Dataset: CTD data collected during MOCNESS tows with both 1m2 and 10m2 mouth openings from RVIB Nathaniel B. Palmer NBP1002 in the Western Antarctic Peninsula from March to May 2010 (Antarctic_micronek project)

CTD observations taken simultaneously during MOCNESS tows,

The MOCNESS is based on the Tucker Trawl principle (Tucker, 1951). The particular MOCNESS system from which these CTD data came is one of two net systems. The MOCNESS-1 has nine rectangular nets (1m x 1.4 m) which are opened and closed sequentially by commands through conducting cable from the surface (Wiebe et al., 1976). In both systems, "the underwater unit sends a data frame, comprised of temperature, depth, conductivity, net-frame angle, flow count, time, number of open net, and net opening/closing, to the deck unit in a compressed hexadecimal format every 2 seconds and from the deck unit to a microcomputer every 4 seconds... Temperature (to approximately 0.01 deg C) and conductivity are measured with SEABIRD sensors.
Normally, a modified T.S.K.-flowmeter is used... Both the temperature and conductivity sensors and the flow meter are mounted on top of the frame so that they face horizontally when the frame is at a towing angle of 45deg... Calculations of salinity (to approximately 0.01 o/oo S), potential temperature (theta), potential density (sigma), the oblique and vertical velocities of the net, and the approximate volume filtered by each net are made after each string of data has been received by the computer." (Wiebe et al., 1985)

It should be noted that due to Antarctic cold, the first few minutes of data are often of questionable value as they are extremely variable and have a high frequency of "50.000" (indicating "bad values") in the temp, theta and sal fields. Once the sensors encounter deeper, warmer water, they start recording good values.

For additional information, contact the chief scientist for the cruise.