Core CTD data - MDUC
Project Manager: Mike Burczynski

Lead Scientist: Dave Caress

CTD data, collected using underway and profiler CTD systems and MBARI ROVs, have been designated as core data streams. Support for the maintenance, operation, calibration and configuration of the instruments, electronics, and related support hardware and support for the processing and archiving of the data is provided on an institutional basis rather than through individual projects or divisional budgets.

Continuing from 2002, the primary elements of this project for the year 2003 are:

• Operations of MBARI CTD vertical profiler and underway mapping systems.
• Maintenance, configuration and calibration of MBARI CTD instrumentation and all associated system hardware.
• Maintain measurement accuracy and reliability required for core CTD data.
• Data processing, archiving and dissemination through the BOG (biological ocean group) database.
• Data validation performed by designated monitors.  Monthly status reports to be given to MDUC (mooring data users committee).
• Improvements to data processing and loading techniques, via enhanced scripts.

The project budget will include expenses for instrument maintenance and calibration, system upgrades, data processing, and data integrity issues and software support and development. Efforts will continue to purchase additional sensors for use as spares, to standardize instruments, and to replace obsolete instruments.

New elements for 2003:

• Maintenance and calibration of AUV CTD sensors will be considered core; the data stream will not be considered core at this time.
• Testing and intermittent use of the SBE911 profiler CTD system aboard the Zephyr.
• A replacement altimeter for the R/V Western Flyer CTD profiler. The purchase of the same model unit that is used on the Point Lobos CTD profiler will be proposed.

• Procurement of a smaller, general use CTD rosette for use by scientific parties who cannot supply the trained operator required for the SBE911.