BODC Processing
Data were received in NetCDF, with one file for each day of operation (eg: uol_dust_D317_20070321.nc). Each file included serial date and time, particle counts for the bulk aerosol sample, size-resolved particle counts in 14 size fractions, and particle size classes defined by the median equivalent spherical diameter. Size fractions were redefined by the upper bound of equivalent spherical diameter, as reported by the instrument manufacturer, to be consistent with other aerosol size spectra held at BODC. No position data were supplied with the Dust Monitor data. Latitude and longitude were merged into the data files, by BODC, from the screened and processed cruise navigation file, matching on time.
Parameter codes defined in the BODC parameter dictionary were mapped to the variables as follows:
| Originator's Parameter | Unit | Description | BODC Parameter Code | Unit | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Particle_density | ml -1 | Abundance (in size class) of particles per unit volume of the atmosphere [aerosol ambient humidity phase] by particle sizer | OPCAAER1 | ml -1 | none |
| Diameter | µm | Size class maximum size (equivalent spherical diameter) by particle sizer | OPCABIN1 | nm | Banked data defined by upper bound of size category in common with other aerosol size spectra held by BODC. Unit conversion applied. |
| Concentration | ml -1 | Abundance of particles per unit volume of the atmosphere [aerosol phase] by in-situ particle counter | OPCBAER1 | ml -1 | none |
| Latitude | Degrees | Latitude north (WGS84) by unspecified GPS system | ALATGP01 | Degrees | Merged from navigation file by BODC |
| Longitude | Degrees | Longitude east (WGS84) by unspecified GPS system | ALONGP01 | Degrees | Merged from navigation file by BODC |
The data were banked according to BODC standard procedures for series data. Once tagged with the appropriate parameter code, the data were loaded into BODC Series Database.
