The research vessels (RV Cape Ferguson and RV Solander) of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) routinely record along-track (underway) measurements of near-surface water temperature, salinity, chlorophyll fluorescence, and turbidity during scientific operations in the tropical waters of northern Australia. All data records include sampling time (UTC), position (latitude and longitude) and water depth (under keel).

Data are recorded at 10 second intervals. Data are measured with a Seabird SBE38 thermometer, Seabird SBE21 thermosalinograph and Wetlabs ECO-FLNTU-RT (optical sensor for chlorophyll fluorescence and turbidity). The turbidity data (NTU) are currently regarded as provisional in the absence of local validation due to intermittent bubble contamination. The sampling intakes are located at depths of 1.9m (RV Cape Ferguson) and 2.5m (RV Solander).

The data is used to inform spatial patchiness of these variables and for ongoing validation of satellite ocean temperature and ocean colour products.

The IMOS Ships of Opportunity, Sensors on Tropical Research Vessels sub-Facility was discontinued in June 2022. Sea surface temperature data collected by Australian Institute of Marine Science research vessels continues to be provided via the IMOS Ships of Opportunity, Sea Surface Temperature Sensors for Australian Vessels sub-Facility. The near real time sea surface temperature data are quality controlled by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and uploaded onto the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) for global dissemination to be used in real time sea surface temperature analyses and climate data records, and also uploaded to the Australian Ocean Data Network.

All data are available on the Time Series Explorer https://apps.aims.gov.au/ts-explorer/ as well as the API and R tools packages linked below.

Until 30 June 2022, the quality-controlled, near real time RV Cape Ferguson and RV Solander underway data were supplied to the IMOS Australian Ocean Data Network Portal ( https://portal.aodn.org.au/search?uuid=ca15915b-38c5-4e95-8d25-9cc42c4dd48 5). Since 1 July 2022, only sea surface temperature and salinity data are available through AODN.

Data (till 30 June 2022) are also available through the AODN THREDDS Server ( http://thredds.aodn.org.au/thredds/catalog/IMOS/SOOP/SOOP-TRV/catalog.html ).