Skip to main content
Skip to site search

Water Column Sonar Data Collection

browse graphicImage of water column sonar data collected on the NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer
The collection and analysis of water column sonar data is a relatively new avenue of research into the marine environment. Primary uses include assessing biological abundance, species identification,and habitat characterization. It is also useful for evaluating underwater gas seeps, characterizing the seafloor and bathymetry. The goals of this collection are to archive water column sonar data collected on NOAA, academic and international fleets, and to make the data available to researchers and the public around the world.
  • Cite as: National Centers for Environmental Information: Water Column Sonar Data Collection. National Centers for Environmental Information, NOAA. doi:10.7289/V5HT2M7C [access date]
gov.noaa.ngdc.mgg.wcd:WCD_Collection
XML
Search Data
Distribution Formats
  • Raw instrument files
Ordering InstructionsContact the NCEI Water Column Sonar Data Manager to order data
DistributorWater Column Sonar Data Manager
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
(303) 497-4742
wcd.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact Water Column Sonar Data Manager
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
(303) 497-4742
wcd.info@noaa.gov
Time Period2001-07-15 to Present
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
N: 88.4598445534747
S: -9.99549333357394
E: 180
W: -180
Spatial Coverage Map
Documentation links not available.
Publication Dates
  • creation: 2011-05-11
Dataset Progress StatusUnder development - data is currently in the process of being created
Data Update Frequency Irregular - Updated as needed
PurposeThe intent of the Water Column Sonar Data Collection is to archive and make available water column sonar data to researchers and the public for a wide variety of uses such as fisheries studies, ocean properties and seafloor characteristics.
Use Limitations
  • These data are considered raw and have not been subjected to the NOAA's quality control or quality assurance procedures. They are released for limited public use as preliminary data to be used only with appropriate caution. NOAA cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in the data, nor as a result of the failure of the data to function on a particular system. NOAA makes no warranty, expressed or implied, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty.
  • Produced by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Not subject to copyright protection within the United States.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: National Centers for Environmental Information: Water Column Sonar Data Collection. National Centers for Environmental Information, NOAA. doi:10.7289/V5HT2M7C [access date]
Custodians
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Resource Providers
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Publishers
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Theme keywordsGlobal Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Ocean Acoustics > Acoustic Scattering
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Aquatic Sciences > Fisheries
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Bathymetry
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Aquatic Ecosystems
  • "EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Aquatic Ecosystems > Marine Habitat
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Aquatic Ecosystems > Benthic Habitat
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Aquatic Ecosystems > Pelagic Habitat
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Seafloor Topography
Data Center keywordsGlobal Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NGDC > National Geophysical Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NMFS > National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Instrument keywordsGlobal Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
  • In Situ/Laboratory Instruments > Profilers/Sounders >Acoustic Sounders >WCMS >Water Column Mapping System
Place keywordsGlobal Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Global
  • Sea Floor
Use Constraints
  • Cite as: National Centers for Environmental Information: Water Column Sonar Data Collection. National Centers for Environmental Information, NOAA. doi:10.7289/V5HT2M7C [access date]
Access Constraints
  • Data is publicly available and free to use
Fees
  • Free
Lineage information for: series
Processor
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Processing Steps
  • The primary data in this collection consists of raw instrument files that were submitted to NGDC for archive. in addition, ancillary files such as water column profile data are also included. these files were submitted to NGDC through hard drive delivery, R2R or ftp. When possible, checksum values are compared to verify file integrity before being added to the archive. No other processing or quality control steps are applied ot data.
Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument
    Last Modified: 2017-01-03
    For questions about the information on this page, please email: wcd.info@noaa.gov