Salinity and sigma-t data from CTD casts in the TOGA Area - Pacific Ocean from 1994-01-06 to 1995-08-03 (NCEI Accession 9600024)

Salinity and sigma-t data were collected using current meter, pressure gauge, and CTD casts in the TOGA Area - Pacific Ocean from January 6, 1994 to August 3, 1995. Data were submitted by Science Applications, Inc., Raleigh, NC as part of the Mamala Bay Study. Data has been processed by NODC to the NODC standard F015- Current Meter Components, F017 Pressure Gauge data, and F022- CTD High Resolutions formats.

The F015 format is used for time series measurements of ocean currents. These data are obtained from current meter moorings and represent Eulerian method of current measurement, i.e., the meters are deployed at a fixed point and measure flow past a sensor. Position, bottom depth, sensor depth, and meter characteristics are reported for each station. The data record comprises values of east-west (u) and north-south (v) current vector components at specified date and time. Current direction is defined as the direction toward which the water is flowing with positive directions east and north and negative directions west and south. Data values may be subject to averaging or filtering and are typically reported at 10-15 minute time intervals. Water temperature, pressure, and conductivity or salinity may also be reported. A text record is available for optional comments.

The F017 format contains time series measurements of seawater pressure from anchored or bottom-mounted sensors. Measurements of variations at depth of seawater pressure provide information on tidal and storm flows, ocean circulation, and other phenomena that cause changes in sea surface elevation or slope and that can be detected from their pressure signature. Position, bottom depth, and gauge depth are reported for each station. The data record comprises values of total pressure at specified date and time. Data values may be subject to averaging or filtering and are typically reported at time intervals of 10-15 minutes. Seawater temperature may also be reported. Comments may be reported in a text record.

The F022 format contains high-resolution data collected using CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth) and STD (salinity-temperature-depth) instruments. As they are lowered and raised in the oceans, these electronic devices provide nearly continuous profiles of temperature, salinity, and other parameters. Data values may be subject to averaging or filtering or obtained by interpolation and may be reported at depth intervals as fine as 1m. Cruise and instrument information, position, date, time and sampling interval are reported for each station. Environmental data at the time of the cast (meteorological and sea surface conditions) may also be reported. The data record comprises values of temperature, salinity or conductivity, density (computed sigma-t), and possibly dissolved oxygen or transmissivity at specified depth or pressure levels. Data may be reported at either equally or unequally spaced depth or pressure intervals. A text record is available for comments. No detailed information on the datatypes.