INSTRUCTIONS FOR CODING THE SUBSURFACE OBSERVATIONS (DETAIL CARDS) 

 (See Appendix II for sample Physical and Chemical Data Form) 



Columns 1-24 are omitted from the coding form. The entries for these 

 columns on the Detail Card are identical to the Master Card. 



Columns 2^-27 MESSENGER TIME 



Enter hour and tenths of hour in GMT at time of release of messenger 

 applicable to the ohservational level. Table 2 converts minutes to tenths 

 of an hour. The time entry also serves to distinguish multiple casts at 

 one station. When a station began on one day continues into the next day, 

 all casts made on the second day should have 24 hours added to the messenger 

 time. If messenger times are not given for multi-cast stations, but indi- 

 vidual casts are Identified, enter the numeral 1 in Column 27 for all 

 depths of the first cast, a 2 in Column 27 for all depths of the next cast, 

 and 3^ 4, etc. for all depths of subsequent casts. 



Columns 28-32 DEPTH OF SAMPLE 



Enter depth of sample in meters in Columns 28-31. (When sample depths 

 are greater than 9999 meters, enter the extra digit in Column 28. ) Column 

 32 may be used to enter tenths of a meter or a question mark for doubtful 

 depths. To indicate thermometrically determined depths, place a dagger (t) 

 in Column 32 at each depth that both an unprotected thermometer and pro- 

 tected thermometer were used. (The entries in the depth field should be 

 corrected depths only; however, if depth entries are uncorrected "wire-out" 

 depths, enter the letter Z in Column 32 of the coding form. ) Standard depths 

 which have not been sampled need not be entered on the data fomi; interpo- 

 lated values for these depths are normally computed by NODC. The originator 

 of the data may, however, code his own interpolations at standard depths. 

 The messenger time for these depths must be left blank and the numeral 7 

 must be entered in Column 80 of the coding fonii. 



Columns 33-37 TEMPERATURE 



Enter temperature in °C. to hundredths in Columns 33-36. Column 37 

 may be used for entering an additional (thousandths) decimal, a precision 

 indicator coded according to Table 28, or a doubtful data indicator (?). 

 To indicate a negative temperature, place a prominent minus sign in red 

 before the numeral entry in Column 33- (Column 33 has extra width for 

 this purpose. ) 



11 



