MD DNR Vertical Water Quality Profiler Project 2015

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Metadata:

Identification_Information:
Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Resource Assessment Service (MD DNR RAS)
Publication_Date: 20160224
Title: MD DNR Vertical Water Quality Profiler Project 2015
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Spatial dataset
Description:
Abstract:
Water quality was monitored at a site in Harris Creek, a tributary of the Choptank River and the site of a large-scale oyster restoration project. A vertical profiling system (YSI 6951), equipped with a YSI (6600V2-M) data sonde, was used to sample seven environmental parameters: water temperature, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen concentration, oxygen percent saturation, pH, turbidity, and fluorescence. Salinity and chlorophyll were derived from specific conductance and fluorescence, respectively. Profiles were conducted hourly, with measurements recorded at approximate 0.5 meter depth intervals throughout the entire water column. Total depth at this station measured between 2.5-3.0 meters.
Purpose:
Harris Creek is a tributary of the Choptank River, located on Maryland's eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. A designated oyster sanctuary, Harris Creek is the site of a large-scale oyster restoration project being conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR), The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE). The 2015 MD DNR Vertical Water Quality Profiler Project characterized the vertical and temporal variability of water quality at a single site in Harris Creek. Data from the project may help fisheries managers better understand how water quality affects the settlement of oyster larvae as well as the growth and survival of juvenile oysters.
During the 2015 monitoring season, the MD DNR Shallow Water Monitoring Program deployed two additional continuous monitors at locations upstream and downstream of the vertical profiler. The monitors at stations XFG6431 (upstream) and XFG2810 (downstream) were anchored at a fixed depth 0.3 meters above the creek bottom. Together, data from all three stations can be used to characterize the temporal and spatial variability of water quality along the length of Harris Creek.
Supplemental_Information:
Prior to performing each hourly profile, the profiler data sonde collected a surface water reading while resting in the parked position at 1 meter depth. These hourly surface readings from the profiler sonde are reported as part of the MD DNR Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Project for 2015. Citation information for the 2015 MD DNR Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Project is provided in the Cross Reference portion of this metadata record.
Generally, the data sonde for the profiler was exchanged with a freshly calibrated sonde bi-weekly. When the data sonde was exchanged, water samples were collected for laboratory analysis of chlorophyll a, phaeophytin, total suspended solids, and alkalinity. At the same time, Secchi disk depth was measured and a HydroLab (series III or IV) water quality sonde was used to collect discrete water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH data. Light attenuation was also measured using a LiCor instrument. The data collected during field visits can be accessed through the Chesapeake Bay Program CIMS DataHub: [<http://www.chesapeakebay.net/data/index.htm>]
Site visits were conducted following the protocols of the MD DNR Shallow Water Monitoring Program. Detailed descriptions of the field and laboratory procedures can be found in the following documentation:
MDDNR Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Project Metadata for 2015 can be found using publication type 'Metadata' to search the monitoring stories and publications page of <http://www.eyesonthebay.net>
Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Chesapeake Bay Shallow Water Quality Monitoring Program, for the period July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016, can be found using publication type 'Quality Assurance Project Plan' to search the monitoring stories and publications page of <http://www.eyesonthebay.net>
Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 20150410
Ending_Date: 20150909
Currentness_Reference: Ground condition
Status:
Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: As needed
Spatial_Domain:
Bounding_Coordinates:
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -76.303383
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -76.303383
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 38.743233
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 38.743233
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2015. GCMD Keywords, Version 8.1. Greenbelt, MD: Global Change Data Center, Science and Exploration Directorate, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). [online: <http://gcmd.nasa.gov/learn/keywords.html>]
Theme_Keyword: Biosphere > Aquatic Ecosystems > Estuarine Habitat
Theme_Keyword:
Biosphere > Ecological Dynamics > Ecosystem Functions > Primary Production
Theme_Keyword:
Terrestrial Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Chlorophyll
Theme_Keyword:
Terrestrial Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Conductivity
Theme_Keyword:
Terrestrial Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Light Transmission
Theme_Keyword:
Terrestrial Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Oxygen
Theme_Keyword: Terrestrial Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > pH
Theme_Keyword:
Terrestrial Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Suspended Solids
Theme_Keyword:
Terrestrial Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Turbidity
Theme_Keyword:
Terrestrial Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Water Temperature
Place:
Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: Producer Defined
Place_Keyword: United States
Place_Keyword: Maryland
Place_Keyword: Chesapeake Bay
Place_Keyword: Choptank River
Place_Keyword: Harris Creek
Place_Keyword: Talbot County
Place_Keyword: USA
Place_Keyword: MD
Temporal:
Temporal_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Temporal_Keyword: 2015
Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:
Acknowledgement of the MD Department of Natural Resources, Resource Assessment Service as a data source would be appreciated in products developed from these data.
