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Metadata Report for BODC Series Reference Number 923579


Metadata Summary

Data Description

Data Category CTD or STD cast
Instrument Type
NameCategories
Sea-Bird SBE 43 Dissolved Oxygen Sensor  dissolved gas sensors
Sea-Bird SBE 911plus CTD  CTD; water temperature sensor; salinity sensor
WET Labs {Sea-Bird WETLabs} C-Star transmissometer  transmissometers
WET Labs {Sea-Bird WETLabs} ECO FL fluorometer  fluorometers
Instrument Mounting research vessel
Originating Country United Kingdom
Originator Ms Sarah Hughes
Originating Organization Fisheries Research Services Aberdeen Marine Laboratory (now Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Processing Status banked
Online delivery of data Download available - Ocean Data View (ODV) format
Project(s) -
 

Data Identifiers

Originator's Identifier SC15/08/662
BODC Series Reference 923579
 

Time Co-ordinates(UT)

Start Time (yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm) 2008-12-04 21:08
End Time (yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm) -
Nominal Cycle Interval 1.0 decibars
 

Spatial Co-ordinates

Latitude 59.28500 N ( 59° 17.1' N )
Longitude 1.33150 W ( 1° 19.9' W )
Positional Uncertainty 0.05 to 0.1 n.miles
Minimum Sensor or Sampling Depth 1.98 m
Maximum Sensor or Sampling Depth 104.98 m
Minimum Sensor or Sampling Height 7.01 m
Maximum Sensor or Sampling Height 110.02 m
Sea Floor Depth 112.0 m
Sea Floor Depth Source -
Sensor or Sampling Distribution Variable common depth - All sensors are grouped effectively at the same depth, but this depth varies significantly during the series
Sensor or Sampling Depth Datum Instantaneous - Depth measured below water line or instantaneous water body surface
Sea Floor Depth Datum Instantaneous - Depth measured below water line or instantaneous water body surface
 

Parameters

BODC CODERankUnitsTitle
ACYCAA011DimensionlessSequence number
ATTNMR011per metreAttenuation (red light wavelength) per unit length of the water body by 20 or 25cm path length transmissometer
CNCLCCI11Siemens per metreElectrical conductivity of the water body by in-situ conductivity cell and calibration against independent measurements
CPHLPM011Milligrams per cubic metreConcentration of chlorophyll-a {chl-a CAS 479-61-8} per unit volume of the water body [particulate >unknown phase] by in-situ chlorophyll fluorometer and manufacturer's calibration applied
CPHLPS011Milligrams per cubic metreConcentration of chlorophyll-a {chl-a CAS 479-61-8} per unit volume of the water body [particulate >unknown phase] by in-situ chlorophyll fluorometer and calibration against sample data
DOXYSU011Micromoles per litreConcentration of oxygen {O2 CAS 7782-44-7} per unit volume of the water body [dissolved plus reactive particulate phase] by Sea-Bird SBE 43 sensor and no calibration against sample data
PRESPR011DecibarsPressure (spatial coordinate) exerted by the water body by profiling pressure sensor and correction to read zero at sea level
PSALST011DimensionlessPractical salinity of the water body by CTD and computation using UNESCO 1983 algorithm
TEMPST011Degrees CelsiusTemperature of the water body by CTD or STD

Definition of Rank

  • Rank 1 is a one-dimensional parameter
  • Rank 2 is a two-dimensional parameter
  • Rank 0 is a one-dimensional parameter describing the second dimension of a two-dimensional parameter (e.g. bin depths for moored ADCP data)

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

Sea-Bird Dissolved Oxygen Sensor SBE 43 and SBE 43F

The SBE 43 is a dissolved oxygen sensor designed for marine applications. It incorporates a high-performance Clark polarographic membrane with a pump that continuously plumbs water through it, preventing algal growth and the development of anoxic conditions when the sensor is taking measurements.

Two configurations are available: SBE 43 produces a voltage output and can be incorporated with any Sea-Bird CTD that accepts input from a 0-5 volt auxiliary sensor, while the SBE 43F produces a frequency output and can be integrated with an SBE 52-MP (Moored Profiler CTD) or used for OEM applications. The specifications below are common to both.

