17 Cefas data sources were assembled for this data paper, including near-surface temperature and salinity samples collected by ferries. The most recent ferry, the Stena Partner, collected data along 52°N between Harwich and Rotterdam from August 1970 onwards. Throughout the year, at weekly intervals, temperature data were recorded and water samples taken at 9 standard station positions across the Southern Bight of the North Sea.
Use Cases
- Analyze long-term sea surface temperature trends based on weekly sampling from 1970 onwards.
- Study salinity and nutrient variations in the Southern Bight of the North Sea based on water samples taken at 9 standard stations.
- Model historical climate patterns in the UK Shelf region based on near-surface temperature records collected by ferries.
- Validate satellite-derived sea surface temperature data against in-situ ferry-based measurements.
Strengths
- Data collection spans from August 1970 onwards, providing a long-term historical record.
- Samples were taken at weekly intervals throughout the year, suggesting consistent temporal coverage.
- Measurements were made at 9 standard station positions, providing spatial structure across the Southern Bight.
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Data may reflect geographic bias inherent to the specific ferry route between Harwich and Rotterdam.
Provenance
- Source
- Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
- Collection Method
- Near-surface temperature and salinity samples collected by ferries, with water samples sent back to Cefas for analysis.
- Time Range
- August 1970 onwards
- Freshness
- Last updated 2026-06-11 08:11:24.860981; freshness should be verified.
- Geography
- Southern Bight of the North Sea, along 52°N between Harwich (formerly Felixstowe) and Rotterdam.