North Atlantic Ocean Temperature Profiles from Bathythermograph Cruise

1968-11-26 to 1968-12-03 temperature-depth profiles from the R/V LYNCH cruise in the North Atlantic Ocean. The dataset contains pairs of temperature-depth values recorded at uniform 5-meter intervals, processed by the National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) into its standard C128 format. Data is useful for studying the thermal structure of the ocean's upper layers to a maximum depth of approximately 285 meters.

Use Cases

• Analyzing the vertical thermal structure of the upper ocean (0-285m) using temperature-depth pairs.
• Studying short-term ocean temperature variability during a specific cruise from November to December 1968.
• Correlating cruise information, date, position, and time with observed temperature profiles.
• Investigating historical baseline conditions for the North Atlantic Ocean's surface mixed layer.

Strengths

• Data is processed to a documented standard (NODC C128 format) ensuring consistent structure.
• Provides specific temporal coverage for a dedicated research cruise over an 8-day period in 1968.
• Temperature measurements are recorded at uniform 5-meter depth intervals, facilitating analysis.

Limitations

• Key metadata such as row count, column names, and file size are unavailable from all sources.
• Instrument limitation restricts observations to a maximum depth of ~285m, excluding deeper ocean analysis.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates exist between platforms (2026-03-05 on Data.gov vs. 1968-12-03 on NASA).

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce

Collection Method

Mechanical Bathythermograph (MBT) instrument measurements processed by NODC.

Time Range

1968-11-26 to 1968-12-03

Freshness

2026-03-05 23:59:42.746220

Geography

North Atlantic Ocean