| Summary: | Temperature profiles and current meter data were collected from AIRCRAFT and other platforms in the NW Atlantic (limit-40 W) from 16 January 1979 to 01 January 1985. Data were collected by the North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill as part of the Seasonal Response of the Equatorial Atlantic Experiment/Francais Ocean Et Climat Dans L'Atlantique Equatorial (SEQUAL/FOCAL) project. Data were processed by NODC to the NODC standard Universal Bathythermograph Output (UBT) format and the F015 Current Meter Components format. Full format descriptions are available from NODC at www.nodc.noaa.gov/. The UBT format contains temperature-depth profile data obtained using expendable bathythermograph (XBT) instruments. Cruise information, position, date and time were reported for each observation. The data records are comprised of pairs of temperature-depth values. The XBT data files contain temperature values at non-uniform depths. These depths were recorded at the minimum number of points ("inflection points") required to accurately define the temperature curve. Standard XBTs can obtain profiles to depths of either 450 or 760 m. Special instruments permitted measurements to be obtained to 1830 m. The F015 format contains time series measurements of ocean currents. These data are obtained from current meter moorings and represent the 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 includes 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. 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.
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