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Underway Data |
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What are CICORE Underway data?
CICORE uses sensors mounted on research ships to measure sea surface conditions while the ships are underway. The Underway Data Acquisition Systems (UDAS) pump water from just below the ocean’s surface and run it through a series of sensors to measure temperature, salinity, fluorescence (a proxy for phytoplankton productivity) and turbidity. Time series data are collected continuously as the ship moves along and then translated into geographic maps of sea surface conditions along the ship’s route. |
Data Collection
Shipboard underway data are collected from the R/V Point Sur and the R/V John H. Martin based in Moss Landing Harbor. These ships, particularly the R/V Point Sur, often leave Monterey Bay for destinations ranging from southern California to northern Oregon, so data are collected over a wide geographical range. A small, portable underway system is also sent along frequently on trips on smaller boats, including the R/V Sheila B. and MLML’s fleet of whalers. These data are typically collected from Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough. |
Data Distribution
Data are available in two formats. Maps of sea surface parameters, which can be scrolled over to instantaneously see different parameters, are displayed on the website and can also be downloaded as figure files. Ascii text files including the entire data stream with co-located time and position (latitude and longitude) are also available. The database is currently searchable by ship and by date. Future plans include making the database searchable by other parameters. |
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