Tech Tips

Q&A: Identifying Data Types

Posted on 04.28.2021

unlabled data from a HydroCAT-EP multiparameter probe

The data above came from a HydroCAT-EP multiparameter CTD in a shallow embayment from April - November. Can you correctly label the 4 plots shown above? The HydroCAT-EP measures the following parameters:

Temperature
Conductivity
Pressure
Dissolved oxygen
pH
Chlorophyll
Turbidity

Hint: this area is subject to periods of eutrophication during the late summer/early fall.

Time series of temperature, chlorophyll, dissolved oxygen, and pH in a shallow embayment

From top to bottom, the plots contain:

Temperature (°C)
Chlorophyll (µg/L)
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
pH

Chlorophyll and dissolved oxygen are monitored closely at this site, as nitrate loading from a nearby harbor contributes to low dissolved oxygen conditions. Multiparameter instruments like the HydroCAT-EP help to catch these events and tie each parameter into a broader context.