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SCAR Report 16

Appendix 7

ANTARCTIC SEISMIC DATA LIBRARY SYSTEM FOR COOPERATIVE RESEARCH (SDLS)
Alan Cooper, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA, USA
and
Giuliano Brancolini, Osservatoroi Geofisico Sperimentale, Trieste, Italy

I. What is the SDLS?

Purpose

The Antarctic Seismic Data Library System provides open access to multichannel seismic reflection data collected by all countries in Antarctica, to facilitate large-scale cooperative research projects.

How started

The SDLS was designed in April 1991 by consensus of all countries that collected seismic data in Antarctica, to establish that seismic data were not being concealed for use in the exploitation of Antarctica’s resources.
In late 1991, the SDLS was formally implemented under Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) Recommendation XVI-12.
Where located
The SDLS has 11 library branches that are located in 10 countries worldwide.
Researchers may go to any library branch to inspect Antarctic multichannel seismic reflection data.

Benefits of SDLS

Education

¨ SDLS helps to preserve our privilege to collect seismic data and conduct geoscience studies in Antarctica, by educating the public and Environmental Protection Groups about the benefits of Antarctic seismic research.

Data access

¨ SDLS facilitates large-scale cooperative research projects by providing quick and easy access to digital seismic data.

Data protection

¨ SDLS protects the intellectual property rights of data collectors while stimulating new cooperative research projects.

Data storage

¨ SDLS has many sites for long-term access to Antarctic seismic data, but the SDLS is not a data bank.

II. How does the SDLS function?

How managed

The SDLS operates under the general auspices of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, and is currently overseen by the ANTOSTRAT Project.
The SDLS is directed by the ANTOSTRAT Steering committee and the SDLS Coordinator, and operates under guidelines outline in SCAR Report #9 (1992).

How supported

The SDLS does not receive money from SCAR.
Overall management costs are currently underwritten by the U.S. National Science Foundation, U.S. Geological Survey and Osservatorio Geofisico Sperimentale (Italy).
Costs for production of each CD-ROM (used for data distribution), is to be paid by the National Antarctic Program Manager of that country that collected the MCS data, with a subsidy now from the Italian National Research Program. Previously, all production costs had been paid by U.S. Geological Survey.
The operational costs for SDLS branches are paid by the host organization.

How data are handled and used

Data submission

MCS users are required to submit their digital processed seismic data (stack sections) to the SDLS within 4 years of data collection.
Data are submitted on magnetic tapes to Dr. Giuliano Brancolini at OGS in Trieste, Italy.

Data distribution inside SDLS

MCS data are transferred to CD-ROMs, with special display software, ancillary data sets, and text information.
The CD-ROMs are mailed to SDLS library branches, where their safety and proper use is overseen by a senior Antarctic researcher.

Data access, use and restrictions

Researchers may visit any SDLS branch to view the MCS data.
Library branches must provide a large computer display for the CD-ROM data, and some branches may have paper copies of the data for examination.
SDLS branches are not allowed to provide copies of data.
For the first 8 years from time of data collection, there are restrictions on the use of the MCS data – data may only be used in cooperative projects with the data collector, or otherwise only with their permission.
Thereafter, there are no restrictions on the use of the MCS data.

Data distribution outside SDLS

After 8 years from time of data collection, CD-ROMs held by the SDLS (other than those at current SDLS branches) are sent to the World Data Center for unrestricted distribution to the public.
CD-ROMs at SDLS branches stay there indefinitely.

III. What is the future of the SDLS?

What is its function

The SDLS is mandated by the Antarctic Treaty, but its future usefulness (like its past success) depends on people’s interest in large-scale Antarctic science and solving global problems, for which cooperation is essential.
The SDLS has many benefits, the most important of which is helping to protect our privilege to conduct geoscience research in Antarctica, by setting an example of giving open access to highly scientifically valued MCS data.

Who will oversee the SDLS

The general Treaty-mandate and SCAR-oversight will continue.
Until the end of 1998, SDLS will function under ANTOSTRAT. Thereafter, the SDLS will be under either a new SCAR activity or the SCAR Working Group on Solid Earth Geophysics.
Day-to-day activities will be coordinated, until January 1, 2000, under a joint working agreement between U.S. Geological Survey and Osservatorio Geofisico Sperimentale, and under the overall guideance of the ANTOSTRAT Steering committee, or equivalent after 1998.

How can the SDLS be more useful

New technologies for data access

World Wide Web: Many new possibilities that include
- interactive maps,
- display of data over the web,
- download of data over the web,
cross-links to other Antarctic geoscience data bases (e.g.,. geologic samples, -physical oceanography, glaciology, etc),
High-density CD-ROMs: Access to data may be possible via high-density CD-ROMs, made as needed on demand.
New software included on the CD-ROMs for more varied interactive display and printing of data
Other?

New data added to library system

Add land MCS data
Add all digital Antarctic seismic data
Add other digital geophysical data (e.g., bathymetry, gravity, magnetics, etc.)
Other?

New ways to use old data

Libraries might loan out CD-ROMs for data older than 8 years
Prior publications and maps might be included with the data on CD-ROM, such as was done with AGU ARS V.68
Other?

Different way to assure data submissions

On-time submission of data is a common problem (readily overcome by resetting personal and institutional priorities)
Positive: Provide incentives (e.g., leadership positions, awards, etc.) for individuals who submit data on time and facilitate cooperative projects.
Negative: Post names of delinquent PI’s and institution names on Web site.

IV. Issues and questions

Science

Data sharing and use

What are the advantages and disadvantages of applying the “restricted-open-access” philosophy of the SDLS to other types of data that are commonly needed/collected in large-scale cooperative research projects?
Would such a worldwide library system for these data encourage and facilitate future cooperative research?
Or, are there other ways to encourage and assure sharing of geoscience data within “reasonable” time limits, to honor the spirit of the Antarctic Treaty?

Value of old data

Is access to prior data sets of value to planning new cruises and preparing research reports?

Or, are the prior research reports based on the prior data sets adequate for these purposes?

Administrative