National Geoscience Data Repository System: Phase 2 -- Planning and pilot study. Progress report 1. quarter, February--April, 1995

The American Geological Institute (AGI) recently completed the first phase of a multiphase program to study and implement a National Geoscience Data Repository System (NGDRS) to capture and preserve valuable geoscientific data. The study was initiated in response to the fact that tens of billions of dollars worth of domestic geological and geophysical data are in jeopardy of being irrevocably lost or destroyed as a consequence of the ongoing downsizing of the US energy and minerals industry. The NGDRS would serve as an important and valuable source of information for the entire geoscience community for a variety of applications, including environmental protection, water resource management, global change studies, reducing risks from earthquakes and other geologic hazards, and basic and applied research. The repository system would also contain critical data that would enable domestic energy and minerals companies to expand their exploration and production programs in the US for increased recovery of domestic oil, gas, and mineral resources. The proposed Phase 2 study has four major components: planning and specification; directory of geoscience data centers; pilot projects; and steering committee operations