Geological Society of America

251 D44. Recent Advances in Geoinformatics and Data Science

Wednesday, 12 October 2022
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Mile High Ballroom 4C

USGS GEOCHRON: A NEW DATABASE OF USGS GEOCHRONOLOGIC DATA

Paper number: 251-2
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 1:35 PM – 1:50 PM

Authors

Leah Morgan Presenting Author
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Denver, CO
Allison Dombrowski
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC
Allison Dombrowski
U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO
Ian Hillenbrand
U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO
Kathleen Warrell
U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO
Joshua R. Malone
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver, CO
Joshua R. Malone
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Kelly Thomson
U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO
Amy Gilmer
U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO

Abstract

Geochronologic data are integral to geologic mapping and are utilized by researchers, stakeholders, and the science-interested public to study the Earth’s lithosphere and landscapes and to manage resources and natural hazards. To address these questions, scientists at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have generated a significant oeuvre of geochronologic data. However, despite the expanding demand for, applications of, and amount of USGS-generated geochronologic data, the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Geochronologic Database has not been updated since 1991.

We are developing, populating, and testing a new centralized database of USGS-generated geochronologic and isotopic data. The data span analytical techniques from Quaternary methods, such as optically stimulated luminescence, U-Th series, and cosmogenic nuclide dating, to long-lived isotopic systems, such as the U-Th-Pb, Sm-Nd, and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar methods, reflecting the diversity of USGS analytical labs and projects. We will present preliminary scientific applications of the geochronologic database and ongoing work to deliver data through an interactive, web-based platform.

Moving forward, we aim for all newly generated USGS geochronologic data to be archived and available on this platform, to integrate this database with Geochron.org, and to expand ongoing partnerships with state geologic surveys. The USGS Geochron database is also integrated with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West mapping effort.

This project will make available USGS-generated data in a readily accessible and searchable way that supports the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Repeatable) data principles and is consistent with the USGS mission to provide reliable scientific information.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 54, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2022AM-379345

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