METPETDB: THE UNIQUE ASPECTS OF METAMORPHIC GEOCHEMICAL DATA AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON DATA MODEL, USER INTERFACE AND COLLABORATIONS

The need for a geochemical database specific to metamorphic petrology derives from an emphasis of single-phase spot analysis over bulk-rock chemical analysis, and paragenetic relationships between zoned metamorphic minerals in specific textural and deformational domains. MetPetDB (MPDB) is a geochemical database for metamorphic rocks designed to emphasize the spatial interrelationships of metamorphic rocks at all scales.

Objects in our data model are classified as samples, or constituent subsamples (e.g., thin sections) possessing attributes (metadata) used to delimit searches and to spatially constrain associated data types, either geochemical data or images.

Sample and subsample metadata is stored in a PostgreSQL database, with the PostGIS extension for storing spatial data. Data is uploaded through the user interface on a single sub-sample basis, or in bulk using data tables with required metadata fields. All database users may access Public data (from published papers); access to Private (unpublished) data is restricted to the data owner and other designated users.

MPDB's web-based user interface is built upon the Java servlet API which is served by Apache Tomcat system and relies on the AJAX technology and Google Web Toolkit framework.

Registered MPDB users can use the web-based user interface to save and download search results. Downloaded data may be ported to the MetPetDB Image Viewer (IV) and Tool Kit (TK). The IV enables image operations on multiple, spatially-referenced image files within a single sub-sample and active links to all spot chemical analyses within the viewable image field. The linked geochemical data can be plotted or  transformed using the TK, a bundled collection of basic plotting and geochemical analysis routines.

Additionally, the interface can be used to create, edit, and track one or more projects - a group of samples designated by the data owner, who assigns different levels of data uploading, viewing and editing privileges to all collaborators invited to join a given project.

We are currently populating MPDB with data and images from the literature (~85 articles to date, 1955-present). We are also exploring issues related to standards for archived data, interfacing with other geochemical databases, and inclusion of other data types associated with metamorphic geochemical data.