardized processing approach.
• Coverage includes the European Shelf and the Iberian Abyssal Plain, providing a defined geographic scope.

Limitations

• Row count and file size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment for large-scale modeling.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics and the presence of additional sensors like fluorometers must be inferred after download.
• The exact data format and sensor configuration vary between cruises, as noted in the description, which may complicate data integration.

Provenance

Source

CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) research cruises, aggregated by the Government Digital Service on eu_open_data.

Collection Method

Collected from research vessels on station using a lowered CTD rosette system, with profiles from surface to near seabed and water samples taken for calibration.

Time Range

Specific time range for the '11/2002' cruise is implied but not explicitly stated.

Freshness

Last updated date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Geography

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