CTD, current meter, pressure gauge, and wave spectra data from fixed platforms and other platforms from the Coastal Waters of California as part of the Santa Barbara Channel project from 1983-04-27 to 1985-01-04 (NCEI Accession 8500177)

CTD, current meter, pressure gauge, and wave spectra data were collected from fixed platforms and other platforms from the Coastal Waters of California from 27 April 1983 to 04 January 1985. Data were collected by Science Application, Inc. (SAI) as part of the Santa Barbara Channel project. Data were processed by NODC to the NODC standard F022-High-Resolution CTD/STD Output, F015-Current Meter Components, F017-Pressure Gauge, and the F191-Meteorology and Wave Spectra formats.

The F022 format contains high-resolution data collected using CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth) and STD (salinity-temperature-depth) instruments. As they are lowered and raised in the oceans, these electronic devices provide nearly continuous profiles of temperature, salinity, and other parameters. Data values may be subject to averaging or filtering or obtained by interpolation and may be reported at depth intervals as fine as 1m. Cruise and instrument information, position, date, time and sampling interval are reported for each station. Environmental data at the time of the cast (meteorological and sea surface conditions) may also be reported. The data record comprises values of temperature, salinity or conductivity, density (computed sigma-t), and possibly dissolved oxygen or transmissivity at specified depth or pressure levels. Data may be reported at either equally or unequally spaced depth or pressure intervals. A text record is available for comments.

The F015 format contains time series measurements of ocean currents. These data are obtained from current meter moorings and represent the Eulerian method of current measurement, i.e., the meters are deployed at a fixed point and measure flow past a sensor. Position, bottom depth, sensor depth and meter characteristics are reported for each station. The data record includes values of east-west (u) and north-south (v) current vector components at specified date and time. Current direction is defined as the direction toward which the water is flowing with positive directions east and north. Data values may be subject to averaging or filtering and are typically reported at 10 - 15 minute time intervals. Water temperature, pressure and conductivity or salinity may also be reported. A text record is available for optional comments.

The F017 format contains time series measurements of seawater pressure from anchored or bottom-mounted sensors. Measurements of variations at depth of seawater pressure provide information on tidal and storm flows, ocean circulation, and other phenomena that cause changes in sea surface elevation or slope and that can be detected from their pressure signature. Position, bottom depth, and gauge depth are reported for each station. The data record comprises values of total pressure at specified date and time. Data values may be subject to averaging or filtering and are typically reported at time intervals of 10-15 minutes. Seawater temperature may also be reported. Comments may be reported in a text record.

The F191 format is used to report meteorological data and ocean wave spectra data from NDBO. The format contains seven data record types to: 1) identify the buoy for position, duration, rate of sampling and heading, 2) identify the meteorological parameters, (temperature, pressure, weather, solar radiation, and surface waves), and 3) report time times series frequency, density and resolution of waves. Each record is 120 character in length, sorted by station and record type.

Tags: oceanography
Organization: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce