International Comprehensive Ocean Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS) in Near-Real Time (NRT) Version 2.5 (Version Superseded)

Please note, this dataset has been superseded by a newer version (see below). Users should not use this version except in rare cases (e.g., when reproducing previous studies that used this version). The International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS) Near-Real-Time (NRT) product is an extension of the official ICOADS dataset with preliminary Global Telecommunication System (GTS) data. The data is only considered 'preliminary' until fully incorporated into a full update of the ICOADS dataset. This data set is a merged product from various marine GTS data containing surface marine observations from many different observing systems, creating a complete and heterogeneous collection of surface marine data. Observations are taken primarily from ships (merchant, ocean research, fishing, navy, etc.) and moored and drifting buoys. Each report contains individual observations of meteorological and oceanographic variables, such as sea surface and air temperatures, winds, pressure, humidity, wet bulb, dew point, ocean waves and cloudiness. The data are marine GTS data in IMMA format that are quality controlled and blended together, first with duplicates (Intermediate product), then quality controlled for final product with a final output summary. The intermediate output is used to conduct studies on the GTS transmissions, duplicates, ship tracking, etc. Then the data is blended through a duplicate elimination routine (dupelim) for a single monthly product. The Output Summary product is a statistical summary of the dataset along with justifications for duplicate deletions that occurred during the blending process. User groups include sea surface temperature analysis, global surface temperature analysis, model/reanalysis input, and general ocean research. The dataset will be produced and archived monthly. Spatial coverage is global and the current period of record for these files will begin in January 2008 to the most current month. Any updates will not be incorporated in this dataset, but will be added to the new releases of the official ICOADS dataset in delayed mode. The data will be formated to the most current IMMA standard in ASCII file format.