Biogeography of Virioplankton Abundance and Subcluster Patterns in the Northwest Pacific: A Large-Scale Perspective

This dataset contains flow cytometry based measurements of virioplankton abundances and subcluster compositions collected during an oceanographic survey in the Northwest Pacific. Seawater samples were obtained using a rosette equipped with Niskin bottles at predefined depths. All samples were fixed immediately with glutaraldehyde, flash frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80 °C until analysis. Viral particles were quantified using a benchtop flow cytometer following established protocols for SYBR Green I staining. Distinct viral subclusters were identified based on fluorescence and side scatter signatures. Corresponding environmental parameters, including temperature, salinity and chlorophyll a, were measured using a CTD and standard fluorometric procedures.Raw cytometry files were processed with consistent gating strategies to ensure cross station comparability. Quality control procedures included removal of anomalous events, verification of instrument stability and manual inspection of gates. Derived variables include total virus like particles and individual viral phenotypic subclusters. Metadata files provide station information, geographic coordinates, depth and environmental measurements for each sample.All sampling activities were conducted in accordance with national and institutional regulations. Research cruise permissions and marine scientific research approvals were obtained from relevant authorities. No human or animal subjects were involved. This dataset supports reproducibility by providing both processed results and complete metadata required for independent reanalysis.