Copepod density gradient experiments near Scripps Canyon in La Jolla, CA from August to September 2017

Abstract

This dataset is from a set of three experiments conducted on August 1, September 6, and September 9 in 2017, to observe the effect of density gradients (of differing strengths) on the vertical distribution and behavior of the copepod Calanus pacificus. Each experiment consisted of three treatments: a control (without a density gradient), a tank with a weak gradient (with the density of the top layer about 0.0020 kg/m3 less than that of the bottom layer), and a tank with a strong gradient (with the density of the top layer about 0.0040 kg/m3 less than that of the bottom layer). Copepod movement was recorded with two cameras to construct 2D and 3D trajectories of the copepods.

For a complete list of measurements, refer to the full dataset description in the supplemental file 'Dataset_description.pdf'. The most current version of this dataset is available at: https://www.bco-dmo.org/dataset/773555