Point_of_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Mark Trice
Contact_Organization:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Resource Assessment Service
Contact_Position: Program Chief, Water Quality Informatics
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: Mailing and physical address
Address: Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, D-2
City: Annapolis
State_or_Province: MD
Postal_Code: 21401
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 410 260-8630
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:
mark.trice_nospam_@maryland.gov[Remove _nospam_ for valid email address]
Browse_Graphic:
Browse_Graphic_File_Name:
MD DNR Continuous Monitoring Project 2015 Station Map can be found using publication type 'map' to search the monitoring stories and publications page of <http://www.eyesonthebay.net>
Browse_Graphic_File_Description:
Map of MD DNR Continuous Monitoring Sites for 2015. The vertical profiler is listed as "PRO - Harris Creek Profiler" (Station XFG4618).
Browse_Graphic_File_Type: PDF
Data_Set_Credit:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Resource Assessment Service staff maintained the profiler and the data sondes, and processed the data. The project was made possible with funding provided by The State of Maryland and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Chesapeake Bay Program Office.
Cross_Reference:
Citation_Information:
Originator:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Resource Assessment Service
Publication_Date: 20160224
Title: MD DNR Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Project 2015
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Spatial dataset
Online_Linkage:
MD DNR continuous monitoring data for 2015 are available through the Continuous Monitoring - Archived Results page of Eyes on the Bay website <http://www.eyesonthebay.net>. Access sonde data by following website instructions.
Data_Quality_Information:
Attribute_Accuracy:
Attribute_Accuracy_Report:
MD DNR followed specific procedures to ensure that the Vertical Water Quality Profiler Project design was properly implemented and managed with sufficient accuracy, precision, and detection limits. Accuracy (closeness to the true value) of collected data was controlled and assured by the proper use, calibration and maintenance of field equipment for the measurement of physical and chemical parameters.
The vertical profiler system consisted of a YSI 6951 pontoon platform fitted with a YSI 6960 Controller Assembly and a YSI 6955 Winch Assembly. A YSI 6600V2-M monitoring sonde was suspended from the vertical profiler to measure water quality.
The YSI 6600V2-M sonde was configured with the following probes: 6560(conductivity/temperature); 6561(bulb pH) or 6579(tall pH) or 5091(flat pH); 6136(turbidity); 6150ROX (dissolved oxygen); 6025(fluorescence/chlorophyll). Resolution, range and accuracy specifications for the sonde and probes may be obtained from the manufacturer. [<http://www.ysi.com/productsdetail.php?6600V2-1>]
Procedures used to control and assure the accuracy of field measurements consisted of equipment maintenance, calibration of field instruments, and verification of calibrations. Details of how data acquired with YSI sondes were quality assured and quality controlled may be found in the process description elements in the Lineage portion of this metadata record.
Logical_Consistency_Report:
The vertical profiler conducted profiles every hour beginning at the top of the hour. Profiles were conducted in a "bottom up" manner, with the first reading for each profile sequence taken at 2m below the surface. As the instrument rose through the water column, additional readings were taken at depths of 1.5m, 1.0m, and 0.5m below the surface. The profiler moved to a new depth about every 2 minutes and complete profile took approximately 8 minutes to complete.
