North Atlantic Ocean Temperature Profiles from G. W. PIERCE Cruise

Bathythermograph (MBT) data from the G. W. PIERCE cruise in the North Atlantic Ocean, collected between August 14 and September 2, 1976. The dataset contains temperature-depth profile pairs recorded at uniform 5-meter intervals to a maximum depth of approximately 285 meters. Data was processed by the National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) into the standard C128 format.

Use Cases

• Analyzing the thermal stratification of the upper ocean (0-285m) using temperature-depth pairs.
• Studying short-term ocean temperature variability during late summer 1976 via time-series profiles.
• Mapping spatial temperature distribution in the North Atlantic using reported position data (latitude/longitude).
• Investigating cruise-specific oceanographic conditions using reported cruise information, date, and time.

Strengths

• Data is processed to a known, documented standard (NODC C128 format).
• Temporal and spatial coverage is precisely defined (1976-08-14 to 1976-09 02 in the North Atlantic Ocean).
• Measurement methodology and depth resolution are specified (Mechanical Bathythermograph at 5m intervals).

Limitations

• Key metadata such as row count, column names, and file size are unavailable from all sources.
• The instrument's maximum depth of ~285m limits analysis to the ocean's upper layers only.
• A conflict exists in 'last updated' metadata (datagov reports 2026-03-05, while nasa_earthdata reports 1976-09-02).

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce

Collection Method

Mechanical bathythermograph (MBT) instrument measurements processed by NODC.

Time Range

1976-08-14 to 1976-09-02

Freshness

2026-03-05 23:59:23.688559

Geography

North Atlantic Ocean