Data can be contributed to ECL in any format, but needs to be documented with relevant information regarding the analytical data quality. Please confirm that your dataset follows the below requirements and suggestions. Incomplete datasets will take longer to process and publish.
The EarthChem Library conducts a review for quality of sample and analytical metadata, not a review of geochemical data. The author of the dataset is responsible for ensuring geochemical data submitted to PetDB is quality data.
File Format
- If you are submitting tabular data it should be in an ECL template but must at the very least be in a .csv, .txt, or .xlsx file (not in .pdf, .docx, .jpeg, etc.). For more information on file formats please consult our file policies.
- We strongly recommend the use of data submission templates. Templates are available for various data types such as bulk analysis (majors, traces, isotopes), mineral analysis (in-situ analysis), and melt inclusion analysis. If a template does not yet exist for your data type, you may contact us about creating one at info@earthchem.org.
Data & Metadata
- All analytes, units, and technique, instrument and laboratory must be clearly stated and defined. Relevant standards, reference measurements, and additional information about instrument calibration should also be included when possible.
- Every analyte must be linked to a sample with a sample name and geospatial information (unless not applicable, i.e. experimental samples).
- We strongly recommend use of IGSNs (International Geo Sample Number) as persistent identifiers to identify samples. Obtain IGSNs by registering samples in the System for Earth Sample Registration (SESAR).
References
If submitting a compilation dataset, the ECL requires a reference sheet or tab with full citations of all referred publications.
The EarthChem Library offers multiple Data Submission Templates, the different workbooks have different fields customized to the material analyzed and the method used.
There are several tabs in this workbook to help catalog necessary metadata for our geochemical databases.
1. Mandatory fields are labeled in boldface. The mandatory fields are the minimum requirements for the data to be entered into our searchable databases. The Requirements for the Publication of Geochemical Data document describes why certain data are necessary.
2. Longitude/Latitude should be reported in decimal degrees ideally to at least four decimal places (if the precision is that good),
and negative values for South and West.
3. We strongly recommend using the EarthChem Vocabularies to complete your parameters, technique and unit names, as well as mineral abbreviations.
4. To manipulate data in Excel, the ‘Transpose’ option is useful to transpose rows to columns or vice versa. Use “Paste Special” then check the box for Transpose.
5. More info about IGSNs (International Geo Sample Number) can be obtained at www.geosamples.org/aboutigsn.
6. The Method Code is a numerical value assigned by you that links the column of measured values (Data Tab) with the Method information (Primary Analytical Metadata tab).
| File Tab | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Source | Information to identify the dataset: title, author(s), creator (form-filler) |
| Mandatory fields: Title, Author(s), Abstract, Contact Info | |
| Samples | Information to identify, locate, and describe the samples, including IGSNs. Extra fields can be added. |
| Mandatory fields: Sample name, Latitude, Longitude, Elevation (or Location keywords), Lithology | |
| Data | The measured geochemical data values go here, along with basic information about how that value was derived (what was the material analyzed and what was done to it before the measurement?) |
| Mandatory fields: Sample name, Analyzed Material, Parameter(s), Method Code(s) | |
| Primary Analytical Metadata | Information about the analytical procedure and accuracy and reproducibility, including technique, laboratory, and reference sample information. |
| Mandatory fields: Method Code, Parameter, Technique, Instrument, Laboratory | |
| Method-specific Metadata | Information about detection limit, total procedural blank, normalization, fractionation (if applicable). Additional fields can be added. |
Title
Your dataset title must contain concise and descriptive information about the content of the dataset (the “what” and “where”, for example “Gakkel Ridge basalt melt inclusion and mineral chemistry”). If submitting data from a publication, the dataset title may be the same as your publication title, but likely will be different since your ECL dataset will paint a different story than your full publication.
Abstract
Your abstract must describe in full sentences the measurements, location, and purpose of the dataset. The abstract should be <250 words and different from your related publication abstract. Avoid abbreviations and acronyms. Include relevant keywords, such as the geographic area or cruise or field program name, for example “This dataset presents analyses of volatile, major, and trace elements for a suite of glasses and melt inclusions from the 85 degrees E segment of the ultra-slow spreading Gakkel Ridge”.
By default the release date is set to the date of submission. If this is not desirable, you may select a release date within the next two years. Every approved ECL dataset receives a DOI and is searchable in the ECL, even if the release date has not yet been reached. This allows investigators to submit datasets in compliance with data management policies of funding agencies and journals without releasing the actual data immediately.
Use of digital materials obtained from the EarthChem Library is licensed under varying Creative Commons licenses that can be selected by the data contributor. EarthChem Library strongly recommends use of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license. The license that is applicable for a given dataset can be found on its landing page.
- Include as much documentation as possible, taking particular care to include unique identifiers such as IGSNs, related publication DOIs, volcano numbers, cruise DOIs, etc.
- We strongly encourage US-based researchers to link their NSF award numbers with their ECL datasets. This will allow tracking of datasets by Award number and show compliance with Data Management policies of funding agencies.
- Make sure your uploaded file is in its final form – the EarthChem Library is a long-term repository, treat the dataset submission like a journal article submission. Once a file has been released for public access, it cannot be changed, instead you would have to publish a new version with a new DOI.
The ECL is a curated file repository, you will receive your dataset DOI only after your files and submission has been reviewed and accepted. Please keep in mind that this entire process can take up to two weeks. Complete datasets following all requirements are often published within a few business days.
Funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF)