Varieties of data collected

The main measurements on the Extended Ellett line are the physical oceanographers' mainstays; temperature, salinity and pressure. Data are collected by an instrument known as a CTD (Conductivity-Temperature-Depth) which measures continuous profiles from the surface to the seafloor. Salinity is calibrated by collecting water samples periodically through the water column. Temperature and pressure probes are calibrated in the laboratory.

Additional parameters commonly measured on the regular cruises are dissolved oxygen (water samples and continuous profiles) and nutrients (water samples).

Many of the cruises on the Extended Ellett Line collected additional biological and chemical measurements.

Selection stations on the Extended Ellett line have been periodically instrumented with current meters (mainly stations F and M, plus some stations on the continental shelf and the shelf slope).