SECTION 1.0 



ABSTRACT 



This report has been written with the following purposes in mind: 



1. To identify and tentatively define the errors in BT data. 



2. To place on record a preliminary study to indicate to persons not familiar with the 

 device the limitation of the bathythermograph as a scientific instrument. 



The study of the errors of the bathythermograph is an investigation to determine the 

 possible sources of error which may exist in the bathythermograph data. The investigation 

 encompasses (1) intensive investigations of several anchor stations, i.e., data taken on a 

 ship while in a fixed position, and (2) a comprehensive conference program with members 

 of various Oceanographic Institutions to analyze their needs, methods, and processes. 



In this report the errors are grouped together according to their error source, that is, 

 instrument limitation, calibration technique, operational technique and data processing. 

 These errors are classified wherever possible in accordance with standard mathematical 

 nomenclature and practices. Correlation methods are also discussed, and proposed tech- 

 niques for minimizing errors through correlation studies are suggested. 



The result has led to a classification of possible sources of errors involved in obtaining 

 bathythermograph information, and several techniques and suggestions for handling the 

 bathythermograph data in order to recognize and minimize these errors. An extensive 

 bibliography in Bathythermography and a glossary of terms are also included. 



