Temperature and salinity vertical profiles (CTD) data in the Ría de Vigo and adjacent shelf collected in the Radiales...

Area of Science:

• Oceanography
• Marine Ecology
• Time Series Analysis

Background:

• The Galician rías are part of the Canary Current upwelling system (CanCUS), a major eastern boundary upwelling ecosystem (EBUE).
• Seasonal northerly winds drive coastal upwelling, enriching waters and supporting significant fisheries and aquaculture.
• Understanding long-term oceanographic changes is crucial for managing these valuable ecosystems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a comprehensive, long-term time series of hydrographic data from the Ría de Vigo and its adjacent shelf.
• To provide a unified, quality-controlled dataset for studying ocean climate variability and ecosystem functioning.
• To enhance understanding of connectivity between coastal embayments and the continental shelf.

Main Methods:

• Biweekly to monthly collection of hydrographic data (pressure, temperature, conductivity) from August 1987 to September 2020.
• Data acquired using various vertical profilers (MARK III, SBE 9 Plus, SBE 19, SBE 25) at four stations.
• Reprocessing and quality control of historical data to ensure consistency and reusability.

Main Results:

• The longest available hydrographic dataset for the Ría de Vigo and adjacent shelf (1987-2020).
• A unified dataset, reprocessed under consistent criteria, enhancing data reliability.
• Provides a valuable resource for analyzing long-term oceanographic trends and ecosystem changes.

Conclusions:

• The dataset offers critical insights into the Canary Current upwelling system's dynamics.
• Facilitates research on coastal-shelf interactions and climate change impacts.
• Supports sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture in the region.