Paper Title: A database of detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions from the Tarim, West Kunlun, Pamir, Tajik, and Tianshuihai terranes

Author: Shijie Zhang, Xiumian Hu, Jinrong Zhang, Qing Li, Yiwei Xu, Yuyang Yu, Liqin Han

https://doi.org/10.1002/gdj3.213

Paper Online 02 August 2023

Introduction: In the vast expanse of geological inquiry, time stands as a sentinel—a witness to the ever-shifting sands of Earth's history. Detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions have emerged as indispensable tools, revealing the secrets of sedimentary units and their enigmatic source regions in the Tarim, West Kunlun, Tajik, Pamir, and Tianshuihai terranes. This is the tale of a monumental endeavor—a database, a compendium, a testament to the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

The Tapestry of Data: Stitched together from the tapestry of 90 scholarly papers, our database unfurls like a celestial map, with 35,281 individual U–Pb ages and 4,181 Hf isotope analyses as its constellations. Each data point is meticulously adorned with the trappings of knowledge—a literature source, petrologic sample details, regional geological context, geographic coordinates, and the analytical parameters that breathe life into the numbers.

A Beacon of Collaboration: This database resides within the cradle of the Deep-time Digital Earth (DDE) platform—a testament to the unity of science and technology. It thrives on an open database update system, inviting fellow seekers of knowledge to add their own fragments to this ever-evolving mosaic.

A Legacy for the Ages: As we unveil this treasure trove, we extend a hand to the geological community—a call to arms, to delve into the annals of Earth's history, decipher the markings left by time, and share in the collective wisdom that enriches our understanding of our planet's ancient past.

Conclusion: In the boundless quest for knowledge, we, the custodians of Earth's history, offer this database—a gift to the curious, a guiding light for the lost, and a tribute to the enduring spirit of scientific exploration.

Dataset

URL of dataset:

https://repository.deep-time.org/detail/1598512745766391810

DOI of dataset: 10.12297/dpr.dde.202212.1