SEISMIC DATA LIBRARY SYSTEM (SDLS)

Product SeismicLibraryThe Antarctic Seismic Data Library System for Cooperative Research (SDLS) was created in April 1991 under the auspices of SCAR to provide open access to all multichannel seismic reflection (MCS) data collected south of 60° S.

The SDLS functions under the mandates of the Antarctic Treaty (ATCM XVI-12), and as such, all institutions that collect MCS data in Antarctica must submit their data to the SDLS for use in cooperative research projects. Basic survey metadata should be submitted to the SDLS directly after the survey. MCS data should be submitted to the SDLS within 2 years of collection and remain in the library under SDLS guidelines until 8 years after collection. Thereafter, the data are available for unrestricted use, although recognition of the data collector is requested.

The MCS data in the SDLS may be accessed and viewed through the web portal or at library branches worldwide. MCS data are supplied to SDLS branches as ‘final stack’ version in digital SEG-Y format. SDLS branches can facilitate access for viewing and studying of data that are still restricted, but the data may not be copied without permission of the data collector. The SDLS is a research facility and not a data archive; MCS data in the SDLS are for use in cooperative research projects, and may not be used for commercial purposes.

For further information, see the SDLS web portal or SCAR Report 43 (the latest SCAR report replaces earlier SCAR Report 9, and SCAR Report 28). Nigel Wardell of INOGS (Italy), in cooperation with Alan Cooper of USGS, ran the SDLS from its beginning in the 1990s until they each retired. They were replaced by Paolo Diviacco (OGS, Italy) and Frank Nitsche (LDEO, Columbia University), with Laura DeSantis (OGS, Italy) as Co-Chair, and the cooperation continues.

Paolo Diviacco is now responsible for the SDLS.