Metadata Report for BODC Series Reference Number 2295652

• Metadata Summary

• Problem Reports

• Data Access Policy

• Narrative Documents

• Project Information

• Data Activity or Cruise Information

• Fixed Station Information

• BODC Quality Flags

• SeaDataNet Quality Flags

Metadata Summary

Problem Reports

No Problem Report Found in the Database

DY050 Underway Navigation Quality Control Report

Bathymetry

The channel has been flagged throughout the cruise where noise in the channel moves away from the baseline bathymetry. Drop outs of zero values were converted to the absent data value. (BODC assessment)

Data Access Policy

Open Data

These data have no specific confidentiality restrictions for users. However, users must acknowledge data sources as it is not ethical to publish data without proper attribution. Any publication or other output resulting from usage of the data should include an acknowledgment.

If the Information Provider does not provide a specific attribution statement, or if you are using Information from several Information Providers and multiple attributions are not practical in your product or application, you may consider using the following:

"Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v1.0."

Narrative Documents

RRS Discovery DY050 Underway Cruise Document

Cruise details

The RRS Discovery DY050 cruise (funded by NERC) objective was to continue the sustained observation of the Porcupine Abyssal Plain (PAP) site. The objective of the PAP observatory is to provide high temporal resolution (hours) of an increasing number of variables which are relevant from the perspective of the biology, physics and chemistry over a relatively small spatial scale (30km).

DY050 was a 21 day cruise sailing on 18 April 2016 from Southampton, UK to the PAP observatory, returning to Southampton, UK on 8 May 2016.

The underway data at BODC cover the period from 18 April 2016 05:00 to 8 May 2016 09:45. The span of the data covers all scientific activities.

Kongsberg EA640 Single Beam Echosounder

The EA640 single beam echosounder comprises a standard EA600 (fitted with a standard transducer) and an additional, non-standard 10 kHz transducer.

The standard EA600 is a single beam echosounder with full ocean depth capability designed for bathymetric surveys. It measures water depth by monitoring the travel time of an acoustic signal that is transmitted from the ship, reflected off the seabed and received back at the ship.

The main components of the system are hull-mounted transducers linked to general purpose transceivers (GPTs). Up to four GPTs, each controlling one or more transducers, may be operated simultaneously. The GPT generates a signal, which is transmitted into the water column as an acoustic pulse by the transducer array, and the returning echo is recorded by the GPT. GPTs are in turn linked to a combined display and processor, where adjustments (such as sound-speed corrections) may be applied to the data. Available frequencies span from 12 to 710 kHz, and each GPT may operate at a separate frequency. A variety of transducers is available for water depths up to 11,000 m.

The EA600 stores all data internally but has a USB port which allows the possibility of connecting a CD-ROM/DVD drive to read and write the data. All echo data can be stored as files: bitmap, sample, depth or sidescan data.

In deeper waters, the EA600 supports a multipulse function, allowing for a higher pinger rate. While on passive mode, the pinger is normally attached to a device, with the purpose of tracking and displaying its current depth.

Specifications for a standard EA600 echosounder

Further details can be found in the manufacturer's specification sheet for the standard EA600 system.

Kongsberg EM120 Multibeam Echosounder

The EM120 is a low frequency (12 kHz) multibeam echosounder with full ocean depth capability designed for bathymetric surveys. It measures water depth by monitoring the travel time of an acoustic signal that is transmitted from the ship, reflected off the seabed and received back at the ship.

The main system units of the EM120 are transducer arrays (separate for reception and transmission), preamplifier unit, transceiver unit and operator unit. Sub-bottom profiling capability is an optional extra. For both transmit and receive arrays standard beamwidth is 1° or 2°, and 4° beamwidth is available for the receive array.

The system has 191 beams with pointing angles automatically adjusted according to achievable coverage or operator defined limits. The beam spacing is normally equidistant, corresponding to 1% of depth at 90° angular coverage, 2% at 120° and 3% at 140°. The transmit fan is split into several individual sectors, each of which is corrected independently for vessel roll, pitch and yaw, which places all soundings on a "best fit" to a line perpendicular to the survey line.

The EM120 supersedes the EM12 and was itself superseded by the EM122 in 2008.

Specifications

Further details can be found in the manufacturer's specification sheet.

