RV CORYSTES 2A/1993: High-Resolution Ocean CTD Profiles from the European Shelf

Data collected from CEFAS research cruises broadly covering the European Shelf and the Iberian Abyssal Plain. The data were collected using a lowered CTD rosette system while the vessel was stationary, capturing profiles from the surface to near the sea bed. The exact parameters collected vary by cruise but likely include core measurements of pressure, temperature, and conductivity, with later cruises adding sensors for fluorometry, optical backscatter, and light.

Use Cases

• Calculate water salinity based on conductivity data using UNESCO formulations.
• Analyze vertical water column structure based on high-resolution pressure and temperature profiles.
• Study phytoplankton distribution patterns based on fluorometer data mentioned in the description.
• Model light attenuation in the water column based on PAR (Photosynthetically Available Radiation) sensor data.
• Calibrate satellite-derived ocean color data using in-situ optical backscatter or transmissometer measurements.

Strengths

• Data collection follows a standardized 'down cast' protocol designed to produce clean profiles.
• Includes calibration samples from water bottles fired on the up cast, as described.
• Sensor suite expanded over time to include parameters like fluorescence and light, enhancing utility.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• The exact configuration of parameters varies between cruises, requiring careful file inspection.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Collected using a lowered CTD rosette system from research vessels on station.

Time Range

Specific cruise year is 1993, but the archive may contain data from other years.

Freshness

Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Geography

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