Our sampling dataset includes more than 50,000 data values across 300+ variables, 500+ taxonomic names, 20+ collection methods, and 40+ lab analysis methods. Seawater samples include variables such as salinity, total suspended solids, and dissolved elements. Samples from the benthic zone include taxonomic counts and biomass. Sediment samples include variables such as hydrocarbons, metals, grain size distribution, and stable isotope ratios. All samples include numerical data value, date of sample collection, location in latitude and longitude coordinates, station identifier, sampling method, and the researcher responsible for the measurement.
All data are provided under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) license which states that the data are available for all to use provided that proper credit is given. To cite the dataset:
Kasper, J., K. H. Dunton, B. A. Bluhm, J. H. Trefry, G. Durell, S. Wisdom, S. Libby, S. Schonberg, and T. Whiteaker (2017). Ecosystem monitoring information collected from Norseman II in Beaufort Sea for the ANIMIDA III project from 2014-07-31 to 2015-08-12 (NCEI Accession 0162530). Version 1.1. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. doi:10.7289/V5VQ30R3 [access date]
In the summer when sea ice conditions tend to be more favorable for open water sampling, our multidisciplinary team of research scientists and students embarked on a series of cruises aboard a research vessel equipped with a wide variety of sampling equipment. We collected water and sediment samples for physical, chemical, and biological analysis, biota for chemical and taxonomic analysis, and water column data using a sensor array for physical oceanographic analysis. Many samples were sorted and preserved for post-cruise analysis in top tier research labs. It is the synthesis and interpretation of these sample results which broadens our understanding of this amazing Arctic ecosystem.
Deck work area with plumb-staff beam trawl and haul sorting table
Photo by Bodil Bluhm
Plumb-staff beam trawl layout
Photo by Bodil Bluhm
Double van Veen grab for benthic fauna and sediment sampling
Photo by Bodil Bluhm
Sieve table for rinsing infauna from grab samples
Photo by Bodil Bluhm
Specimens for stable isotope food web analysis
Photo by Bodil Bluhm
Processing a sediment core
Photo by Bodil Bluhm