FDRAKE 75: Drake Passage Current and Tide Gauge Data

February 1975 to February 1976 data from the Drake Passage between Cape Horn and Antarctica. The dataset contains time series measurements of ocean currents and tide levels, collected from fixed moorings using an Aanderaa tide gauge and current meters. Data were processed into the NODC F015 standard format, which includes east-west and north-south current vector components, and may include water temperature, pressure, and conductivity.

Use Cases

• Analyzing Antarctic Circumpolar Current transport based on current meter vector components.
• Studying tidal dynamics and sea level variability in the Drake Passage from tide gauge records.
• Validating ocean circulation models using historical in-situ current and temperature data.
• Investigating water mass properties and mixing from concurrent salinity or conductivity measurements.

Strengths

• Data is processed to a recognized standard format (NODC F015), enhancing interoperability.
• Covers a full annual cycle (February 1975 to February 1976) in a key oceanic region.
• Includes multiple concurrent oceanographic parameters (currents, tides, and likely temperature/salinity).

Limitations

• Key metadata is missing or conflicting: column names, row counts, and exact license are unknown.
• The dataset is historical (1975-1976), limiting its use for contemporary climate studies without modern comparison.
• Platforms disagree on the last update date (1976 vs. 2026), creating uncertainty about data stewardship.

Provenance

Source

Dr. Dale Pillsbury (Princeton University), submitted by J. Bottero (Oregon State University).

Collection Method

Collected from fixed platform moorings using Aanderaa tide gauges and current meters via the Eulerian method.

Time Range

1975-02-21 to 1976-02-14

Freshness

2026-03-05 23:39:22.388200

Geography

Drake Passage, between Cape Horn and Antarctica (Southwest Atlantic Ocean).