USGS GEOCHRON: A NEW DATABASE OF USGS GEOCHRONOLOGIC DATA

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.