User Scenario: MetPet Database project

Initial Publication Date: January 12, 2007

Scenario 1

Database would be searched for data that could aid in petrological, mineralogical, and or tectonic interpretations.
Author unknown, University of Alabama

Suggestion:
I suggest that the database should use common file formats -- excel files, GIS formats would be useful. Ideally GIS workbooks with linked tables would be nice. I have been developing such a database for N Cascades metamorphic rocks. Of course file formats that can be used by many and will not become obsolete are critical. However, my cynical side wonders if our community has the longterm resources and motivation to maintain and grow such a spatial dataset. Simple tables may be the answer.

Types of Data:
  • location
  • rock name
  • mineral assemblages
  • rock chemistry
  • mineral chemistry
  • photos
  • mineral zoning data (e.g., probe images)
  • geochronology
Secondary data would be more interpretative:
  • pressure estimates
  • temperature estimates
  • phase modeling

Use:
Database for class and research projects.

Scenario 2

Database would be used least two ways: (1) for my own research looking for certain assemblages, gradients, or other characteristics to analyze and compare and (2) for student projects, allowing students to reanalyze data from particular areas.

Author: Mike Williams, University of Massachusetts

Types of data : These would be best as raw data in traverses:
  • location coordinates
  • rock type/rock name
  • mineral assemblage
  • whole-rock composition (if available)
  • microprobe mineral analyses
    • I think it would be best to have images showing where traverses were taken (if possible). The images would also show the basic texture/fabric.

Other data:

  • fluid composition
  • P-T path
  • timing of phases with respect to deformation (which deformation or orogeny?)
  • something about geochronology... when did the assemblage(s) develop?
  • Interpreted reactions and reaction relationships
  • Pseudosection if one was calculated for the section... Gibbs analysis, phase diagram, etc...

For monazite data:

  • images showing analysis spots and compositional zonation
  • background scan and interpreted background values
  • raw analyses
  • calculated dates
  • interpretations

Probably for each entry, there should be some short caption talking about the sample and its significance.

Additional notes:

I would not probably need any specific tools to reduce or analyze the data, but I am always interested in learning about tools others are using. I could provide the program: DATCON, which can do most reductions and calculations, both with major oxide data and will monazite trace data. I would also provide age map software for monazite image analysis.

Scenario 3

Data base containing crystal size distributions
Author Dennis D. Eberl, ddeberl@usgs.gov

Suggestion:
A data base that contains crystal size distributions for metamorphic rocks.
Types of Data:
  • raw measurements of crystal size(not collected into size catagories)
  • distribution of shapes themselves
Use:

These distribution shapes could be used to determine crystal growth mechanisms and, perhaps, levels of supersaturation when the crystals first formed.




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