PREFACE 



In the performance of its prime mission, which is to process and archive oceano- 

 graphic data and provide these data on request to the scientific community, the Data 

 Center has found it essential that the data be evaluated before being added to the 

 archive. In the evaluation process, certain analyses of the data are made; these for- 

 mulate the basis by which the Data Center oceanographers assess the data quality. 

 Of course, referral to the analyses contained in contemporary and historical research 

 papers of recognized scientists serve as a basic evaluation reference point. When such 

 analytical information is assembled, it seems desirable that the Data Center make this 

 material available in a consolidated package for use by others. This is the first such 

 document; others will follow at irregular intervals as our processing of station data for 

 the world oceans proceeds. 



