Moored instrument data submission

BODC aims to ensure that all data incorporated into our database are adequately documented to allow long term viability and future access. Therefore, key data set information (metadata) are important for each data set we receive.

Information specific to current instrument data are described below. Metadata should be supplied in our metadata submission template, however we are able to accept metadata in any format. Please do not be discouraged from sending us data even if some of the information is unavailable. We fully understand that there are many reasons why the standards specified may not be completely achieved.

Instructions for general data submissions and other data types are also available.

Data standard

Raw and quality controlled moored instrument data should, whenever possible, be stored at the original sampling frequency. All parameters measured and derived as part of the series (i.e. significant wave height, mean spectral period, peak period, wave direction, maximum wave height, surface sea water temperature) should be included with the data.

Metadata specific to moored instrument data

A template log has been created to assist originators if no formal means of recording metadata is in place. The log (71 KB) or (84 KB) includes fields for moored instrument configuration, mooring deployment, recovery and data download. Once completed, it should be sent to BODC so that the information it contains can be included in the moored instrument inventory.

Deployment details

• The mooring type and mooring reference number.
• The ship/cruise which deployed the mooring.
• A project (if appropriate).
• Date/time of deployment/recovery for each instrument.
• Date/time of the start/end of usable data for each instrument.
• Position and method of position fix (i.e. DGPS, GPS).
• Water column depth (specify method — i.e. sounding and methodology, chart).
• Instrument depth (or height).

Instrument details

• Instrument description, reference number, manufacturer, model, principle of measurement, method of recording — provide a literature reference, web site reference or briefly describe. Include — accuracy, resolution and response range of individual sensors.
• Instrument modifications and their effect on the data.
• Standard of calibration — method, quality, dates and calibration coefficients.

Mooring details

• Brief description or diagram of the mooring structure.
• Performance of the mooring. Include — condition on recovery, whether dragged or damaged. Any event that might affect the data.

Data sampling/processing

• Sampling scheme of raw data e.g. continuous recording, instantaneous, averaged.
• Interval between samples and the duration of individual samples (raw data).
• Number of raw samples.
• Nominal interval of processed data (excluding gaps resulting from editing).
• Methods of averaging, filtering or compression.
• Gaps in the data record.
• Timing and corrections applied.
• De-spiking/smoothing/interpolating methods and editing procedures.
• Data quality report.