Serving the U.S. Geological Survey’s geochronological data

Geochronological data provide essential information necessary for understanding the timing of geologic processes and events, as well as quantifying rates and timescales key to geologic mapping, mineral and energy resource and hazard assessments. The USGS’s National Geochronological Database (NGDB) contains over 30,000 radiometric ages, but no formal update has occurred in over 20 years.



This project is developing a database with a web-based user interface and sustainable workflow to host all USGS-generated geochronological data. This new geochronological database consists of (1) data from the existing NGDB; (2) published literature data generated by the USGS; and (3) more recent data extracted from ScienceBase tables using automated scripts to migrate the data into the new database. This project ensures that valuable legacy and recently generated data are discoverable and usable by the scientific community. Our database also provides a template for state geological surveys to integrate their data, enhancing this national data set.



Principal Investigator : Amy K Gilmer

Co-Investigator : Leah E Morgan

Cooperator/Partner : Noah McLean, J. Douglas Walker, Michael A Cosca, Adam M Hudson, Amanda K Souders, James B Paces, Ren A Thompson, Joseph P Colgan, Jorge A Vazquez, Daven Quinn



Image caption: Project workflow shows how different vintages of geochronological data will be integrated and served using the new National Geochronological Database.