Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2025-755
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2025-755
27 Dec 2025
 | 27 Dec 2025
Status: this preprint is currently under review for the journal ESSD.

A 28-year-long (1997–2024) hydrographic dataset from the southern Baltic Sea

Daniel Rak, Anna Izabela Bulczak, Waldemar Walczowski, Piotr Wieczorek, Małgorzata Merchel, Robert Osiński, Ilona Goszczko, Agnieszka Beszczynska-Moeller, Agnieszka Strzelewicz, and Małgorzata Kitowska

Abstract. The data set presented here consists of Conductivity–Temperature–Depth (CTD) observations collected during 96 research cruises of R/V Oceania across the southern Baltic Sea between 1997 and 2024. The collection comprises towed and vertical station profiles acquired along a repeat transect spanning the Arkona Basin, Bornholm Basin, Słupsk Furrow, and Gdańsk Basin. Acquisition and post-processing procedures include standardized parsing of CNV/TXT files, robust time/position handling, pressure-binning to 1 dbar, median filtering, automated geolocation quality control, and pruning of incomplete profiles. The dataset enables analyses of seasonal to decadal variability in temperature and salinity, inflow propagation, ventilation events, and model validation. Manufacturer specifications for the principal instruments (Guildline 87104, Idronaut OS316/OS316Plus, Sea-Bird SBE49, Sea-Bird SBE19plus) are summarized to inform uncertainty assessment.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
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Daniel Rak, Anna Izabela Bulczak, Waldemar Walczowski, Piotr Wieczorek, Małgorzata Merchel, Robert Osiński, Ilona Goszczko, Agnieszka Beszczynska-Moeller, Agnieszka Strzelewicz, and Małgorzata Kitowska

Status: open (until 02 Feb 2026)

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Daniel Rak, Anna Izabela Bulczak, Waldemar Walczowski, Piotr Wieczorek, Małgorzata Merchel, Robert Osiński, Ilona Goszczko, Agnieszka Beszczynska-Moeller, Agnieszka Strzelewicz, and Małgorzata Kitowska

Data sets

Southern Baltic Sea hydrographic CTD profiles along the Arkona–Bornholm–Słupsk–Gdańsk transect (1997–2024) Daniel Rak https://doi.org/10.48457/IOPAN.2025.531

Daniel Rak, Anna Izabela Bulczak, Waldemar Walczowski, Piotr Wieczorek, Małgorzata Merchel, Robert Osiński, Ilona Goszczko, Agnieszka Beszczynska-Moeller, Agnieszka Strzelewicz, and Małgorzata Kitowska
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Latest update: 27 Dec 2025
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Short summary
This 28-year study collects vital oceanographic data from the southern Baltic. We used specialized instruments on a vessel to measure water temperature and saltiness along a repeated route, covering four major sea basins. This unique, long-term record is now publicly available and crucial for improving sea models and monitoring the health and dynamics of this important European Sea.
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