Skip to main content
Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Alabama Near Coastal Meteorological & Hydrographic Continuous Data Sampling from 2003 to present

browse graphicPreview graphic
The Alabama Real-time Coastal Observing System (ARCOS) with support of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is a network of continuously sampling observing stations that collect observations of meteorological and hydrographic data from fixed stations operating across coastal Alabama. Data were collected from 2003 through the present and include parameters such as air temperature, relative humidity, solar and quantum radiation, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation amounts, water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, water height, and other water quality data. Stations, when possible, are designed to collect the same data in the same way, though there are exceptions given unique location needs (see individual accession abstracts for details). Stations are strategically placed to sample across salinity gradients, from delta to offshore, and the width of the coast.
  • Cite as: Dauphin Island Sea Lab (2018). Alabama Near Coastal Meteorological & Hydrographic Continuous Data Sampling from 2003 to present. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/3edp-9d76. Accessed [date].
gov.noaa.nodc:DISL_ARCOS
Full Text · XML
Search Data
  • Granule Search (search)
    Search for data granules belonging to this collection (a granule is the smallest aggregation of data that can be independently described and retrieved).
Distribution Formats
  • CSV
  • XML
Ordering Instructions Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
+1-301-713-3277
NCEI.Info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Time Period 2003-02-24 to Present
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -88.21
East: -87.56
South: 30.09
North: 30.67
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Associated Resources
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2018-08-22
  • revision: 2021-03-05
Data Presentation Form Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Ongoing - data is continually being updated
Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency As needed
Supplemental Information
The value of coastal observing systems is recognized by the U.S. Congress, the National Ocean Partnership Program, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration. Reports by the Pew Oceans Commission and U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy have decried the lack of information from near coastal waters on which to base management decisions and recommended monitoring programs linked to strong research. Reasons for continuous, real-time observations of meteorological and hydrographic parameters include (1) continuous characterization of spatial and temporal patterns of change in water quality, (2) development of a permanent record of significant and human caused changes in environmental indicators over time, and (3) support for research and management activities through the availability of consistent, scientifically valid data. An additional benefit of real-time observation is the potential for the public to track and learn about water quality conditions. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab has worked with many partners and funding agencies to provide continuous meteorological and hydrographic data from across the Alabama coast for a variety of stakeholders, improving coastal research, decision-making, and environmental literacy. Near real-time data are available in a user-friendly format at www.mymobilebay.com. Informative pop-ups describe each parameter and graphs of each may be displayed for the visitor to the website. Researchers may download the data in a spreadsheet format for further analysis.
Purpose This dataset is available to the public for a wide variety of uses including scientific research and analysis.
Use Limitations
  • accessLevel: Public
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: Dauphin Island Sea Lab (2018). Alabama Near Coastal Meteorological & Hydrographic Continuous Data Sampling from 2003 to present. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/3edp-9d76. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors
Contributors
Resource Providers
Publishers
Acknowledgments
  • Related Funding Agency: US DOC; NOAA; NOS; NCCOS; RESTORE Science Program
Theme keywords NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS WMO_CategoryCode
  • oceanography
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords Originator Keywords
  • ADCP
  • Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler
  • Current Direction
  • Current Magnitude
  • Current Profile
  • Current Speed
  • Current Velocity
  • Estuarine
  • NEMO
  • Real Time
  • Surface Current
  • Vertical Profile
  • Water Height
  • Wave Direction
  • Wave Height
  • Wave Period
  • air temperature
  • barometric pressure
  • continuous monitoring
  • dissolved oxygen
  • dissolved oxygen mg/L
  • dissolved oxygen percent
  • hydrographic
  • meteorological
  • monitoring
  • near real-time
  • precipitation
  • quantum radiation
  • relative humidity
  • salinity
  • solar radiation
  • water depth
  • water level
  • water quality
  • water temperature
  • wind direction
  • wind speed
Provider Datatypes
  • Dissolved Oxygen Percent
  • Dissolved Oxygen mg/L
  • Quantum Radiation
  • Solar Radiation
  • Water Height
Provider Keywords
  • Display Height
  • Dissolved Oxygen
  • Dissolved Oxygen Percent
  • Dissolved Oxygen mg/L
  • Julian Day
  • Julian date
  • Quantum Radiation
  • Solar Radiation
  • Water Height
Data Center keywords NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS
Platform keywords NODC PLATFORM NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Platform Keywords
Instrument keywords NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords Provider Instrument Types
  • Campbell Sci. Temperature and RH Probe HMP45AC
  • Li-Cor Quantum Sensor LI-190SB
  • Li-Cor Quantum Sensor LI-200X-L
  • Optical Dissolved Oxygen sensor
  • R.M. Young Wind Monitor
  • Stainless Steel Gauge
  • Tipping Rain Bucket Gaage
  • Vaisala Barometer PTB101B
  • electrode cell with autoranging
Provider Instruments
  • Barometer
  • Campbe Sci. Temperature and RH Probe HMP45AC
  • Campbell Scientific Temperature and Relative Humidity Probe HC2S3
  • Campbell Scientific Temperature and Relative Humidity Probe HMP45AC
  • Electrode cell with Autoranging
  • Li-Cor Quantum Sensor LI-190SB
  • Li-Cor Quantum Sensor LI-200X-L
  • Optical Dissolved Oxygen sensor
  • Pyronometer
  • Quantum Sensor
  • R.M. Young Wind Monitor
  • Stainless Steel Gauge
  • Stainless Steel Guage
  • Tipping Rain Bucket Gauge
  • Tipping Rain Bucket Guage
  • Vaisala Barometer PTB101B
  • Vaisala HMP 45C Humidity and temperature probe
  • Vaisala HMP45C Humidity and temperature probe
Place keywords NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords Originator Place Names
  • Alabama
  • Baldwin County
  • Battleship Parkway
  • Bon Secour
  • Causeway
  • Cedar Point
  • DISL
  • Dauphin Island
  • Dauphin Island Sea Lab
  • Gulf of Mexico
  • Katrina Cut
  • Meaher State Park
  • Middle Bay Light
  • Middle Bay Lighthouse
  • Mississippi Sound
  • Mobile
  • Mobile Bay
  • Mobile Ship Channel
  • Orange Beach
  • Perdido Pass
  • Spanish Fort
Provider Place Names
  • Alabama
  • Coast Alabamaa
  • Dauphin Island
  • Dauphin Island, Alabama
  • Mississippi Sound
  • Mobile Bay
  • Mobile Bay, Alabama
Provider Sea Names
  • Mobile Bay
Project keywords NODC PROJECT NAMES THESAURUS Programs
  • Mobile Bay Environmental Monitoring Programs
Provider Project Names
  • Alabama Real-time Coastal Observing System
  • Alabama Real-time Coastal Observing Systems
  • Mobile Bay Environmental Monitoring Program
  • Mobile Bay Environmental Monitoring Program, Alabama Real-Time Coastal Observing System
  • Mobile Bay Environmental Monitoring Programs
Keywords NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER
Use Constraints
  • Cite as: Dauphin Island Sea Lab (2018). Alabama Near Coastal Meteorological & Hydrographic Continuous Data Sampling from 2003 to present. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/3edp-9d76. Accessed [date].
Access Constraints
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: series
Processing Steps
  • 2013-12-17T15:59:34Z - NCEI Accession 0114998 v1.1 was published.
  • 2014-04-04T10:31:32Z - NCEI Accession 0117377 v1.1 was published.
  • 2014-04-04T10:34:20Z - NCEI Accession 0117376 v1.1 was published.
  • 2014-04-04T10:42:39Z - NCEI Accession 0117373 v1.1 was published.
  • 2014-04-04T10:47:30Z - NCEI Accession 0117372 v1.1 was published.
  • 2014-04-04T10:52:32Z - NCEI Accession 0117375 v1.1 was published.
  • 2014-04-04T10:55:35Z - NCEI Accession 0117374 v1.1 was published.
  • 2014-04-07T15:50:28Z - NCEI Accession 0114998 was revised and v2.2 was published.
  • 2014-05-20T13:55:09Z - NCEI Accession 0118645 v1.1 was published.
  • 2014-10-16T14:28:15Z - NCEI Accession 0122658 v1.1 was published.
  • 2016-01-15T14:26:47Z - NCEI Accession 0140527 v1.1 was published.
  • 2016-01-22T14:58:18Z - NCEI Accession 0140929 v1.1 was published.
  • 2016-01-26T12:52:46Z - NCEI Accession 0141138 v1.1 was published.
