San Pedro Ocean Time-series (SPOT)

Welcome to SPOT! The San Pedro Ocean Time-series (SPOT) is an ongoing collection of oceanographic data from the San Pedro Channel, off the coast of Los Angeles. This data is publicly available and maintained by the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability.

Introduction and Scientific Rationale

In April 1998, the University of Southern California and the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability established the San Pedro Ocean Time-series (SPOT) program to conduct a systematic long-term study of basic oceanographic processes in the San Pedro Channel off the coast of Southern California.

Upcoming Cruise Dates

Spot Cruise Dates *

Cruise Form Deadline

January 17th, 2024 January 10th, 2024
February 14th, 2024 February 7th, 2024
March 13th, 2024 March 6th, 2024
April 17th, 2024 April 10th, 2024
May 15th, 2024
May 8th, 2024
June 12th, 2024
June 5th, 2024
July 10th, 2024 July 10th, 2024
August 14th, 2024 August 7th, 2024
September 11th, 2024 September 4th, 2024
October 16th, 2024 October 9th, 2024
November 13th, 2024 November 6th, 2024
December 11th, 2024 December 4th, 2024

* Please note that cruise dates are subject to change based on weather conditions and other unforeseen factors. Registered cruise participants will be notified in advance of any changes to cruise dates.

Methods

Learn more about SPOT sampling methods, including CTD equipment specifications, CTD data processing protocol, and Bottle methods.

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Data Archive

Access publicly available data and related information from past SPOT cruises, including dataset summaries, instructions for accessing CTD data, and cruise logs.

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Publications and Projects

Review published articles and externally-funded research projects connected with the SPOT program.

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