RV Endeavour 08/2008: Low-Resolution CTD Oceanographic Profiles from the European Shelf

Research vessel profiles from the surface to near the sea bed, collected using a lowered CTD rosette system while the vessel was stationary. Data from CEFAS research cruises broadly cover the European Shelf and the Iberian Abyssal Plain. The exact sensor configuration, which may include fluorometers and light sensors, varies between cruises.

Use Cases

• Calculate ocean salinity based on conductivity data using UNESCO 1978/1983 formulations mentioned in the description.
• Analyze vertical water column structure based on pressure (depth), temperature, and conductivity profiles.
• Study phytoplankton distribution patterns based on fluorometer data likely collected in subsequent years.
• Model light attenuation in the water column based on PAR (photosynthetically available radiation) sensor data.

Strengths

• Data collection follows a standardized oceanographic method using a lowered CTD rosette system.
• Profiles are designed to be clean on the downcast from surface to near seabed.
• Water bottle samples were taken for calibration, which suggests potential for data validation.

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 description notes early years collected a limited set of parameters; the full parameter list for this specific cruise is unspecified.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Collected from research vessels on station using a lowered CTD rosette system, with water bottle samples fired at particular depths for calibration.

Time Range

Specific cruise in August 2008; broader program time range is unspecified.

Geography

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