CTD cast

A CTD cast is a process used by scientists to measure ocean conditions at different depths. The "CTD" stands for Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth, which are key factors influencing ocean health. During a CTD cast, a sensor package is lowered into the water from a vessel, collecting data as it goes down and back up. Conductivity helps determine salinity, temperature affects water density, and depth indicates how deep the sensor is. These measurements help researchers understand ocean circulation, climate change, and marine ecosystems.