Geochemical Earth Reference Model: GERM Workshop and Development of GERM Data Base

University Of California-San Diego Scripps Inst Of Oceanography, La Jolla CA

Investigators

Abstract

Staudigel EAR-0000998 This proposal requests funds to continue to support a grass-roots initiative to establish a globally relevant and interdisciplinary data base and modeling resource in geochemistry (i.e., the Geochemical Earth Reference Model). Over the next two years, GERM will convene a second workshop in 2001 and continue the development of a web-based data base that will ultimately lead towards a much improved understanding of the Earth as a dynamic system. It is also planned to establish ways to tie the GERM data base with other geochemical resources, such as existing data bases in geochemistry from the U.S. and abroad, and the new electronic journal G3 published by the American Geophysical Union. Once established as a relational data base, GERM will be expanded by the addition of modeling tools. Ultimately, GERM will develop into an on line tool for modeling Earth evolution to help reconcile differences between existing geochemical models, and include geophysical data such as the heat loss of the Earth. This proposal defines a path toward the ultimate goal of establishing a comprehensive global geochemical and geophysical model of the Earth.