Temperature and Conductivity are two of the most important values taken into consideration when our instrument calculates the practical salinity of seawater. When one sees a change in a measured value, such as temperature, that change will affect your salinity reading in a predictable way, assuming all else is equal. For instance, in an environment where temperature has begun to drift downward you will see a resulting drift of salinity towards being saltier.
Proper cleaning procedures, allowing your CTD to equilibrate at the surface before a profile, updating your calibrations yearly, and bio-fouling prevention are some ways that you can ensure that your instrument will provide accurate salinity data.
For a more comprehensive look at our salinity calculations please refer to App Note 14, which is hosted on our website.