Ocean Profile Data


The NODC Oceanographic Profile Data Base (OPDB) can be accessed using the Oceanographic Profiles on the Internet (OPI) system. The data base holds observations of ocean parameters versus depth taken by a variety of instruments including Nansen bottles, bathythermographs, and CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth) recorders.

The data base currently holds approximately 8.7 million profiles collected at approximately 5.5 million stations (discrete locations in space and time). The geographic coverage is worldwide and the temporal range is November 26, 1886 through November 15, 1996.

NODC offers another Internet search tool through GOODBase (Global Ocean Observation Database), designed by Dr. Norm Hall , NODC Southwest Liaison. A recent announcment details the capabilities of the new and improved GOODBase II.

The OPI and GOODBase allow the option of searching the NODC OPDB as well as from the World Ocean Database 1998, which includes data from the GODAR Project , a data archeology and rescue program of the NODC's Ocean Climate Laboratory (OCL).

For the following regional areas, queries using GOODBase from NODC archives and OCL Projects are summarized in plots overlaid on Smith-Sandwell bathymetry.



Questions or comments: Mr. Patrick Caldwell, caldwell@soest.hawaii.edu


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