  • 2016-01-26T12:57:13Z - NCEI Accession 0141137 v1.1 was published.
  • 2016-01-26T13:01:15Z - NCEI Accession 0141139 v1.1 was published.
  • 2016-01-26T13:09:16Z - NCEI Accession 0141140 v1.1 was published.
  • 2016-01-26T19:19:17Z - NCEI Accession 0141141 v1.1 was published.
  • 2017-02-10T15:15:30Z - NCEI Accession 0159585 v1.1 was published.
  • 2017-02-10T15:15:41Z - NCEI Accession 0159579 v1.1 was published.
  • 2017-02-10T15:15:52Z - NCEI Accession 0159581 v1.1 was published.
  • 2017-02-10T15:16:02Z - NCEI Accession 0159582 v1.1 was published.
  • 2017-02-10T15:20:14Z - NCEI Accession 0159586 v1.1 was published.
  • 2017-02-10T15:25:16Z - NCEI Accession 0159584 v1.1 was published.
  • 2017-02-10T15:26:15Z - NCEI Accession 0159583 v1.1 was published.
  • 2018-04-24T10:32:21Z - NCEI Accession 0172587 v1.1 was published.
  • 2018-04-26T09:46:24Z - NCEI Accession 0172809 v1.1 was published.
  • 2018-04-26T09:58:21Z - NCEI Accession 0172810 v1.1 was published.
  • 2018-04-27T12:29:10Z - NCEI Accession 0172811 v1.1 was published.
  • 2018-05-01T11:32:23Z - NCEI Accession 0172945 v1.1 was published.
  • 2018-05-01T11:33:09Z - NCEI Accession 0172946 v1.1 was published.
  • 2018-05-01T11:38:10Z - NCEI Accession 0172947 v1.1 was published.
  • 2019-04-16T23:18:51Z - NCEI Accession 0187481 v1.1 was published.
  • 2019-04-16T23:19:04Z - NCEI Accession 0187480 v1.1 was published.
  • 2019-04-16T23:19:17Z - NCEI Accession 0187195 v1.1 was published.
  • 2019-04-17T13:56:24Z - NCEI Accession 0187483 v1.1 was published.
  • 2019-04-18T17:53:20Z - NCEI Accession 0187374 v1.1 was published.
  • 2019-05-09T12:25:25Z - NCEI Accession 0187988 v1.1 was published.
  • 2019-05-09T13:01:29Z - NCEI Accession 0187482 v1.1 was published.
  • 2020-02-12T21:19:25Z - NCEI Accession 0209068 v1.1 was published.
  • 2020-03-10T20:33:09Z - NCEI Accession 0209196 v1.1 was published.
  • 2020-03-10T20:57:48Z - NCEI Accession 0209197 v1.1 was published.
  • 2020-03-10T20:58:13Z - NCEI Accession 0209135 v1.1 was published.
  • 2020-03-24T17:07:25Z - NCEI Accession 0209224 v1.1 was published.
  • 2020-03-25T10:50:40Z - NCEI Accession 0209227 v1.1 was published.
  • 2020-03-26T15:24:27Z - NCEI Accession 0209108 v1.1 was published.
  • 2021-02-19T22:01:51Z - NCEI Accession 0224648 v1.1 was published.
  • 2021-02-19T23:50:20Z - NCEI Accession 0225238 v1.1 was published.
  • 2021-02-19T23:50:33Z - NCEI Accession 0225237 v1.1 was published.
  • 2021-03-05T21:01:41Z - NCEI Accession 0224292 v1.1 was published.
  • 2021-03-05T21:02:05Z - NCEI Accession 0224981 v1.1 was published.
  • 2021-03-05T21:03:15Z - NCEI Accession 0224293 v1.1 was published.
  • 2021-03-05T21:03:28Z - NCEI Accession 0224647 v1.1 was published.
Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument
  • ADCP
  • anemometer
  • barometer
  • barometric pressure sensor
  • bucket
  • conductivity sensor
  • fluorometer
  • humidity sensor
  • meteorological sensor
  • multi-parameter water quality sensor
  • oxygen sensor
  • PAR Sensor
  • pressure sensor
  • pyranometer
  • rain gauge
  • spectrophotometer
  • temperature probe
  • thermistor
  • thermometer
Platform
  • moored buoys
Last Modified: 2024-03-08T13:09:08Z
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov