Abstract:
North Atlantic Atlas Contours is historical digital dataset DSI-9937, archived at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). Major data variables and parameters are as follows: file contains x and y coordinates for contour lines of statistics (means, percent frequency exceeding given cut off values) for air and sea surface temperature, wind speed, dew point, visibility, precipitation, clouds and wave heights. These statistics were derived from data contained in the marine surface observations file, DSI-1100 (C00001). DSI-1100 contains data collected from many different maritime nations for the period of late 1800's to early 1970's.
Purpose:
To make a wide range of climatic data available to researchers and the public.
Quality
ATTRIBUTE ACCURACY REPORT: Several data quality problems were found in the original observations. Some of the resulting biases were removed during data processing, but some biases remain. These problems are outlined in the text of the 'U.S. Navy Marine Climatic Atlas of the World'.
LOGICAL CONSISTENCY REPORT: Unknown
... COMPLETENESS REPORT: Completeness information not available.
LINEAGE/PROCESS STEP: PROCESS DESCRIPTION: These statistics were derived from data contained in the Marine Surface Observations file, former DSI-1100 (C00001). The DSI-1100 file contains data collected from many different maritime nations for the period of late 1800's to early 1970's. Data from the DSI-1100 file were selected for the North Atlantic and passed through an in depth validation. These data were then summarized by 1 degree squares for coastal regions and 2 degree squares for open ocean. The summarized data and number of observations were then plotted on charts and analyzed by a team of meteorologists. The analyzed contour charts were then digitized. A sufficient number of points were digitized to define all inflection points and singularities. The x, y coordinates of the contours and centers make up this North Atlantic contour file. The final step of processing was to re-plot the digitized charts at 100 percent and compare them to the original analyzed charts. Corrections were made and another comparison done. This was repeated until all corrections were made. PROCESS DATE: Unknown
Access Constraints
ACCESS CONSTRAINTS: None
DISTRIBUTION LIABILITY: Every effort has been made to ensure that these data are accurate and reliable within the limits of current NOAA quality control procedures. NOAA can only certify that the data provided to its customers is an authentic copy of the records which were accepted for inclusion in NOAA archives. NOAA cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in the data, nor as a result of the failure of the data to function on a particular system. NOAA makes no warranty, expressed or implied, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty.