Specifications

Housing Plastic or titanium
Membrane

0.5 mil- fast response, typical for profile applications

1 mil- slower response, typical for moored applications

Depth rating

600 m (plastic) or 7000 m (titanium)

10500 m titanium housing available on request

Measurement range 120% of surface saturation
Initial accuracy 2% of saturation
Typical stability 0.5% per 1000 h

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

Instrument Description

CTD Unit and Auxiliary Sensors

A Sea-Bird Electronics SBE 911 plus CTD unit with an SBE 32 carousel water sampler was used. The CTD unit included the following sensors.

Sensor Manufacturer Model Serial number Calibration date
Pressure Paroscientific Digiquartz 410K-105 64240 2008-07-24
Temperature Sea-Bird 3plus 2041 2008-07-10
Conductivity Sea-Bird 4C 1615 2008-07-23
Oxygen Sea-Bird SBE 43 0504 2008-07-15
Fluorometer Wet Labs ECO FL FLRTD-064 2003-11-08
Transmissometer Wet Labs C-star CST-704DR 2003-08-25

Sea-Bird Electronics SBE 911 and SBE 917 series CTD profilers

The SBE 911 and SBE 917 series of conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) units are used to collect hydrographic profiles, including temperature, conductivity and pressure as standard. Each profiler consists of an underwater unit and deck unit or SEARAM. Auxiliary sensors, such as fluorometers, dissolved oxygen sensors and transmissometers, and carousel water samplers are commonly added to the underwater unit.

Underwater unit

The CTD underwater unit (SBE 9 or SBE 9 plus) comprises a protective cage (usually with a carousel water sampler), including a main pressure housing containing power supplies, acquisition electronics, telemetry circuitry, and a suite of modular sensors. The original SBE 9 incorporated Sea-Bird's standard modular SBE 3 temperature sensor and SBE 4 conductivity sensor, and a Paroscientific Digiquartz pressure sensor. The conductivity cell was connected to a pump-fed plastic tubing circuit that could include auxiliary sensors. Each SBE 9 unit was custom built to individual specification. The SBE 9 was replaced in 1997 by an off-the-shelf version, termed the SBE 9 plus, that incorporated the SBE 3 plus (or SBE 3P) temperature sensor, SBE 4C conductivity sensor and a Paroscientific Digiquartz pressure sensor. Sensors could be connected to a pump-fed plastic tubing circuit or stand-alone.

Temperature, conductivity and pressure sensors

The conductivity, temperature, and pressure sensors supplied with Sea-Bird CTD systems have outputs in the form of variable frequencies, which are measured using high-speed parallel counters. The resulting count totals are converted to numeric representations of the original frequencies, which bear a direct relationship to temperature, conductivity or pressure. Sampling frequencies for these sensors are typically set at 24 Hz.

The temperature sensing element is a glass-coated thermistor bead, pressure-protected inside a stainless steel tube, while the conductivity sensing element is a cylindrical, flow-through, borosilicate glass cell with three internal platinum electrodes. Thermistor resistance or conductivity cell resistance, respectively, is the controlling element in an optimized Wien Bridge oscillator circuit, which produces a frequency output that can be converted to a temperature or conductivity reading. These sensors are available with depth ratings of 6800 m (aluminium housing) or 10500 m (titanium housing). The Paroscientific Digiquartz pressure sensor comprises a quartz crystal resonator that responds to pressure-induced stress, and temperature is measured for thermal compensation of the calculated pressure.

Additional sensors

Optional sensors for dissolved oxygen, pH, light transmission, fluorescence and others do not require the very high levels of resolution needed in the primary CTD channels, nor do these sensors generally offer variable frequency outputs. Accordingly, signals from the auxiliary sensors are acquired using a conventional voltage-input multiplexed A/D converter (optional). Some Sea-Bird CTDs use a strain gauge pressure sensor (Senso-Metrics) in which case their pressure output data is in the same form as that from the auxiliary sensors as described above.

