Methods of sampling and analysis and our concepts of ocean dynamics

Abstract

SUMMARY: In the last two decades, the increase in multi-nation, multi-ship projects has underlined the importance of intercalibration and intercomparison studies. At the same time, it is becoming obvious that with our present methods of sampling and analysis we can never hope to distinguish the variability in our sampling and analysis techniques from the variability in the universe sampled. The presence of discontinuities in many of the quantities measured suggests that our sampling grid, as maintained by oceanographic vessels, is too limited both in space and in time. Some variety of self-reporting sampling buoy is the obvious answer for physical and chemical parameters, although as yet we do not have detectors for many of the quantities of interest. Even with such buoys, it would seem unlikely that we could construct a grid of such buoys tight enough to measure the local variability of the oceans without the buoys themselves contributing to this variability. The limit finally selected for such a sampling grid will probably be some compromise between scientific capability and economic reality. -En las dos últi-mas décadas el incremento de los proyectos multi-nacionales, con la utilización de muchos barcos ha subrayado la importancia de inter-calibración y comparación de estudios. Al mismo tiempo es obvio que con los métodos actuales de muestreo

A review of in situ methods and sensors for monitoring the marine environment

“…The first in situ analyser used in the marine environment was for determining salinity on the basis of measurements of conductivity and temperature. This was reported in 1964, and is considered to represent a turning point in marine chemistry (Wangersky, 2005). Recently, many in situ techniques are used for monitoring hydrological and physicochemical variables in the marine environment.…”

Use of In‐Situ Methods

“…This was first reported in 1964, endorsed by the Scientific Committee on Ocean research (SCOR) and the International Association for the Physical Sciences of the Oceans (IAPSO) in 1967, and is considered to represent a turning point in marine chemistry (Wallace, 1974;Wangersky, 2005). Many in-situ techniques are now available and are currently used for monitoring a wide range of hydrological and physicochemical variables in the marine environment.…”