Metadata Report for BODC Series Reference Number 702849

• 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

Data were received by BODC in ASCII format files. The series were reformatted to the internal QXF format using BODC transfer function 325. The following table shows how the variables within the file were mapped to the appropriate BODC parameter codes.

Following transfer to QXF, the data were screened using BODC's in-house visualisation software, EDSERPLO. Any data considered as suspect were flagged 'M'. Flags from the originator marking suspect data were retained during transfer and flagged 'L'.

Originator's Data Processing

Sampling Strategy

The Aanderaa RCM 7 current meter deployed in Loch Shieldaig had a sampling frequency of 3 readings per hour and the Sontek Argonaut MD current meter had a sampling frequency of 15 readings per hour. The RCM7 included temperature and conductivity sensors, while the Sontek included a temperature sensor only.

Data Processing

DAF applied the standard manufacturers' calibrations to all current, temperature and salinity data, and produced ASCII files for submission to BODC. Data files were named according to the mooring code (719) and the instrument number (1 or 2). The current meter file for 7191 (Sontek Argonaut) contained eastward and northward velocities, and temperature. No current data were collected for 7192 (RCM7 - see problem report) but temperature and salinity data were provided for this instrument.

Project Information

No Project Information held for the Series

Data Activity or Cruise Information

Data Activity

DAF current meter mooring, Loch Shieldaig

The mooring was located at 57° 31.87' N, 005° 39.76' W in a nominal water depth of 40 m.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF, now known as Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory) used a small boat to deploy the mooring on 09 August 2005. The mooring was recovered on 01 November 2005, and 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: 719

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.