SHRIMPDB: a new geoanalytical database for U-Th-Pb geochronological data from SHRIMP measurements

This paper introduces a novel web-based database, SHRIMPDB, to support the efficient reutilization of U-Th-Pb geochronological data from sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) measurements. In order to provide complete data content that can be reutilized by Earth scientists, a new data model containing analytical data and relevant sample metadata is proposed according to analyses of measurement procedures and the data characteristics of SHRIMP. Vivid data visualization, real-time data query interfaces (including a novel and intuitive polygonal region search), and a pragmatic data management module are designed and implemented using web-based and cloud GIS-based technologies, which provide a platform for Earth scientists to efficiently curate and share SHRIMP data on the internet. An incentive that encourages geochronologists to contribute data is suggested through cooperation between SHRIMPDB and the Beijing SHRIMP center. The database is currently under evaluation at the Beijing SHRIMP center. SHRIMPDB is globally available online at http://​202.​198.​17.​27/​shrimpdb/​home.