Conductivity, temperature, and depth

Mounted on the bottom of the Float, just below the surface, is the Seabird GPCTD with Dissolved Oxygen Sensor, or CTD--an acronym for conductivity, temperature, and depth, which is a standard oceanic observation tool for determining essential physical properties of sea water.

A constant flow of water through the device gives a comprehensive charting of the distribution and variation of water temperature, salinity, and density.