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World Data Service for Geophysics

Marine Geology

Stewardship and services for geosample data from Earth's ocean floor and lakebeds

About The Data

Over nine terabytes of analyses, descriptions, and images of sediment and rock contributed by sources around the world are in the long-term archive at NCEI. Examples of data types available include physical properties, petrology/mineralogy, geochemistry, paleontology, paleomagnetism, x-rays, and photographs.

Data from cores and dredges collected during U.S. Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) Project cruises, seabed descriptions from NOAA National Ocean Service hydrographic surveys, data from international scientific ocean drilling (DSDP, ODP, and IODP), and from many other past and present projects and programs related to NOAA's mission are available (see links at left).

How to View/Download Data

Most geosample data associated with a specific cruise or sample are discoverable and downloadable using the Index to Marine and Lacustrine Geological Samples (IMLGS), which also provides access to sample material curated by partner institutions. Multi-platform compilations or data reports are accessible using the Marine Geology Inventory.

ArcGIS maps, text searches, and web services are available for the IMLGS, the Marine Geology Inventory, and for some individual digital data sets. Searches offer free, immediate download of digital data, many images, and .PDF reports, and information on how to obtain full-resolution images from the archive, and order CD-ROMs, microfilm, or oversize charts.

How to Cite

Always cite the original source when using these data; use the DOI/citation where provided.

How to Contribute Data

Please contribute paleocean or paleolimnology geosample data to NCEI Paleoclimatology. Sediment data from habitat or other environmental research may be contributed via Send2NCEI (S2N). If you are a Partner Institution or have questions about contributing other types of marine geology data, please contact .

More About the Data

Marine geophysical surveys gather data about the shape and subsurface geology of the sea floor. Analysis of geological samples (geosamples) collected during these surveys yields additional environmental and paleo-environmental data, and provides "ground truth" for interpretation of geophysical measurements. Geophysical and geosample data combine to provide the information needed to understand Earth's seabed environment and subsurface processes. Learn more...

Access Marine Geology Data stewarded by NCEI via External Websites

Marine geology data from the archive are also offered in other forms on other sites. Examples include GeoMapApp, and the United Nations UNEP Shelf Programme interactive map.

Other NOAA Sources of Data from Sea floor and Lakebed Samples:

Related External Data: