RV Endeavour 16/2008 High-Resolution CTD Data from the European Shelf

CTD data collected from CEFAS research cruises covering the European Shelf and Iberian Abyssal Plain. Data was gathered using a lowered CTD rosette system while vessels were stationary, with water samples taken for calibration on the up cast. The dataset likely contains profiles of pressure, temperature, and conductivity, with salinity calculated using UNESCO formulations, and later cruises may include fluorometer and optical sensor data.

Use Cases

• Calculate ocean salinity profiles based on conductivity, temperature, and pressure data.
• Analyze water column structure and stratification based on high-resolution vertical profiles.
• Calibrate biogeochemical models using ancillary sensor data like fluorometry for chlorophyll.
• Study spatial patterns of marine properties across the European Shelf region.

Strengths

• Data collection follows a standardized methodology using a lowered CTD rosette system.
• Coverage includes the European Shelf and extends to the Iberian Abyssal Plain.
• Later cruises incorporate additional sensors like fluorometers and optical backscatter.

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 data format vary between cruises.

Provenance

Source

Government Digital Service, likely originating from CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) or DFR research cruises.

Collection Method

Collected using a lowered CTD rosette system from research vessels on station, producing profiles from surface to near seabed.

Time Range

Specific time range is unknown, but the description references 'early years' and 'subsequent years' of data collection.

Freshness

Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Geography

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