Development of a hydrochemical database
To continue an effort began at the last ASM, we propose a working group to develop a protocol for a ChemDB, as an analog of the HydroDB and ClimBD, for aquatic chemical data. The working group will be encouraged to come to consensus on the time step and averaging approaches to be used and suggest data formats. We will also discuss a template for metadata, recognizing that methodological differences exist, but that with sufficient documentation these methodological differences could be acknowledged as ‘facts of life’ and not as impediments to a useful data base. Implementation of a ChemDB will expedite network wide and synthesis activities, such as those underway with the EcoTrends project. This working group will complement the proposal by the EcoTrends biogeochemistry working group.