Print this pageThe National
Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program: A "Sustainable"
Resource to Empower the Energy Research and Development Community
Steinmetz, John C.1, Tamara L.
Dickinson2, Linda C. Gundersen2, Brenda S. Pierce2
(1)
Drill cores and cuttings, well logs,
seismic lines, field samples, and related analyses are indispensable tools for
energy exploration and resource assessment. These geological and geophysical data
and materials, when properly archived, preserved, and made easily accessible,
constitute a critical "sustainable" resource for the energy research
and development community. For example, the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska
(NPRA) cores are an irreplaceable resource that has generated a significant
body of knowledge. Because of the preservation of this resource, the body of
knowledge continues to grow with new interpretations and through the
development and application of new types of analyses.
The National Geological and Geophysical
Data Preservation Program Act of 2005 created an unprecedented opportunity to
inventory, archive, preserve, and make accessible these data. The Act directs
the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to design and implement the Program in
collaboration with the state geological surveys and Department of Interior
(DOI) Bureaus. The program is envisioned as a national network of independently
operated materials centers and data repositories guided by common standards and
procedures. Holdings will be publicly accessible through an Internet-based
National Digital Catalog.
The USGS will implement a competitive
process to distribute financial and technical assistance to the state
geological surveys and DOI bureaus for physical and digital infrastructure,
outreach and application, and special needs. Centers and repositories will be
encouraged to develop partnerships with industry and universities.
The Program is authorized at $30 million
for each of the next five years. However, funds have yet to be appropriated.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #90063©2007 AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, California