Ashmore Reef experiences a 4.75 m semi-diurnal tide, with ~7.5 km³ of water washing over the reef on a spring tide. The Australian Ocean Data Network has collected regional, lagoonal, and well water quality observations since 1991, with an intensive program since 1999. Sea surface temperatures seasonally range from 25.48°C to 30.2°C, and salinity from 34.51 to 34.75.
Use Cases
- Modeling tidal water exchange based on the 4.75 m semi-diurnal tide and lagoon entrances.
- Analyzing seasonal water chemistry variations based on sea surface temperature and salinity ranges.
- Studying freshwater lens sustainability based on well pumping rates of up to 150,000 liters per year.
- Investigating climate impacts on reef systems based on evaporation potential (~1820 mm) and rainfall (~950 mm).
Strengths
- Observations span from 1991 with an intensive program since 1999, providing a long-term record.
- Includes multiple measurement types: regional oceanic, lagoonal, and well water qualities.
- Provides specific quantitative ranges for temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen.
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Data is presented in HTML format, which may require parsing for structured analysis.
Provenance
- Source
- Australian Ocean Data Network
- Collection Method
- Field observations and satellite-derived measurements.
- Time Range
- 1991 to present
- Freshness
- Last updated 2026-05-05 01:21:20.264963; freshness should be verified.
- Geography
- Ashmore Reef, North-west Shelf, Australia