Deck unit or SEARAM

Each underwater unit is connected to a power supply and data logging system: the SBE 11 (or SBE 11 plus) deck unit allows real-time interfacing between the deck and the underwater unit via a conductive wire, while the submersible SBE 17 (or SBE 17 plus) SEARAM plugs directly into the underwater unit and data are downloaded on recovery of the CTD. The combination of SBE 9 and SBE 17 or SBE 11 are termed SBE 917 or SBE 911, respectively, while the combinations of SBE 9 plus and SBE 17 plus or SBE 11 plus are termed SBE 917 plus or SBE 911 plus.

Specifications

Specifications for the SBE 9 plus underwater unit are listed below:

Parameter Range Initial accuracy Resolution at 24 Hz Response time
Temperature -5 to 35°C 0.001°C 0.0002°C 0.065 sec
Conductivity 0 to 7 S m-1 0.0003 S m-1 0.00004 S m-1 0.065 sec (pumped)
Pressure 0 to full scale (1400, 2000, 4200, 6800 or 10500 m) 0.015% of full scale 0.001% of full scale 0.015 sec

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

WETLabs ECO-FL Fluorometer

The Environmental Characterization Optics series of single channel fluorometers are designed to measure concentrations of natural and synthetic substances in water, and are therefore useful for biological monitoring and dye trace studies. Selected excitation and emission filters allow detection of the following substances: chlorophyll-a, coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM), uranine (fluorescein), rhodamine, phycoerythrin and phycocyanin.

The ECO-FL can operate continuously or periodically and has two different types of connectors to output the data (analogue and RS-232 serial output). The potted optics block results in long term stability of the instrument and the optional anti-biofouling technology delivers truly long term field measurements.

In addition to the standard model, five variants are available, and the differences between these and the basic ECO-FL are listed below:

  • FL(RT): similar to the FL but operates continuously when power is supplied
  • FL(RT)D: similar model to the (RT) but has a depth rating of 6000 m
  • FLB: includes internal batteries for autonomous operation and periodic sampling
  • FLS: similar to FLB but has an integrated anti-fouling bio-wiper
  • FLSB: similar to the FLS, but includes internal batteries for autonomous operation

Specifications

Temperature range 0 to 30°C
Depth rating

600 m (standard)

6000 m (deep)

Linearity 99 % R2
Chlorophyll-a
Wavelength (excitation/emission) 470/695 nm
Sensitivity 0.01 µg L-1
Typical range 0.01 to 125 µg L-1
CDOM
Wavelength (excitation/emission) 370/460 nm
Sensitivity 0.01 ppb
Typical range 0.09 to 500 ppb
Uranine
Wavelength (excitation/emission) 470/530 nm
Sensitivity 0.07 ppb
Typical range 0.12 to 230 ppb
Rhodamine
Wavelength (excitation/emission) 540/570 nm
Sensitivity 0.01 ppb
Typical range 0.01 to 230 ppb
Phycoerythrin
Wavelength (excitation/emission) 540/570 nm
Sensitivity 0.01 ppb
Typical range 0.01 to 230 ppb
Phycocyanin
Wavelength (excitation/emission) 630/680 nm
Sensitivity 0.15 ppt
Typical range 0.15 to 400 ppt

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

WETLabs C-Star transmissometer

This instrument is designed to measure beam transmittance by submersion or with an optional flow tube for pumped applications. It can be used in profiles, moorings or as part of an underway system.

Two models are available, a 25 cm pathlength, which can be built in aluminum or co-polymer, and a 10 cm pathlength with a plastic housing. Both have an analog output, but a digital model is also available.

This instrument has been updated to provide a high resolution RS232 data output, while maintaining the same design and characteristics.

Specifications

Pathlength 10 or 25 cm
Wavelength 370, 470, 530 or 660 nm
Bandwidth

~ 20 nm for wavelengths of 470, 530 and 660 nm

~ 10 to 12 nm for a wavelength of 370 nm

Temperature error 0.02 % full scale °C-1
Temperature range 0 to 30°C
Rated depth

600 m (plastic housing)

6000 m (aluminum housing)

Further details are available in the manufacturer's specification sheet or user guide.