DY050 Underway Navigation Instrumentation

Instrumentation

The following scientific navigational and bathymetric systems were fitted:

Sperry Marine NAVIGAT X MK 2 Digital Gyrocompass

A digital gyrocompass for use in marine navigation. The system comprises a gyrosphere supported in fluid, suspended at a single point. The system can drive up to 4 analogue repeaters and has 5 independent serial outputs and 1 dependent 6 steps/° heading outputs. The NAVIGAT X MK2 is a low cost model based on the NAVIGAT X MK 1 and is a member of the Sperry Marine range of heading sensors, which comprises the NAVIGAT 3000 fiberoptic gyrocompass, the NAVIGAT X MK 1 and the NAVIGAT X MK 2 digital gyrocompasses.

Specifications

Further details can be found in the manufacturer's specification sheet.

Trimble Applanix Position and Orientation Systems for Marine Vessels (POSMV)

The Position and Orientation Systems for Marine Vessels (POSMV) is a real time kinematic (RTK) and differential global positioning system (DGPS) receiver for marine navigation. It includes an inertial system that provides platform attitude information. The instrument provides accurate location, heading, velocity, attitude, heave, acceleration and angular rate measurements.

There are three models of Applanix POSMV, the POS MV 320, POS MV Elite and the POS MV WaveMaster. POS MV 320 and POS MV WaveMaster are designed for use with multibeam sonar systems, enabling adherence to IHO (International Hydrographic Survey) standards on sonar swath widths of greater than ± 75 degrees under all dynamic conditions. The POS MV Elite offers true heading accuracy without the need for dual GPS installation and has the highest degree of accuracy in motion measurement for marine applications.

Specifications

POS MV 320

POS MV WaveMaster

POS MV Elite

¹ One Sigma, depending on quality of differential corrections
² Whichever is greater, for periods of 20 seconds or less

Further details can be found in the manufacturer's specification sheet.

DY050 Underway Navigation Data Processing Procedures

Originator's Data Processing

The data were logged by the TECHSAS (TECHnical and Scientific sensors Acquisition System) system into daily NetCDF files. The TECHSAS system is used as the main data logging system on NMF-SS operated research vessels. The data were supplied to BODC in NetCDF format and were converted to the BODC internal format. Data were additionally logged into the RVS Level-C format files which have been archived at BODC. Please refer to the DY050 cruise report for more information.

Files delivered to BODC

BODC Data Processing

The data were reformatted to the BODC internal format using standard banking procedures, and averaged at 60 second intervals. The following table shows how variables within the files were mapped to appropriate BODC parameter codes:

*position-Applanix_GPS_DY1.gps

*gyro-GYRO1_DY1.gyr

*EA600-EA640_DY1.EA600

*EM120_DY1.depth

All reformatted data were visualised using the in-house EDSERPLO software. Where calibrations had been applied, only the calibrated versions of those parameters were screened. Suspect data were marked by adding an appropriate quality control flag.

Position

A check was run on positional data to identify gaps and improbable values(through the calculation of speed). No gaps or improbable values were identified.

Ship Velocities

Ship velocities were calculated from the main latitude and longitude channels using standard BODC procedures.

Distance Run

Distance run was calculated from the main latitude and longitude channels, starting from the beginning of the file, using BODC standard procedures.

GEBCO

GEBCO bathymetry was added to the file using the main latitude and longitude channels. It was used to screen echo-sounder bathymetry.

Bathymetry

Bathymetry data were screened independently as well as against GEBCO bathymetry measurements. The EM122 sensor provided greater quality and was retained in the file. Both echo-sounders used a constant sound velocity of 1500 ms-1 throughout the water column, however, it is not known if they were corrected for local sound velocities. The depths have not been corrected for tidal height.

