Visualization of 3d profiling data

Using high resolution CTD cast data off our SeaBird (shown entering the abys at left) dumped into R is producing fantastic 3D colour images of sensor data over space and time. The temperature image clearly shows the timing and depth of temperature stratification and the changing extent of mixing zones. The fluorescence image shows the seasonal changes in phytoplankton biomass (detected as chlorophyll fluorescence) and the depths of chlorophyll maxima. Those maxima are not at the surface. They are commonly several meters below the surface, which has implications for the depth distribution of zooplankton that feed on phytoplankton.