Contributing Paleo Data

Contributing Data

NOAA permanently archives contributions to the World Data Service for Paleoclimatology (WDS-Paleo). 

Data contributions consist of:

  • Metadata
  • One or more data tables including a chronology table (if applicable)
  • Raw data and reconstructions 

Reasons to Contribute

  • Satisfy obligations to publishers and funding agencies
  • Make data freely and permanently available without restrictions
  • Allow colleagues and the general public to discover and use your data
  • Potential increase in citation rate of your associated articles

Step 1: Review instructions and prepare dataset 

Please follow instructions specific to your contribution type: International Tree Ring Data Bank (ITRDB), International Multiproxy Paleofire Database (IMPD), or all other contributions. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for additional information, and contact paleo@noaa.gov with specific questions on dataset scope, size, format, or other issues. 

If you are compiling data generated by other researchers or reusing datasets to make a climate reconstruction, refer to instructions for synthesis projects. For data compilations, please contact paleo@noaa.gov early in your data gathering process to discuss dataset formats and additional metadata needed to track dataset provenance.

Step 2: Submit contribution

Send completed contribution templates as email attachments to paleo@noaa.gov. In your email, indicate whether the dataset may become public following WDS-Paleo review or else be held offline until your research has been peer-reviewed and accepted for publication. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt of your contribution within three business days, please phone +1 828-271-4800. 

Step 3: Review and revise contribution 

WDS-Paleo data managers will review your submission and request any clarification or revisions needed to meet contribution requirements. Data managers then upload data files to the WDS-Paleo public server. You will receive a URL link to your data when they are online. Please review your contribution and contact us with any corrections or additions. 

Step 4: Receive a dataset DOI

WDS-Paleo mints DOIs for new datasets, generally within one to two weeks after the dataset becomes public, and adds the DOIs to data files and study landing pages.