An Arctic Ocean Thermohaline Dataset

Using in situ observational data is an important way to study the Arctic environment. However, due to the high-latitude seasonal variation, in situ observations in this region are relatively sparse. To maximize the use of in situ observations, we assemble an Arctic Ocean thermohaline dataset (AOTD) including 414221 available temperature and salinity profiles for the period 1983-2023, with observations from the Chinese Arctic Research Expedition and public data from other databases and observations plans such as the International Polar Year. Also, a unified quality control method is discussed, and strict quality control is applied to these profiles. A gridded dataset of climatological monthly mean temperature, salinity, and Ocean Heat Content derived from an objective analysis of profiles is also presented. The climatology has a horizontal resolution of 0.25° × 0.25°, with 57 vertical layers spanning the 0-1500 m depth range, can help us better understand the Arctic Ocean. AOTD climatology offers importance for the research on thermodynamic processes, spatial and temporal variability of water masses, and oceanic structures in the Arctic Ocean.