SPURS-2: Argo Float CTD Profiles from the Eastern Tropical Pacific

SPURS-2 Argo float data contains approximately 1,893 conductivity, temperature, and salinity depth profiles from the upper 2000 meters of the ocean. Collected by 25 Argo floats deployed during NASA's 2016-2017 SPURS-2 field campaign, the dataset focuses on the rainfall-dominated region near 10°N, 125°W in the eastern tropical Pacific. Profiles are organized per float and conform to the netCDF Argo specification, with some floats augmented by acoustic rain gauges.

Use Cases

• Analyzing vertical salinity and temperature structure to study freshwater input from rainfall.
• Investigating the dynamics of the eastern Pacific fresh pool and its seasonal variability.
• Calibrating and validating remotely sensed salinity fields from satellite missions.
• Studying the influence of zonal flows like the North Equatorial Current and Countercurrent on surface salinity.
• Examining the performance of standard Argo floats augmented with acoustic rain gauge (PAL) sensors.

Strengths

• Contains a specific, documented number of profiles (approximately 1,893) from a defined deployment of 25 floats.
• Integrates in-situ measurements with satellite remote sensing for a multi-scale characterization of salinity.
• Data is structured according to a standardized, community-accepted format (netCDF Argo specification).

Limitations

• Column names and precise data structure are not specified in the provided metadata.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates across platforms (2019 vs. 2026) create uncertainty about metadata freshness.
• The license is ambiguously listed as 'other-license-specified' without explicit terms.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), SPURS-2 field campaign.

Collection Method

Data collected by autonomous Argo floats drifting and profiling on 10-day cycles, with some instruments augmented by acoustic rain gauges.

Time Range

2016-2017

Freshness

2026-04-09 20:27:06.381012

Geography

Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean, focused around 10°N, 125°W.