Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that a lahar descended the SE flank of El Misti at 1438 on 5 March. The public was warned to stay away from drainages and roads on that flank.
Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)
Generally quiet; 1st small seismic swarm in 5 years during August 2012
Since the last strong eruption in the 15th century, El Misti has experienced infrequent small explosions, some of which were probably merely heightened fumarolic activity. Our most recent reports discussed a steam emission in April 1984 (SEAN 09:05) and vigorous fumarolic activity during 7-8 August 1985 (SEAN 10:12). Weak fumaroles are occasionally detected at the summit area. This report presents basic background and some available recent seismic data through June 2013. Misti's location and its relationship with the nearby city of Arequipa is presented in figures 1-3.
Figure 1. These Google Earth images highlight the locations of El Misti and major surrounding landmarks. Courtesy of Google Earth. |
According to Thouret and others (2001), the maximum fumarole temperature at the lava plug, measured in December 1997, was 220°C.
The Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) reports on its website that Misti has been monitored daily in real time since 2005 through a network of five seismic stations. Earthquake data for the most recent one-week period is displayed on its website. For example, between 29 April and 5 May 2013, Misti experienced 21 long-period (LP) earthquakes and 163 volcanic-tectonic (VT) earthquakes; between 8-14 July 2013, the volcano experienced 28 LP earthquakes and 104 VT earthquakes.
A news account (El Comercio) on 28 August 2012 said the IGP had detected a small seismic swarm during the previous week, the first such swarm in more than five years. During that week, 224 total earthquakes were recorded, 143 of which were VT.
References. Cobeñasa, G., Thouret, J., Bonadonnab, C., and , Boivina, P., 2012, The c.2030 yr BP Plinian eruption of El Misti volcano, Peru: Eruption dynamics and hazard implications: Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, v. 241-242, p. 105-120.
Thouret, J., Finizola, A., Fornari, M., Legeley-Padovani, A., Suni, J., Frechen, M., 2001, Geology of El Misti volcano near the city of Arequipa, Peru: Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 113, iss. 12, p. 1593-1610.
Information Contacts: Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) (URL: http://www.igp.gob.pe/); El Comercio (URL: http://elcomercio.pe/); and Inca Trail Reservations (URL: http://incatrailreservations.com/).
2024: January
| February
2014: January
| June
Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that a lahar descended the SE flank of El Misti at 1438 on 5 March. The public was warned to stay away from drainages and roads on that flank.
Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)
Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that a lahar descended the SE flank of El Misti at 1905 on 20 February. The public was warned to stay away from drainages and roads on that flank.
Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)
Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that a lahar descended the NW flank of El Misti at 1640 on 5 February, impacting the Matagente drainage.
Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)
Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that lahars descended the SE flanks at El Misti at 1448 on 23 January and at 1642 on 25 January. The report noted that possible areas of impact included the Andamayo and Agua Salada river drainages in the Chiguata District. The public was warned to stay away from the drainages and roads on the SE flank.
Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)
Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that, during the last 12 months, seismicity at El Misti was dominated by volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes. Two seismic swarms (more than 100 events per day) occurred during the last three months, on 19 May and 3 June. An increase in tremor was noted in April, although the total duration did not exceed 10 minutes and was generally low-amplitude. Long-period seismicity was not significant. In the last 15 days, seismicity increased slightly and tremor was recorded daily.
Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)
Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that seismicity at El Misti increased during January, and a seismic swarm consisting of 119 volcano-tectonic events was detected during 14-15 January. Despite the increase, activity remained at a low level.
Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)
Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.
Increased vapor emission
"An increase in the normal emission of vapor from the volcano has been noted since the beginning of April. At times the column rose to about 1 km above the crater and was ejected from the dome (150 m in diameter) that is about 250 m below the outer rim of the crater. A temperature of 125°C has been registered for some years in the dome's fumarolic fissures. [At the dome, blocks of andesite are covered with sulfur, gypsum, anhydrite, and ralstonite.]
"It is possible that this increase in vapor (no such increase had been noted since April 1971) is caused by the evaporation of water from the rains which have been intense this year and abundant for 3 months, January-March. As the rains ended and the clouds disappeared, the impressive and sometimes intermittent vapor column from the volcano was visible from Arequipa (1,000,000 inhabitants including the suburbs). It cannot be excluded that a notable increase in natural degassing has also been occurring, in combination with the evaporation of atmospheric water.
"Persons who intended to go to the bottom of the crater 29 April to collect samples were prevented from doing so because gases irritated noses, throats, and eyes. They said that they also observed flaring, perhaps caused by the combustion of hydrogen or other gases.
"The Observatorio de Chacarato of the Instituto Geofísico, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa (10 km from the city and about 20 km from the volcano's crater) equipped with seismographs and magnetometers, had not registered any changes as of 8 May that could be attributed to perturbations of volcanic origin." . . .
Information Contacts: A. Parodi Isolabella, Arequipa.
New summit crater fumaroles
Inside the SE rim of El Misti's [690 x 935]-m summit crater is a younger cinder cone, about [545] m wide at the top and having an inner crater [198] m deep, with a flat floor [158] m across. On 7 and 8 August geologists observed vigorous fumaroles, which had not been active a few months earlier, on the N side of the cinder cone floor. High-pressure degassing, as "noisy as a reaction motor," emitted white-gray vapor from 6 vents. There were red sulfur deposits inside the vents, yellow sulfur outside them. Fumaroles were still visible on the N rim of the crater.