Although the profiler was programmed to collect readings at 2.0m, 1.5m, 1.0m, and 0.5m, the actual depths for data collection varied slightly due to wave action and water currents displacing the sonde in the water column. Generally, the depths at which readings were taken were within +/- 0.1m of the programmed depth.
Completeness_Report:
Profile records are missing for the period April 28, 2015 to May 1, 2015, due to the profiler operating in "standby" mode. The profiler switched into "standby" mode after the sonde struck bottom during a profile sequence.
On July 27, 2015, DNR staff were on-site and performing routine maintenance from 10:56am to 11:01am. As a result, the scheduled 11:00am profile on July 27, 2015 was not performed.
On September 4, 2015, the 4:00am profile was skipped due to an instrument malfunction.
Additional profiles may appear in the data record on dates when DNR field biologists exchanged sondes at the profiler site. During field visits, biologists often triggered a profile to be performed in order to test that the instrument was operating properly.
All other sonde attribute values that are missing from the dataset were removed during the data quality control process. Analysts examined the data and masked values that were determined to be unreliable.
Profiler data collection ended on September 9, 2015 when a major equipment malfunction necessitated removing the monitoring instrument for repairs.
Lineage:
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
SONDE CALIBRATION and POST-CALIBRATION: The Yellow Springs Instrument (YSI) 6600V2-M data sondes were maintained and calibrated before and after each deployment in accordance with YSI recommendations: [<http://www.ysi.com/support.php]>. Ecowatch™ software (a YSI product) was used to calibrate the instruments.
FIELD MEASUREMENTS: The vertical profiling system consisted of the YSI 6951 pontoon platform fitted with the YSI 6960 Controller assembly and the YSI 6955 Winch assembly. A YSI 6600V2-M data sonde was suspended from the profiler system to monitor water quality. The monitoring sonde at the profiler site recorded seven water quality parameters at each 0.5 meter depth of the vertical profile. Profiles were conducted every hour, with new depth and parameter readings recorded approximately every 2 minutes. The seven water quality parameters measured were: water temperature, specific conductance (used to calculate salinity), dissolved oxygen concentration, oxygen percent saturation, turbidity (NTU), fluorescence (used to estimate chlorophyll), and pH.
The YSI 6600V2-M sonde was configured with the following probes: 6560(conductivity/temperature); 6561(bulb pH) or 6579(tall pH) or 5091(flat pH); 6136(turbidity); 6150ROX(dissolved oxygen); 6025(fluorescence/chlorophyll). The sonde logged data onto a CR10X datalogger, where it was stored until retrieval. The station was equipped with a cellular telemetry unit, which allowed data to be accessed remotely and transmitted to a server computer at DNR. Data were retrieved every hour and presented on DNR's web site [<http://www.eyesonthebay.net>] every six hours.
SONDE DATA CHECKS: The monitoring sonde was retrieved, calibrated, and replaced bi-weekly from April through September. At each deployment, sondes were replaced with clean, recalibrated units. Dates of sonde replacement in 2015 were: April 10 (initial deployment), April 23, May 14, May 28, June 9, June 25, July 13, July 27, August 10, August 24, September 8, September 9 (sonde removed).
In the field, before an instrument was replaced, field biologists allowed both the new (freshly calibrated) sonde and the old (deployed) sonde to log simultaneous readings side by side at the same depth. In addition, data were recorded from a discrete instrument - usually a HydroLab sonde. This three-way comparison assured that the "new" and "old" sondes were both reading each parameter within a certain tolerance. The HydroLab reading was used as a "double-check", and since it was a discrete reading, it allowed biologists to watch the display and note whether the parameters were fluctuating or stable.
