Current direction, wind wave spectra, and other data from moored current meter casts and other instruments in the Gulf of Mexico during the Brine Disposal project, 11 October 1978 - 19 March 1980 (NODC Accession 8000368)

Current direction, wind wave spectra, and other data were collected using moored current meter casts and other instruments from the CAPT JACK and EXCELLENCE in the Gulf of Mexico from March 25, 1977 to February 1, 1980. Data were submitted by Texas A&M University as part of the Brine Disposal project. Data has been been processed by NODC to the standard NODC standard F005- Current Meter Data, F123- Fish Shellfish Resource, and F191- Wind Wave Spectra formats. Full format descriptions are available from NODC homepage at http://www.noaa.nodc.gov

The F005 format is used for time series measurements of ocean currents obtained using moored current-measuring instruments, principally Aanderaa current meters (manufactured by Aanderaa Instruments Inc.). These data represent the Eulerian method of current measurement, i.e., the meters are deployed at a fixed mooring point and measure flow past the sensor. Position, water depth, and sensor depth are reported for each station. The data record comprises values of current direction and speed at specified date and time. Data values may be subject to
averaging or filtering and are typically reported at 10-15 minute time intervals. Other environmental parameters may also be reported. These include: water temperature, salinity, conductivity, and transmissivity; wind direction and speed; and dominant wave direction, height, and period. A text field is available for optional comments.

The F123 format is used for data from field sampling of marine fish and shellfish. The data derive from analysis of midwater or bottom tow catches and provide information on population density and distribution. Cruise information, position, date, time, gear type, fishing distance and duration, and number of hauls are reported for each survey. Environmental data may include meteorological conditions, surface and bottom temperature and salinity, and current direction and speed. Bottom trawl or other gear dimensions and characteristics are also reported. Catch statistics (e.g., weight, volume, number of fish per unit volume) may be reported for both total haul and for individual species. Biological characteristics of selected specimens, predator/ prey information (from stomach contents analysis), and growth data may also be included. A text record is available for comments.

The F191 format is used to report meteorological data and ocean wave spectra data from NDBO. The format contains seven data record types to: 1) Identify the buoy for position, duration, rate of sampling and heading. 2) Identify the meteorological parameters (temperature, pressure, weather, solar radiation, and surface waves). 3) Report time series frequency, density and resolution of waves. Each record is 120 characters in length, sorted by station and record type. The first nine columns for all records are to be used for file type (columns 1-3) and file identifier (column 4-9). The file identifier, to be assigned by the originator, is an unique originator id for each data submission. After submission, the NODC reassigns to this field an unique NODC identifier.