• time gap : 22/04/2016 08:29:13 to 22/04/2016 08:50:55 (21.7 mins)
• time gap : 22/04/2016 09:04:51 to 22/04/2016 12:12:40 (3.1 hrs)
• time gap : 22/04/2016 15:50:44 to 22/04/2016 16:19:53 (29.1 mins)
• time gap : 25/04/2016 15:46:03 to 25/04/2016 15:59:25 (13.4 mins)
• time gap : 26/04/2016 15:52:37 to 26/04/2016 16:01:51 (9.2 mins)
• time gap : 26/04/2016 16:49:44 to 26/04/2016 20:35:05 (3.8 hrs)
• time gap : 27/04/2016 11:04:44 to 27/04/2016 11:14:17 (9.6 mins)
• time gap : 28/04/2016 15:05:13 to 28/04/2016 15:10:28 (5.2 mins)
• time gap : 28/04/2016 15:19:27 to 28/04/2016 15:21:34 (2.1 mins)
• time gap : 28/04/2016 20:22:40 to 28/04/2016 20:38:55 (16.2 mins)
• time gap : 03/05/2016 12:59:31 to 03/05/2016 13:04:19 (4.8 mins)
• time gap : 03/05/2016 13:28:50 to 03/05/2016 20:14:01 (6.8 hrs)
• time gap : 05/05/2016 08:30:53 to 05/05/2016 08:35:52 (5.0 mins)

Calibration

No field calibrations were applied to the data at BODC.

Project Information

Fix0³ - Fixed-Point Open Ocean Observatories

Fixed point Open Ocean Observatory network (FixO³) is a EUR7 million, four-year (2013-2017) research programme network including 29 partners from academia, research institutions and small and medium enterprises (SME). In addition, 12 international experts from a wide range of disciplines comprise an Advisory Board.

Background

FixO³ is coordinated by the National Oceanography Centre, UK, and seeks to integrate European open ocean fixed point observatories and to improve access to these key installations for the broader community. These will provide multidisciplinary observations in all parts of the oceans from the air-sea interface to the deep seafloor. FixO³ will build on the significant advances achieved through the FP7 programmes EuroSITES, ESONET and CARBOOCEAN.

Open ocean observation is currently a high priority for European marine and maritime activities. FixO³ will provide important data on environmental products and services to address the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and in support of the EU integrated Maritime Policy.

The FixO³ network will provide free and open access to in situ fixed point data of the highest quality. It will provide a strong integrated framework of open ocean facilities in the Atlantic from the Arctic to the Antarctic and throughout the Mediterranean, enabling an integrated, regional and multidisciplinary approach to understand natural and anthropogenic change in the ocean.

The programme will be achieved through:

1. Co-ordination activities to integrate and harmonise the current procedures and processes. Strong links will be fostered with the wider community across academia, industry, policy and the general public through outreach, knowledge exchange and training.

2. Support actions to offer a) access to observatory infrastructures to those who do not have such access, and b) free and open data services and products.

3. Joint research activities to innovate and enhance the current capability for multidisciplinary in situ ocean observation.

Further details are available on the FixO³ website.

Participants

29 different partners involved in FixO³. These institutions are;

• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
• Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale (OGS)
• Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR)
• MARUM, Unviersity of Bremen (UniHB)
• Universitetet I Bergen (UiB)
• Universitetet I Tromsø (UiT)
• Alfred Wegener Institut für Polarund Meeresforschung (AWI)
• University of Exeter (UNEXE)
• SLR Consulting (SLR)
• Institut français de recherché pour l'exploitation de la mer (IFREMER)
• Blue Lobster IT ltd. (BLIT)
• Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
• Marine Institute (MI)
• The University Court of The University of Aberdeen (UNIABDN)
• Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
• GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)
• Universidad de las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC)
• University of St Andrew (USTAN)
• Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO)
• NKE Instrumentation (NKEI)
• Instituto Nacional de Desenvolvimento das Pescas (INDP)
• Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
• Texcel Technology Plc (TEXCEL)
• University of Gothenburg (UGOT)
• 52°North(52°North)
• Consiglio Nazionale delle Richerche (CNR)
• Stichting Koninklijk Nederlands Instituut Voor Zeeonderzoek (NIOZ)
• Imar- Instituto do Mar (IMAR)

Research details

Overall, twelve Work Packages have been funded by the FixO³ programme. These are described in brief below:

• Work Package 1: Project Management.
  - To effectively manage FixO³ to maximise the production of results in the most cost effective manner and to the proposed timescales.
  - To facilitate communication and integration between the partners and disseminate information about the project to the wider community.
  - To identify and resolve disputes between partners.
  - To keep the project on track, and ensure timely interaction and delivery of reports to the European Commission.

