AUTHOR=Jiang Li-Qing , Pierrot Denis , Wanninkhof Rik , Feely Richard A. , Tilbrook Bronte , Alin Simone , Barbero Leticia , Byrne Robert H. , Carter Brendan R. , Dickson Andrew G. , Gattuso Jean-Pierre , Greeley Dana , Hoppema Mario , Humphreys Matthew P. , Karstensen Johannes , Lange Nico , Lauvset Siv K. , Lewis Ernie R. , Olsen Are , Pérez Fiz F. , Sabine Christopher , Sharp Jonathan D. , Tanhua Toste , Trull Thomas W. , Velo Anton , Allegra Andrew J. , Barker Paul , Burger Eugene , Cai Wei-Jun , Chen Chen-Tung A. , Cross Jessica , Garcia Hernan , Hernandez-Ayon Jose Martin , Hu Xinping , Kozyr Alex , Langdon Chris , Lee Kitack , Salisbury Joe , Wang Zhaohui Aleck , Xue Liang TITLE=Best Practice Data Standards for Discrete Chemical Oceanographic Observations JOURNAL=Frontiers in Marine Science VOLUME=8 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.705638 DOI=10.3389/fmars.2021.705638 ISSN=2296-7745 ABSTRACT=

Effective data management plays a key role in oceanographic research as cruise-based data, collected from different laboratories and expeditions, are commonly compiled to investigate regional to global oceanographic processes. Here we describe new and updated best practice data standards for discrete chemical oceanographic observations, specifically those dealing with column header abbreviations, quality control flags, missing value indicators, and standardized calculation of certain properties. These data standards have been developed with the goals of improving the current practices of the scientific community and promoting their international usage. These guidelines are intended to standardize data files for data sharing and submission into permanent archives. They will facilitate future quality control and synthesis efforts and lead to better data interpretation. In turn, this will promote research in ocean biogeochemistry, such as studies of carbon cycling and ocean acidification, on regional to global scales. These best practice standards are not mandatory. Agencies, institutes, universities, or research vessels can continue using different data standards if it is important for them to maintain historical consistency. However, it is hoped that they will be adopted as widely as possible to facilitate consistency and to achieve the goals stated above.