SPURS-1: Thermosalinograph Data from North Atlantic Salinity Study

SPURS-1 deployed five research cruises in 2012-2013 to investigate the high-salinity region of the subtropical North Atlantic. The dataset provides continuous, calibrated surface temperature and salinity measurements from ship-mounted thermosalinographs across a 900 x 800-mile study area. These in-situ observations are designed to be combined with satellite salinity data from Aquarius/SAC-D and SMOS to analyze near-surface ocean processes.

Use Cases

• Calibrating satellite-derived sea surface salinity measurements from Aquarius/SAC-D and SMOS using in-situ thermosalinograph data.
• Analyzing the spatial and temporal variability of the subtropical surface salinity maximum in the North Atlantic.
• Studying the relationship between sea surface temperature and salinity along ship tracks during the 2012-2013 campaign.
• Investigating near-surface ocean processes responsible for maintaining high-salinity regions using continuous, along-track measurements.

Strengths

• Measurements were calibrated against onboard salinometers, suggesting high accuracy for salinity data.
• Covers a defined 900 x 800-mile study area in the subtropical North Atlantic, providing focused spatial coverage.
• Data collection involved a series of 5 dedicated research cruises, indicating a structured field campaign.

Limitations

• Specific column names and the total number of data rows are not provided in the available metadata.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates (2013 vs. 2026) create uncertainty about metadata maintenance.
• One platform notes that data from the R/V Knorr is coupled with meteorological observations in a single file, which may require parsing.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Continuous measurements from ship-mounted thermosalinographs (TSGs) coupled to vessel water intake and GPS systems during dedicated oceanographic cruises.

Time Range

2012 - 2013

Freshness

Last updated dates conflict: one source shows 2013-10-13, another shows 2026-04-09.

Geography

Subtropical North Atlantic, within a 900 x 800-mile square study area centered at 25°N, 38°W.