Collection and quality control of marine geological data by the Ocean Drilling Program

A computerized database is being used within the Ocean Drilling Program to archive geological data generated from shipboard and shore-based analyses of core samples from beneath the sea floor. These data include geophysical, geochemical, paleontologic, paleomagnetic, petrologic and physical properties determination. Standardized data collection procedures are being implemented. Computerized data-entry forms with standard error checks have been designed for shipboard data collection. Error checks include restrictions on values, checks on missing values, and sample identification. Computerization onboard the drillship JOIDES Resolution, the organization of the database, and the benefits of the system to the scientific community as they apply to shipboard and shore-based studies are discussed