Building a GEOTRACES global dataset of trace elements and isotopes in the ocean

Abstract

In GEOTRACES, a great deal of effort is put into compiling trace elements and isotopes data observed in all ocean basin by researchers all over the world to create a single global data set. GEOTRACES does not wait for the final data product at the end of the program, but produces intermediate data products (IDP) as the program progresses over a period of time. This review paper introduces the contents of the latest IDP published in 2021 and provides an overview of the activities that have been undertaken to build a global dataset for the GEOTRACES project, including data collection, data quality control, and the development of terms of reference for data use.