Physical and meteorological data collected from current meters and other instruments from Swedish Lightships from 1860 to 1989 (NCEI Accession 0113242)

Lightships were placed along the Swedish coast to lead the Mariners from 1844 to 1972. From 1860 routine measurements of meteorological and oceanographic (hydrographic) parameters began on board several of the lightships.

The history of the lightships is described in the book Fyrskepp i Sverige (Werner, 1999). The first Swedish lightship was laid out in 1844 at Falsterborev. From 1860, observations were made of wind, air and water temperature, salinity and current once or twice a day at different depths mainly during May - November. The number of lightships made observations has varied in time but a total of 14 have collected data in different periods.

The measurements began in 1860 as a kind of test operations at Finngrundet and Falsterborev and lasted for some years. Around the year 1880 the measurements were resumed and then started measurements even on lightships at Sydostbrotten, Grundkallen, Svenska Bjorn, Kopparstenarna Oskarsgrundet, Kalkgrundet and Svinbadan. Measurements at Fladen started in 1893. Later, measurements at Havringe, Oland rev, Vinga and Grisbadarna. Some lightship continued their measurements until the 1960's, Falsterborev until 1972. Interruptions were made during the first and second world wars.

Other hydrographic measurements have been carried out by small boat or from shore. The measurements at Borno hydrographic station were carried out 1909-1989 and now are only sporadic measurements associated with course activities held here. Hydrographic measurements were made at Varberg 1879-1887, Landsort and Utklippan 1880-1922, Pater Noster 1903-1922 and Hattan and Dynekil 1940-1945. Other hydrographic measurements have been carried out by small boat or from shore. The measurements at Borno hydrographic station were carried out 1909-1989 and now there are only sporadic measurements associated with course activities held here. Hydrographic measurements were made at Varberg 1879-1887, Landsort and Utklippan 1880-1922, Pater Noster 1903-1922 and Hattan and Dynekil 1940-1945.