Data were evaluated using both three-way in-situ comparison results and data from sonde calibrations. The comparison tolerances were as follows for both pre- and post-calibration and in-situ comparisons: Temperature (degrees C) +/- 0.2; Specific Conductance (uM/cm) +/- 5%; Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) +/- 0.5 mg/l; pH +/- 0.2; Turbidity (NTU) +/- 5% or 5.0 NTU (whichever is greater); Chlorophyll (ug/l)+/- 5% or 5.0 ug/l. Excessive drift between pre- and post- calibration values of sonde probes, variance from in-situ measurements or probe failures caused data to be flagged. When post-calibration drift exceeded the limits stated above in both the post-calibration and the in-situ comparables, the "bad data" were masked within the data set with an error code.
Process_Date: Unknown
Process_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Kristen Heyer
Contact_Organization:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Resource Assessment Service
Contact_Position: Project Chief (Acting), Monitoring Field Office
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical address
Address: 1919 Lincoln Drive
City: Annapolis
State_or_Province: Maryland
Postal_Code: 21401
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 410 263-3369
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:
Kristen.Heyer_nospam_@maryland.gov[Remove _nospam_ for valid email address]

Process_Step:
Process_Description:
Data downloaded from the sonde were subjected to quality assurance/quality control checks to ensure that values outside the range of possibility were identified in the published dataset. Loggernet™ software (a Campbell Scientific product [<http://www.campbellsci.com>]) was used to download the data collected by the profiler. Using SAS® statistical software, the "raw" .txt file of sonde data was queried to select values that corresponded to a profile measurement (code=105). Also, data columns were rearranged to achieve a format expected by the Excel® macro. The resulting data file was saved as a .csv file.
Each .csv file of sonde data was then post-processed using an Excel® macro. The file was opened and renamed. Rows of data acquired before and after deployment were deleted. Records (if any) were also deleted if instrument error codes indicated invalid data. The macro rearranged columns and inserted error-tracking columns and headings. Macro statements flagged negative values, missing values and highlighted values outside each parameter's normal range. The macro also returned a report summarizing range exceedances. Event and instrument information was appended to each record.
Flagged values were evaluated. Profiler data management software provided by YSI was used to view the data. Common anomalies included spikes in fluorescence and turbidity, dips in specific conductance, and high dissolved oxygen readings. Instrument post-calibration results, in-situ comparisons with HydroLab readings, LiCor readings, historical data from nearby locations, and survey crew remarks were used to determine whether sensor values were acceptable.
In cases where data were determined to be unreliable, the reason(s) were documented with error codes and comments. Unreliable data were masked. No data were discarded. Only data considered reliable were published in reports.
MD DNR scientists reviewed profiler monitoring data weekly. If a problem was identified, a field biologist was dispatched to address the issue as soon as possible.
VERIFICATION AND DATA MANAGEMENT At the end of the monitoring season, DNR data analysts and field biologists conducted additional data QA/QC procedures. All of the data were plotted and outliers and anomalous values were thoroughly researched. Staff compared unusual values to historic values from the site and values from nearby sites in the Bay. Weather events were considered, event logs were reviewed and field staff were consulted regarding possible legitimate causes for the values. In cases where values were not considered legitimate, error codes were assigned. All data were retained in the archive data set. After field staff and the Quality Assurance Officer reviewed error flags, the values were masked within the published dataset.
Process_Date: Unknown
Process_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Mark Trice
Contact_Organization:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Resource Assessment Service
Contact_Position: Program Chief, Water Quality Informatics
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical address
Address: Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, D2
City: Annapolis
State_or_Province: Maryland
Postal_Code: 21401
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 410 260-8630
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:
mark.trice_nospam_@maryland.gov[Remove _nospam_ for valid email address]
Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:
Indirect_Spatial_Reference: Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, USA
Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Point
Spatial_Reference_Information:
Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:
Geographic:
Latitude_Resolution: 0.0001
Longitude_Resolution: 0.0001
Geographic_Coordinate_Units: Decimal degrees
Geodetic_Model:
Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1983
Ellipsoid_Name: Geodetic Reference System 80
Semi-major_Axis: 6378137
Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257
Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
Depth_System_Definition:
Depth_Datum_Name: No correction
Depth_Resolution: 0.001
Depth_Distance_Units: meters
Depth_Encoding_Method: Attribute values
Entity_and_Attribute_Information:
Overview_Description:
Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
This metadata record is a description of a vertical profiler water quality monitoring project for Harris Creek, a tidal tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. Water quality data were collected at 0.5 meter depth intervals at a single station (XFG4618) during 2015.
