A comprehensive global oceanic dataset of discrete measurements of helium isotope and tritium during the hydrographic cruises on various ships from 1952-10-21 to 2016-01-22 (NCEI Accession 0176626)

This dataset consists of global oceanic database of tritium and helium isotope measurements made by numerous researchers and laboratories over a period exceeding 60 years: from 1952-10-21 to 2016-01-22 in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, Arctic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea. Tritium and helium isotope data provide key information on ocean circulation, ventilation, and mixing, as well as the rates of biogeochemical processes, and deep-ocean hydrothermal processes. The dataset includes approximately 60,000 valid tritium measurements, 63,000 valid helium isotope determinations, 57,000 dissolved helium concentrations, and 34,000 dissolved neon concentrations. Some quality control has been applied in that questionable data have been flagged and clearly compromised data excluded entirely. Appropriate metadata has been included: geographic location, date, and sample depth. When available, water temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen were included. Data quality flags and data originator information (including methodology) are also included.