Jo Lock

IAGA paleomagnetic databases with access

Since the release of the Global Paleomagnetic Database (GPMDB) in 1991, there have been successive updates every two years, with the current version being 3.1. The authors have now constructed a set of four databases that have been sponsored by the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA). These include the GPMDB together with the Paleointensity Database (PALIN), the Polarity Transitions Database (TRANS) and the Secular Variation Database (SECVR). Each of these databases is now released to operate under Microsoft Access V2.0 and are specifically designed so as to operate independently of each other. The design and operation of these databases with Access is described in this second supplement to the Global Paleomagnetic Databases.

Global paleomagnetic database supplement number one: update to 1992

This is the first Supplement to the Manual, first published inSurveys in Geophysics in 1991 and issued also as a separate volume, for the operation of the Global Paleomagnetic Database (GPMDB) using ORACL E. Minor changes have been made to the database structure as foreshadowed in the Manual and major extensions have been made to the MENU involving a new set of command files. These and other changes are detailed and should be read in conjunction with the original Manual. This latest Version 2.2 of the the GPMDB now contains over 7000 results with over 2600 references and covers all published data world-wide up to the end of 1992. Diskettes containing the new data set and accompanying program files may be obtained, as before, from World Data Center A in Boulder, Colorado. Both the updated data set and program files completely replace the original Version 1.4 released in August 1991.

Global Palaeomagnetic Database Project

Abstract An introduction to the principles of relational databases is given with application to palaeomagnetic directions and poles. Following endorsement at the IAGA Workshop in Prague, it is proposed that the Global Palaeomagnetic Database, initiated by the IAGA Working Groups on Palaeomagnetism and Rock Magnetism, be implemented using ORACLE as the database management system. The design of the global database is given in detail. Input of data has commenced and the completed database covering 1979–1988 will be available early in 1990. The entire database covering all years up to 1988 is due for completion early in 1991.

Global paleomagnetic data base completed

In 1989, we announced in Eos (Van der Voo and McElhinny, August 1, page 748) that the global paleopoles data base had gotten off to a good start. We are now pleased to say that this project is complete and the data base is available for everyones use. Ten countries contributed financially to this 2-year, international project. On two occasions, the Soviet Union invited us to visit Professor A. N. Khramov to arrange for the transfer of the entire Soviet data base to the project. The data base consists of all the worlds data from the start of paleomagnetism to the end of 1988. An update that will include all data through the end of 1992 will appear early in 1993.

Global Paleomagnetic Data Base updated

In August 1991, the first global paleomagnetic data base (Version 1.4) was released through World Data Center A in Boulder, Colo. We published a manual [Lock and McElhinny, 1991] that described the design, installation, and use with the Oracle relational data-base management system. Version 1.4 included all global data through the end of 1988. We are pleased to announce that Version 2.2, which includes all data through the end of 1992 will be released through World Data Center A in May. A supplement to the original manual, describing changes to the data base, will appear in the April 15 issue of Surveys in Geophysics. Some of the changes include a totally revamped menu system that enables a variety of choices of data selection. In addition, we have cross checked all entries against the latest regional catalogs for Canada and the Laurentian Shield [Irving et al., 1990] and Fennoscandia [Pesonen et al., 1991].

New updates made to paleomagnetic databases

Version 2.3 of the Global Paleomagnetic Database at March 1994 is now available either as ORACLE Export files or for use with Microsoft ACCESS Version 1.1 (or 2.0) under Windows. The Database for Poles (GPMDB) contains an expanded data set for China and has been completely cross-checked against the Canadian database for the Laurentian Shield. Several duplicate entries were eliminated (where authors have published the same data in two different journals), and many corrections were made to previous entries. However, Version 2.3 now incorporates the Global Paleointensity Database (PALINT) compiled by H. Tanaka and M. Kono. This database includes all published pre-archeomagnetic paleointensity results for geological time. The following data sets are now available from World Data Center A in Boulder, Colo. Contact Susan McLean, World Data Center A, National Geophysical Data Center, NOAA, 325 Broadway E/GC1, Boulder CO 80303-3328; tel. 303497-6478; fax 303-497-6513.

Oracle Hardware and Software

To install and run ORACLE for MS-DOS, your computer must meet these minimum requirements which are for Version 5.1C in 1990. These requirements are subject to change without notice in future versions.

Database Queries with SQL*Plus

The language used to access the database is SQL (Structured Query Language—pronounced SEQUEL). Data are retrieved from the database through queries. SQL is an English-like language that can be used to build queries of substantial complexity and capability. Users with little or no experience can learn SQL’s basic features very quickly. The aim of this Section is to familiarise you with these basics and provide experience working with the GPMDB. It is not a comprehensive coverage of all ORACLE’S features, for this refer to the ORACLE documentation (SQL Language Reference Manual, SQL*Plus Reference Manual) and work through the tutorials provided in the ‘SQL*Plus User’s Guide’.

Database Installation and Maintenance

It is advisable for each PC system using the ORACLE RDBMS that a single person be appointed as the Database Administrator (DBA). The DBA should be responsible for managing and maintaining the GPMDB. The DBA should have sole authority to install or re-initialise the ORACLE RDBMS, expand the database, load, update and backup the GPMDB, and grant userID’s (often with different privileges). This chapter is directed at your DBA.

Database Queries with SQL*Menu and SQL*Forms

A special Application Menu called PMAG has been developed for use with the GPMDB. This Menu was automatically imported into the ORACLE system when the GPMDB was first loaded.