Name: __________________________________________ Date: ____________________________
Studying CTD Data
1. Each pair of CTD stations is along the same line of latitude. Using the scale, determine the distance
between each of the following data stations:
a. Stations 4W and 4E.
b. Stations 6W and 6E.
2. Which data stations are on the continental shelf? Which are beyond the shelf break?
3. Prediction: What differences, if any, do you think you might observe in the data from the water samples
collected at each of the CTD stations? Be specific for each of the parameters with respect to depth (density,
temperature, salinity, and fluorescence—the amount of chlorophyll a). Be sure to explain your reasoning.
© U.S. Satellite Laboratory
© U.S. Satellite Laboratory
4. What generalizations can be made about each of the parameters, a) density, b) temperature, c) salinity and d)
fluorescence, based on all 4 of the graphs?
5. Which plot or plots show water at the deepest depths?
6. Use the graphs to record the highest and lowest values for each station in the table.
Station
Line 6 Station
E
Line 6 Station
W
Line 4 Station E
Line 4 Station
W
High Temp (°C)
Low Temp (°C)
High Salinity (PSU)
Low Salinity (PSU)
High Fluorescence (mg/m3)
Low Fluorescence (mg/m3)
7. Which plot or plots show water at any depth with the:
a. warmest temperature?
b. coolest temperature?
c. greatest salinity?
d. least salinity?
e. greatest fluorescence?
f. least fluorescence?
© U.S. Satellite Laboratory
8. At what station might you expect to find the most bioluminescent organisms? Why?
9. Compare the Eastern and Western Stations. Keeping in mind what you have learned, what major
differences and similarities do you notice in the data? Include at least one similarity and two differences.
10. How do the observed data readings compare to your predictions?
11. According to the map in your textbook, the Pink-footed Shearwaters were tracked near stations 4W and 6W.
Assuming the conditions in the summer of 2004 were similar to those in 2009, describe what the seabirds
would experience (for each parameter) on their dives.
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