• Work Package 2: Technical harmonization.
  - To review the current status of existing systems in operational use considered in the project;
  - To synthesize the characteristics of infrastructures offering TNA;
  - To increase the high-frequency measurements on fixed platforms;
  - To define the best technical practices for compatible, robust and cost-effective systems on a variety of fixed applications;
  - To promote tests of new or prototype instruments on a non-operational basis;
  - To define procedure for harmonizing and merging quality assessed high frequency fixed platform data;
  - To define procedures and technological solutions for integration and testing of new sensors on these systems;
  - To increase the traceability, quality and reliability of sensor metadata and data products.

• Work Package 3: Procedural harmonization.
  To harmonise procedures across the network the following steps will be undertaken:
  1) Assessment of operational procedures for sustained Eulerian observations
  2) Further development of principles of 'best practice'
  3) Development of the FixO³ observatories 'label' building on ESONET and in collaboration with JERICO
  

• Work Package 4: Data management and harmonization.
  To harmonise data policies and to provide a formal basis for data exchange between FixO³ infrastructures.
  - To improve standardisation, interoperability and compliance with major international initiatives
  - To harmonise data management and standardisation efforts with other European and international marine data and observatory infrastructures.
  - To foster the cooperation with the marine carbon observation community by disseminating FixO³ data via relevant international infrastructures and data centres such as the ICOS Ocean Thematic Centre
  To coordinate, harmonise and optimize the implementation and integration of Service Activities provided by the different partners in WP10 and to strengthen and monitor the dissemination of knowledge.

• Work Package 5: Innovation through industry.
  - Promote interaction between the ocean observatory research community and the commercial sector
  - Proactively promote FixO³ and wider open ocean observatory products and services to the commercial sector
  - Identify innovative products and services within the ocean observatory community and develop targeted IPR agreements to encourage interest by the commercial sector.

• Work Package 6: Interface with policy and intergovernmental bodies.
  - To link the FixO³ efforts to international and intergovernmental bodies and activities.
  - To ensure visibility and facilitate further implementation and long-term stewardship of deep-ocean fixed-point time series observations
  - To develop a strategy for the future.

• Work Package 7: International and European networking of fixed-point observatories
  - To consolidate and promote the synergy between European research groups and institutions.
  - To enhance the interaction with industry
  - To link ocean scientists and engineers into an international team in marine science.
  - Management of TNA activities.

• Work Package 8: Outreach and training.
  - To engage with, educate and inform public, scientific and policy user groups.
  - To develop an informative and interactive suite of complimentary tools that educates and engages public, scientific and policy user groups to maximise engagement with end users.
  - To produce educational and informational resources that deliver knowledge to end user groups
  - To deliver a series of training opportunities that informs, educates and promotes best practices to professional users of hardware, data and data products.
  

• Work Package 9: Transnational access to FixO³ infrastructures
  - To support external scientific users by providing coordinated, free-of-charge, transnational access to fixed open-ocean observatories, including:
  1) Ocean surface, water column and seafloor observatory installations and systems considered for transnational access under this proposal
  2) One shallow water test site able to make practical and fast tests of instruments, systems, procedures and new technologies applicable to fixed open-ocean observatories that will be accessible under TNA

• Work Package 10: Service activities: Access to data products and knowledge
  - To provide access to the data products and knowledge derived from most of the observatories which compromise the FixO³ network.

• Work Package 11: Optimisation of ocean observing capability
  - To carry out research on the specification for an optimum observational network of FixO³ platforms, integrated and complemented by other platforms.

• Work Package 12: Research and development on critical observatory functions
  - To enhance the capability of the FixO³ infrastructures to make very high quality observations
  - To develop a new low energy consuming platform design in order to promote more sensors per platform and extension capacities.

Observatories

FixO3

The British Oceanographic Data centre store data from PAP, NOG and SOG as of January 2018.

Data Activity or Cruise Information

Cruise

Complete Cruise Metadata Report is available here

Fixed Station Information

No Fixed Station Information held for the Series

BODC Quality Control Flags

The following single character qualifying flags may be associated with one or more individual parameters with a data cycle:

SeaDataNet Quality Control Flags

The following single character qualifying flags may be associated with one or more individual parameters with a data cycle: