The Chronos database infrastructure (schematic above) will have a central hub linked to a suite of topic-oriented chronostratigraphic databases forming Distributed Nodes (e.g., Bio, Mag, Chem, Cycles, Radiometrics, Stable Isotopes). Each of these Distributed Nodes, in turn, will coordinate the efforts of many distributed database "sub-nodes", which are the real basis of the entire system. An important consideration leading to this design is the efficient access and integration of data from a wide variety of sources, while requiring the least amount of costly revisions to the contributory databases.
The Chronos "Central Hub" will act as a data linker, integrator and manipulator, but the distributed nodes will continue to serve as the data archives. This has the additional benefit of maintaining local control over the distributed nodes, increasing the potential of data owner buy-in to the Chronos project. At the same time, the data archival costs also remain at the distributed node sites and do not add to the administrative costs of Chronos itself.
The Chronos "Central Hub" will connect to the overarching Geoinformatics network that will eventually link to "Hubs" of other major geoscience databases (e.g., seismology, petrology, etc.).
The Central Node is needed to establish:
Another major function of Chronos "Central Hub" will be to provide oversight for the distributed nodes. Such oversight entails two major responsibilities; ensuring basic data quality standards, and maintaining and promoting data format standards and translation tables. Although Chronos will be designed to include as wide a range of chronostratigraphic data as possible (e.g., raw and interpreted, quantitative and qualitative, academic and industrial), there will be a few basic data requirements. These include full attribution of data, ranking of data quality and error values (where possible) and a clear delineation between raw and interpreted data.
The Central Hub will also act, through its steering committee, as a facilitator of interest groups establishing common formats for their sub-disciplines. Chronos Central Hub and the distributed nodes will then store and update these formats as needed. An example is the development of a taxonomic synonymy and translation file for paleontology. Once format questions are largely resolved, these interest groups will then act to continually update the distributed nodes in their sub-disciplines as well as to eliminate redundant data and obsolete or superceded metadata.
From the user point-of-view, the "Central Hub" will consist of a frontispiece or front-page (possibly in the form of a stratigraphic chart) that contains the essential elements of a consensus Standard Geological Time Scale. From this front-page, the user can drill down to access more detailed information and link to "Distributed Nodes" with additional data specific to the major chronostratigraphic disciplines (e.g., biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, etc.). There would be different portals for specialists and for public.
Sub-node levels are component databases compiled by independent investigators and groups, which are housed at various institutions. These sub-node levels will provide recommendations and "tested" procedures for data submittal formats and other nuts and bolts. These network operation methods would be compiled and standardized (when appropriate) at node level, and shared via the central hub administration as guidelines for "best practices". Funding, particularly at subnode level, is essential for success.
The organization of database components (e.g., personnel, hardware) will be modeled after that of Ocean Drilling Program (ODP), World Geologic Map (Paris), or NSIS (but with a larger, central IT advisory group). IRIS, DSDP-ODP, NOVA - examples of integrated, multi-component databases.
American Geological Institute (AGI) might serve in the role of JOI for coordinating the multi-year, multi-institutional funding from an array of international sources, and aiding in smooth collaboration with related outreach (e.g., Tapestry of Time, DLESE, Van Couvering's time-scale information Internet site at American Museum of History, etc.) and database (industrial, government, other international) efforts.
A steering or oversight committee, with members from the ICS, academia, industry and government, will be charged with coordinating scientific community support, developing funding strategies and industry contracts, and oversight of the distributed nodes.
Aegis from the International Commission of Stratigraphy (ICS) is recommended. This global body of expert stratigraphers was founded by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) for the purpose of promoting and coordinating long-term international cooperation and establishing standards in stratigraphy.
A permanently funded, central office (although perhaps partially "virtual") with an international, permanent core "group" of staff will run the main database system (central hub and portions of the distributed nodes). This central office will consist of both professional chronostratigraphers and IT specialists. Outside specialists in temporary project-oriented working groups would be a major component. Funding for this central office (and perhaps the distributed nodes) could be channeled through ICS (international).
The basic "sub-node" databases would rely on external grants for compilation. However, in some instances, such as the lack of any database for radiometric ages, it may be necessary for the central office to issue "development grants".
Chronos will maintain a user support capability through its small permanent core staff. The type of support will vary widely from helping general public inquires to aiding researchers with metadata transformations. As such, Chronos will establish linkages to professional volunteers in education and the various chronostratigraphic sub-disciplines in case assistance is needed for user support.
There is a 1-year "sunset" on each member's term, so that new blood can be continuously involved in the planning, development and coordination.