Workshop for Metamorphic Petrology Database

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY

Investigators

Abstract

This proposal seeks funds for a workshop on development of a database for metamorphic petrology (MetPetDB). The workshop is to be held on May 20, 2004 during the spring, 2004 AGU meeting in Montreal. The purpose of the workshop is to develop a working plan for the development of MetPetDB, to discuss the numerous issues that surround such an effort (see text), to define the desired functionality of such a database, to describe the types of tools that will need to be developed in conjunction with database construction, and to design a plan to ensure integration and compatibility with similar efforts in other branches of the geosciences, as well as with broadly focused efforts such as GEON. Outcomes of the workshop will include a report of workshop findings, a detailed description of database requirements and toolkit functionality, a plan for dissemination of results, a plan for the construction of a website to serve as a portal for MetPetDB activities, and a schedule for future database development. The significance of a metamorphic petrology database (and other similar databases in the geosciences) cannot be overemphasized. When fully operative, these are likely to change the way science is conducted by individual researchers, will greatly facilitate collaborative research efforts, will enhance research efficiency, will enhance cost effectiveness of sponsored research, will enhance student research collaborative efforts, and will ensure the longevity and global accessibility of geological data. This, and other related efforts, will serve the entire global geological community, will enhance educational experiences of undergraduate and graduate students, and will provide a means of public access to sponsored research results.