The data are comprised of the attributes: SAMPLE_DATE: date (month/day/year) SAMPLE_TIME: time, 24 hour format (hour:minutes) STATION: station name (text) SONDE: sonde identifier (text) TOTAL_DEPTH: depth below water surface (meters) BATT: battery charge (Volts) WTEMP: water temperature (degrees Celsius) SPCOND: specific conductance (millimhos per centimeter) SALINITY: salinity (parts per thousand) DO_SAT: dissolved oxygen percent saturation (percent) DO: dissolved oxygen (milligrams per liter) PH: pH (pH units) TURB_NTU: turbidity (Nephelometric Turbidity Units) FLUOR: fluorescence (Relative Fluorescence Units) TCHL_PRE_CAL: chlorophyll (micrograms per liter) CHLA: No data - all data values blank COMMENTS: comments (text)
Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
The Vertical Water Quality Profiler Project was conducted in a manner consistent with the procedures established for the MD DNR Shallow Water Monitoring Program. Data users who desire very detailed information about data-definition, sampling-procedures, and data-processing are encouraged to refer to the document listed below.
Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Chesapeake Bay Shallow Water Quality Monitoring Program, for the period July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016, can be found using publication type 'Quality Assurance Project Plan' to search the monitoring stories and publications page of <http://www.eyesonthebay.net>
Distribution_Information:
Distributor:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Mark Trice
Contact_Organization:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Resource Assessment Service
Contact_Position: Program Chief, Water Quality Informatics
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical address
Address: Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, D-2
City: Annapolis
State_or_Province: Maryland
Postal_Code: 21401
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 410 260-8630
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:
mark.trice_nospam_@maryland.gov[Remove _nospam_ for valid email address]
Resource_Description: Downloadable data
Distribution_Liability:
None of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) partners or any of their employees, contractors, or subcontractors makes any warranty, expressed or implied, nor assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or data contained within the web site. Reference to any specific commercial products, processes, or services or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation or favoring by the MD DNR partners.
Standard_Order_Process:
Digital_Form:
Digital_Transfer_Information:
Format_Name: ASCII file, formatted for text attributes, declared format
Format_Information_Content: Vertical profiler monitoring sonde data
File_Decompression_Technique: No compression applied
Digital_Transfer_Option:
Online_Option:
Computer_Contact_Information:
Network_Address:
Network_Resource_Name:
[<http://eyesonthebay.dnr.maryland.gov/contmon/VerticalProfilerData.cfm>]
Access_Instructions:
Vertical profiler data (sonde data) are available through the vertical profiler data download page of the MD DNR "Eyes on the Bay" website. Access sonde data through the link provided under "Network Resource Name" in this metadata record. A file containing one week of data is approximately 150 kb in size with download times dependent upon computer connection speed.
The complete record of vertical profiler data for 2015 can also be obtained from the MD DNR Resource Assessment Service. Contact information is provided in the "Distributor" portion of this metadata record.
Fees: None
Metadata_Reference_Information:
Metadata_Date: 20160607
Metadata_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Diana Domotor
Contact_Organization:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Resource Assessment Service
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical address
Address: Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, D2
City: Annapolis
State_or_Province: Maryland
Postal_Code: 21401
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: (410) 260-8630
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:
diana.domotor_nospam_@maryland.gov[Remove _nospam_ for valid email address]
Metadata_Standard_Name: Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998
Generated by mp version 2.9.32 on Wed Aug 10 11:31:53 2016