Davis Aerodrome Project (DAP) – Marine Current Profiling Data

Full description

The Davis Aerodrome Project (DAP) collected a range of environmental survey data over several field seasons to support a comprehensive environmental assessment of the proposed aerodrome. This data includes flora, fauna, soils, lake ecosystem, nearshore, marine, air quality and meteorological information which has been collected by a number of different methods, and extends across the current Davis Station, proposed aerodrome and supporting infrastructure footprint (Ridge Site), previous sites considered for the aerodrome (Heidemann Valley, Adams Flat), as well as locations across the Vestfold Hills away from any of the proposed developments.(this text is standard for all DAP datasets being added to the AADC).
This dataset contains short-term nearshore marine current profile data collected to inform environmental assessment processes related to the Australian Antarctic Division’s DAP and Davis Masterplan projects.

Eight current meter deployments were undertaken across six sites in the nearshore marine environment in the vicinity of Davis Research station. Deployment periods ranged from three days (3 x 24hr tide cycle) to two weeks. Sites were selected based on the location of previous sampling activity (CM1-5) and sites of interest to Davis Aerodrome and Davis Masterplan projects with regard to proposed future developments in the area. A second deployment was undertaken at two key sites to increase the sampling interval at each.

Data was collected using a Nortec Aquadopp Profiler 1 MHz. The same instrument was used to collect current profiles at all sites. The instrument was deployed through a 40cm hole drilled through the seaice. It was suspended horizontally in the water column (mid-way between the seafloor and the under surface of the ice) by a bridal attachment and rope secured at the surface (see figure below). A 15cm fin was attached to the base of the instrument for all deployments. In shallow locations the instrument was positioned so that it could not hit the seafloor throughout the lowest tidal cycle during the deployment.

The profile interval was set to record every 900 seconds (15min) for a period of 120 seconds (2min). All instrument settings and recording details are contained in the hdr files saved in each data folder. Start and end dates and times are set out in the “current meter deployment details” spreadsheet.
Temporal coverage
Site No. Deployment Date Retrieval Date
CM1 22/10/2021 2/22/2021
CM2 16/09/2021 19/09/2021
CM2 9/10/2021 22/10/2021
CM3 3/11/2021 12/11/2021
CM5 24/11/2021 4/11/2021
ML 8/12/2021 14/12/2021
OptionA 29/09/2021 2/10/2021
OptionA 14/12/2021 20/12/2021

Spatial coverage
CM2_01_20210919 68.57399536 77.96031373
OptionA_01_20211002 68.57597253 77.96121253
CM2_02_20211022 68.57399536 77.96031373
CM1_01_20211102 68.57749077 77.95758156
CM3_01_20211112 68.57276237 77.94873464
CM5_01_20211204 68.58321738 77.9180513
ML_01_20211214 -68.58381482 77.94507546
OptionA_02_20211220 68.57585945 77.96151685

Lineage

Progress Code: completed

Statement: Prior to starting the sampling program, the instrument was calibrated using the provided software following “The Comprehensive Manual for ADCP’s”. This calibration process set the internal clock, the pressure offset and calibrated the compass. Raw data was downloaded from the current profiling instrument directly after each retrieval. Data was saved to a separate folder for each deployment. No preliminary checks of data quality have been undertaken.

Notes

Purpose
Current profiling data was collected from several nearshore coastal sites in close proximity to Davis Research station. This sampling program aimed to collect base line data on water movement in the area to inform environmental assessment processes being undertaken by the Davis Aerodrome and Davis Masterplan projects.