International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS) Release 2.5, Individual Observations

This dataset is superseded by ICOADS Release 3, Individual Observations [rda.ucar.edu/datasets/ds548.0/]. The International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS) is a global ocean marine meteorological and surface ocean dataset. It is formed by merging many national and international data sources that contain measurements and visual observations from ships (merchant, navy, research), moored and drifting buoys, coastal stations, and other marine platforms.

Each report contains individual observations of meteorological and oceanographic variables, such as sea surface and air temperatures, wind, pressure, humidity, and cloudiness. The coverage is global and sampling density varies depending on date and geographic position relative to shipping routes and ocean observing systems. All three U.S. ICOADS partners (NOAA/ESRL, NOAA/NCDC, NCAR) offer various data access and format options.