Optimizing the GEOROC Global Geochemical Database to Enable Next-Generation Interdisciplinary Research

Abstract

Global geochemical datasets derived from curated, domain-specific databases are increasingly valuable for solving ever more complex and interdisciplinary research questions. To support this development, the Digital Geochemical Data Infrastructure (DIGIS) initiative for GEOROC 2.0 is building a connected platform capable of supporting the diverse demands of digital, data-based geochemical research. The GEOROC database has been a leading, open-access source of geochemical and isotopic datasets for 23 years and currently provides access to a curated compilation of igneous and metamorphic rock and mineral compositions from >20,600 publications (>32 million single data values).

The DIGIS project is now revising the IT infrastructure of the GEOROC database to: 1) facilitate greater interoperability with other data systems such as EarthChem; 2) provide new and easier forms of data upload by both curators and users; and 3) enable flexible access to data through native data queries via API as well as an improved web interface. This project includes the integration of new data types into the GEOROC database as well as the standardization of vocabularies and metadata in line with international best practices. Data harvesting from published journal articles will be optimized with computer semantic tools. A domain repository with DOI minting capabilities has already been established to support independent data submission by authors. We are working with the community on project-level to improve the data services provided by GEOROC and we encourage users to contribute both data and additional resources to build detailed, community-driven documentation regarding data access, visualization and analysis.

As a member of the OneGeochemistry initiative, we are further engaging with the global geochemistry community as well as publishers, funders and geochemical societies to develop community-endorsed best practices for geochemical data publication. Ultimately, these efforts will enable new ways of accessing and analyzing geochemical data, opening up numerous new possibilities for collaboration and scientific exchange across multiple earth science disciplines.