Unifying GeoReM and GEOROC: Toward a Modern, Interconnected Geochemical Database System

The GEOROC (Geochemistry of Rocks of the Oceans and Continents) and GeoReM (Geological and Environmental Reference Materials) databases were established approximately 25 and 20 years ago, respectively, at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz as complementary geochemical resources. GEOROC aggregates geochemical data from primarily igneous and metamorphic rocks and minerals, while GeoReM focuses on geological, biological, and environmental reference materials. Initially, the two databases were cross-linked, allowing for the transfer of published reference materials from GEOROC datasets to GeoReM, however, this connection has lapsed for several years.

In 2021, GEOROC was transferred to the University of Göttingen under the Digital Geochemical Data Infrastructure (DIGIS) project, where its IT and data systems were significantly upgraded. In contrast, GeoReM continues to operate on an aging and vulnerable platform, which restricts automated data exchange and poses significant risks to its long-term availability. The potential loss of GeoReM would adversely affect global data acquisition and calibration in geoanalytical laboratories, leading to severe consequences for both the geochemical research and industry communities.

To address this, the DIGIS team and the International Association of Geoanalysts (IAG) have formed a partnership to redevelop GeoReM’s IT infrastructure and integrate it into the DIGIS/GEOROC framework. Standardizing technical elements such as controlled vocabularies across both platforms will further enhance consistency and interoperability. This collaboration will restore the connection between GEOROC and GeoReM, ensuring their continued role as vital, interconnected resources for the international geochemical community.