BODC Processing

Data were received by BODC in one ASCII format file that was subsequently split into 45 separate files, one for each CTD profile. The series were reformatted to the internal QXF format using BODC transfer function 340. Sample calibrations were applied to conductivity and fluorescence data. The following table details mapping of variables to BODC parameter codes.

Original parameter name Original Units Description BODC Parameter Code BODC Units Comments
Pressure Decibars Pressure exerted by the water column PRESPR01 Decibars  
Temperature °C Temperature of the water column TEMPST01 °C  
Conductivity mS cm-1 Electrical conductivity of the water column calibrated against independent measurements CNCLCCI1 S m-1 Conversion by transfer (mS cm-1 x 0.1). Sample calibrations applied by transfer.
Salinity   Salinity of the water column PSALST01 Dimensionless Derived by transfer using UNESCO 1983 algorithm
Fluorescence µg l-1 In-situ fluorescence CPHLPM01 mg m-3  
Fluorescence µg l-1 In-situ fluorescence with field sample calibration applied CPHLPS01 mg m-3 Sample calibrations applied to raw fluorescence by transfer
Dissolved oxygen ml l-1 Dissolved oxygen with no field calibration against sample data DOXYSU01 µmol l-1 Conversion by transfer (ml l-1 x 44.6)
Beam attenuation m-1 Attenuance of the water column ATTNMR01 m-1  

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

A total of 45 CTD casts were performed on FRV Scotia cruise 1508S (03 December 2008 - 16 December 2008) in the northern North Sea and the Faroe Shetland Channel. The data were collected between 10:00 hours on 03 December 2008 and 20:00 hours on 14 December 2008.

Rosette bottles were fired in order to obtain independent salinity and fluorescence measurements. The sample data were used to derive calibrations for the conductivity and fluorescence profiles collected by the CTD.

Data Processing

The raw CTD data files were processed through the SeaBird Electronics SeaSoft data processing software following standard procedures. The originators used in-house interactive visual display editing software to edit out individual spikes in the primary temperature and conductivity channels. An ASCII file was generated for each CTD cast and all files from a cruise were concatenated into one ASCII file which was submitted to BODC.

Field Calibrations

Independent salinity samples, obtained from the CTD rosette and spread throughout the cruise, were used to calibrate the CTD conductivity data. Outlying points were discarded, and between 100 and 150 data points were used to derive the calibrations. The sample analyses yielded a straight line conductivity calibration of the form y = mx + c, where m = 1.000046 and c = 0.009866.

Water samples obtained from the CTD rosette were also used to calibrate the CTD fluorescence data. Outlying points were discarded, and between 50 and 100 data points were used to derive the calibrations. The sample analyses yielded a straight line fluorescence calibration of the form y = mx + c, where m = 5.642 and c = -0.817434.

The uncalibrated data and calibrations were submitted to BODC, who applied the appropriate corrections.


Project Information


No Project Information held for the Series

Data Activity or Cruise Information

Cruise

Cruise Name 1508S
Departure Date 2008-12-03
Arrival Date 2008-12-16
Principal Scientist(s)John Dunn (Fisheries Research Services Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Ship FRV Scotia

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:

Flag Description
Blank Unqualified
< Below detection limit
> In excess of quoted value
A Taxonomic flag for affinis (aff.)
B Beginning of CTD Down/Up Cast
C Taxonomic flag for confer (cf.)
D Thermometric depth
E End of CTD Down/Up Cast
G Non-taxonomic biological characteristic uncertainty
H Extrapolated value
I Taxonomic flag for single species (sp.)
K Improbable value - unknown quality control source
L Improbable value - originator's quality control
M Improbable value - BODC quality control
N Null value
O Improbable value - user quality control
P Trace/calm
Q Indeterminate
R Replacement value
S Estimated value
T Interpolated value
U Uncalibrated
W Control value
X Excessive difference

SeaDataNet Quality Control Flags

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

Flag Description
0 no quality control
1 good value
2 probably good value
3 probably bad value
4 bad value
5 changed value
6 value below detection
7 value in excess
8 interpolated value
9 missing value
A value phenomenon uncertain
B nominal value
Q value below limit of quantification