This ongoing project began in 1988. A total of 38 subsurface recording thermographs have been deployed in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS)and at other selected locations on the Florida Reef Tract and associated hydrologic ecosystems. These instruments have been programmed to record at 2 hour intervals and are placed in permanent housings attached to suitable substrate. Data retrieval, servicing and reprogramming for continuous deployment have occurred, on average, annually. Initially, the collected data are made available to FKNMS Managers and others who monitor and assess environmental conditions that influence FKNMS areas of the Florida Reef Tract. An archival copy of these data is maintained and available from the U.S. National Oceanographic Data Center.
To document bottom seawater temperature in strategic areas of the Florida Reef Tract on a continuing basis and make that information available to management and research user groups.
It is well understood that temperature is a major factor controlling distribution, growth and survival of the world's coral reefs. This is especially true of high latitude reefs such as those of the Florida Reef Tract where seasonal temperature extremes detrimental to coral health frequently occur. Past environmental perturbations in the Caribbean and southeast Florida that may be linked to elevated seawater temperature include coral bleaching, a sea urchin die-off, black band coral disease and a seagrass die-off. The first 3 disturbances occurred on a massive scale throughout the Caribbean and southeast Florida. Large-scale die off of seagrass has thus far only been documented in the Florida Bay area of the Florida Keys. This project is a cost-effective and integral part of an overall plan to monitor the Florida Keys coral reef ecosystem. Associated NODC accessions: years 1989-2003 = 0002809; years 2005-2006 = 0014268. Resource Description: NODC Accession Number 0029107. Associated NODC accessions: years 1989-2003 = 0002809; years 2005-2006 = 0014268.
ground condition
None. NOAA and NODC would appreciate recognition as the resource from which these data were obtained in any publications and/or other representations of these data.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary P.O. Box 500368
Phone, e-mail, letter
Harold Hudson, Project Coordinator, and Jeff Anderson, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
See process steps
Ryan Industries, Inc. recording thermographs were deployed at strategic locations on the Florida Reef Tract during 1988 (selection of this manufacturer's product does not constitute an official product endorsement by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Due to the Ryan Industries discontinuing their product line during the course of the project, a change to another manufacturer's thermograph was implemented. Now, Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc. (selection of this manufacturer's product does not constitute an official product endorsement by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) recording thermographs are used. To date, 38 thermographs have been deployed, completing a permanent network of these sensors from southern Broward County to the Dry Tortugas. In response to extreme anthropogenic events on the Florida Reef Tract and surrounding hydrologic ecosystems (e.g. Massive shipwreck groundings and associated reef restoration), monitoring stations have been positioned to provide project managers additional data for ongoing studies. A hollow, pre-cast concrete coral head or concrete and PVC monument have been used to protect and conceal thermographs. Where appropriate, bolt-on stainless steel brackets were used to secure instruments to structural supports (e.g. concrete or steel pilings) of fixed bridges or navigational aids. Experience has shown that a 2 hour recording mode is adequate to monitor changes in reef tract bottom water temperature. Data has been collected, on average, annually from all instruments. Due to mechanical problems with some instruments, there are occasional gaps in the data streams from some of the monitoring stations.
SSMC3, 4th Floor, E/OC1 1315 East-West Highway
Phone/FAX/E-mail/letter during business hours
NOAA makes no warranty regarding these data, expressed or implied, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and the NODC cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data, nor as a result of the failure of these data to function on a particular system.
comma separated values; Microsoft EXCEL or other spreadsheet, UNIX
Data files, readme files, header file
Data may be directly downloaded through the NODC website at: http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/search/prod/. NODC can be contacted directly for custom orders. (When requesting data from the NODC, the desired data set may be referred to by the 7-digit number given in the RESOURCE DESCRIPTION field of this metadata record).
Contact the NODC User Services Group via phone/FAX/E-mail: nodc.services@noaa.gov
1315 East-West Highway, E/OC1, SSMC3, 4th Floor
E-mail, phone, FAX, mail
