USGS GEOCHRON: SERVING USGS GEOCHRONOLOGIC DATA WITH THE DATABASE EXPLORER

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. We have developed and are populating a new centralized database of USGS- and state survey-generated geochronologic and isotopic data. The data span analytical techniques from Quaternary methods, such as optically stimulated luminescence and U-series, to long-lived isotopic systems, such as the U-Th-Pb, Sm-Nd, and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar methods, reflecting the diversity of USGS and state survey analytical labs and projects.

We will present a beta version of the USGS Geochron Database Explorer, an interactive web app that the public can use to view and download data. The web app was created using ESRI’s ArcGIS Experience Builder which allows for a customized interface and search tools. The web app serves geochronologic data that we recently released in the online USGS data repository, ScienceBase (https://doi.org/10.5066/P9RZNPIF). The map view interface of the web app allows users to identify available sample data for a particular geographic area, or to select data for a given geochronologic method. Selected data can then be downloaded in CSV, GeoJSON, and JSON file formats. Database information includes both sample-specific metadata, including interpreted ages, as well as individual analyses and metadata supporting interpreted ages, when available.

Moving forward, all newly generated USGS geochronologic data will be archived in ScienceBase and served on this platform and, we will expand the number of geochronologic methods represented as they are released in future ScienceBase data releases (which will be versioned through the same DOI). This effort is in partnership with the National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) and is expanding to include partnerships with state geologic surveys. The USGS Geochron database explorer web app serves USGS-generated data in a readily accessible and searchable way that supports FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Repeatable) data principles and is consistent with the USGS mission to provide reliable scientific information.