RV Corystes 15/2004: Low-Resolution CTD Profiles from the European Shelf

CEFAS research cruises collected these oceanographic profiles using a lowered CTD rosette system while vessels were stationary. The data broadly covers the European Shelf and includes the Iberian Abyssal Plain, with parameters expanding over time from core measurements to include fluorometry and light sensors. The Government Digital Service provides this archive, which contains downcast data intended as clean profiles from the surface to near the seabed.

Use Cases

• Calculate seawater salinity based on conductivity, temperature, and pressure data using UNESCO formulations.
• Analyze vertical ocean structure and water mass properties from surface-to-seabed profiles.
• Calibrate biological sensor readings, such as fluorometers, using water samples taken on the upcast.
• Study temporal changes in marine parameters across the European Shelf region.

Strengths

• Data collection follows a standardized methodology using a lowered CTD rosette system for clean profiles.
• Coverage includes a broad geographic area spanning the European Shelf and the Iberian Abyssal Plain.
• Parameter suite expanded over subsequent years to include biological and optical sensors.

Limitations

• Row count, file formats, and column-level documentation are unknown, requiring inspection after download.
• The exact sensor configuration varies between cruises, which is reflected in differing output file formats.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

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

Time Range

Specific time range is unknown; data is from cruise RV Corystes 15/2004.

Freshness

Last updated date is unknown.

Geography

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