Metadata Report for BODC Series Reference Number 580870

• 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

Data Access Policy

Public domain 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.

The recommended acknowledgment is

"This study uses data from the data source/organisation/programme, provided by the British Oceanographic Data Centre and funded by the funding body."

Narrative Documents

SonTek Argonaut-MD Acoustic Doppler Current Meter

This instrument is a 3D, vector averaging current meter with low power consumption allowing deployments of up to 2 years. It does not require calibration, has no moving parts, no threshold velocity and can be fitted with optional pressure and temperature sensors, Sea-Bird SeaCAT or an inductive modem. It uses a fixed measurement volume centered 1.25 m from the instrument for 3 MHz systems (2.0 m for 1.5 MHz systems) and is housed in a single canister (either Deltrin or Titanium) with internal memory and batteries. It can be clamped to the mooring line or mounted within a mooring cage.

Standard Features

• Optimized 45° slant, 120° orthogonal beam geometry for 3D current measurements without directional bias

• 1.5 MHz acoustic frequency

• 600 m rated Delrin housing with 40mm transducers

• Reflected echo intensity output

• RS 232 communication protocol

• ViewArgonaut Windows software allowing real time data collection, data retrieval, diagnostics and processing

• Internal memory

• Compass/tilt sensor

• Internal alkaline battery pack

Optional Features

• 6000m rated titanium housing with 40mm ceramics

• 20 mm transducers (Delrin only)

• Integrated external CT sensor

• Integrated internal inductive modem

• Mounting clamps

• Internal piezoresistive pressure sensor

• In-line load cage

• RS 422 communications protocol

Specifications

Further information is available at http://www.sontek.com or can be found in the manufacturer's specification sheet.

BODC processing

The data were provided to BODC in ascii format and were transferred to qxf format by BODC produced Matlab transfer 136. The full dataset was made up of velocity vectors in both the North/South direction and the East/West direction and temperature readings. The transfer converted the velocities to current speed and direction.

The vectors were resolved during transfer so no user activity is required for this conversion. The variables were then mapped to the appropriate BODC parameter code which can be seen below:

Following the transfer the data was screened using the BODC in-house visualisation software, EDSERPLO. Any suspect data points were flagged with the appropriate BODC flag code.

Originator's data processing

The data from the Vemco Miniloggers were merged to form "pseudo" thermistor chain records prior to being supplied to BODC.

FRS applied the standard manufaturers' calibrations to all data, and produced ascii files for submission to BODC.

Project Information

No Project Information held for the Series

Data Activity or Cruise Information

Data Activity

FRS moored SonTek Argonaut MD current meter from Loch Kishorn

A moored SonTek Argonaut MD was deployed by Fisheries Research Services (FRS) in Loch Kishorn (57.38383° N, 5.62267° W) on 22/08/01 from a fish farm work boat, and recovered on 06/11/01 by the same vessel. The station had a nominal water depth of 29 m. The SonTek Argonaut had a sampling period of 20 minutes. The data were supplied as current meter records at two discrete depths: Series 6701 at 4 m and 6702 at 26 m.

The mooring consisted of the following instruments.

Related Data Activity activities are detailed in Appendix 1

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:

Appendix 1: 670

Related series for this Data Activity are presented in the table below. Further information can be found by following the appropriate links.

If you are interested in these series, please be aware we offer a multiple file download service. Should your credentials be insufficient for automatic download, the service also offers a referral to our Enquiries Officer who may be able to negotiate access.