The last strong eruption of El Misti occurred between 1438 and 1471 (the reign of the Inca Pachacutec); several weeks of vigorous tephra emission forced residents of the region to flee. Several smaller explosive eruptions have been reported since then, but some were probably only periods of increased fumarolic activity [such as reports from 1878, 1901, 1906, 1929, 1949, and 1971].
Information Contacts: M. Decobecq Dominique, Univ. Paris Sud, Orsay, France.
Generally quiet; 1st small seismic swarm in 5 years during August 2012
Since the last strong eruption in the 15th century, El Misti has experienced infrequent small explosions, some of which were probably merely heightened fumarolic activity. Our most recent reports discussed a steam emission in April 1984 (SEAN 09:05) and vigorous fumarolic activity during 7-8 August 1985 (SEAN 10:12). Weak fumaroles are occasionally detected at the summit area. This report presents basic background and some available recent seismic data through June 2013. Misti's location and its relationship with the nearby city of Arequipa is presented in figures 1-3.
Figure 1. These Google Earth images highlight the locations of El Misti and major surrounding landmarks. Courtesy of Google Earth. |
According to Thouret and others (2001), the maximum fumarole temperature at the lava plug, measured in December 1997, was 220°C.
The Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) reports on its website that Misti has been monitored daily in real time since 2005 through a network of five seismic stations. Earthquake data for the most recent one-week period is displayed on its website. For example, between 29 April and 5 May 2013, Misti experienced 21 long-period (LP) earthquakes and 163 volcanic-tectonic (VT) earthquakes; between 8-14 July 2013, the volcano experienced 28 LP earthquakes and 104 VT earthquakes.
A news account (El Comercio) on 28 August 2012 said the IGP had detected a small seismic swarm during the previous week, the first such swarm in more than five years. During that week, 224 total earthquakes were recorded, 143 of which were VT.
References. Cobeñasa, G., Thouret, J., Bonadonnab, C., and , Boivina, P., 2012, The c.2030 yr BP Plinian eruption of El Misti volcano, Peru: Eruption dynamics and hazard implications: Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, v. 241-242, p. 105-120.
Thouret, J., Finizola, A., Fornari, M., Legeley-Padovani, A., Suni, J., Frechen, M., 2001, Geology of El Misti volcano near the city of Arequipa, Peru: Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 113, iss. 12, p. 1593-1610.
Information Contacts: Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) (URL: http://www.igp.gob.pe/); El Comercio (URL: http://elcomercio.pe/); and Inca Trail Reservations (URL: http://incatrailreservations.com/).
This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.
Synonyms |
San Fransisco | Volcan, El | Arequipa, Volcan de | Guagua-Putina |
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There is data available for 15 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.
1985 Jul 2 ± 182 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1 (?)
Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1985 Jul 2 ± 182 days - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 3 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1870 Mar ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1870 Mar - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 3 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1869 Sep ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1869 Sep - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 4 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1831 Aug ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1831 Aug - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 4 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1830 Aug ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1830 Aug - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 4 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1826 Aug ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1826 Aug - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 3 Events for Episode 1
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1787 Jul 28 - 1787 Oct 10 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1 (?)
Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1787 Jul 28 - 1787 Oct 10 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 5 Events for Episode 1
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1784 Jul 9 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1784 Jul 9 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 4 Events for Episode 1
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1677 May 2 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1677 May 2 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 5 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1599 ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1599 - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 3 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1542 ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1542 - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 3 Events for Episode 1
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1454 ± 16 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1454 ± 16 years - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 5 Events for Episode 1
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1350 ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1350 ± 50 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 4 Events for Episode 1
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0760 ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
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0760 ± 100 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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0090 ± 300 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
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0090 ± 300 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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0080 BCE ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4 (?)
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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0080 BCE ± 75 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 6 Events for Episode 1
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0310 BCE ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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0310 BCE ± 100 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 3 Events for Episode 1
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2230 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||
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2230 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | ||||||||||||||
List of 1 Events for Episode 1
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3510 BCE ± 150 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
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3510 BCE ± 150 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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4020 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
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4020 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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5390 BCE ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
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5390 BCE ± 75 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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7190 BCE ± 150 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7190 BCE ± 150 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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There is no Deformation History data available for El Misti.
There is no Emissions History data available for El Misti.
Maps are not currently available due to technical issues.
The maps shown below have been scanned from the GVP map archives and include the volcano on this page. Clicking on the small images will load the full 300 dpi map. Very small-scale maps (such as world maps) are not included.
The following 5 samples associated with this volcano can be found in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences collections, and may be availble for research (contact the Rock and Ore Collections Manager). Catalog number links will open a window with more information.
Catalog Number | Sample Description | Lava Source | Collection Date |
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NMNH 101755 | Lava | -- | -- |
NMNH 113641 | Rhyolite | -- | -- |
NMNH 113642 | Andesite | -- | -- |
NMNH 113643 | Andesite | -- | -- |
NMNH 135279-00 | Hematite | -- | -- |
Copernicus Browser | The Copernicus Browser replaced the Sentinel Hub Playground browser in 2023, to provide access to Earth observation archives from the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem, the main distribution platform for data from the EU Copernicus missions. |
MIROVA | Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity. |
MODVOLC Thermal Alerts | Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales. |
WOVOdat
Single Volcano View Temporal Evolution of Unrest Side by Side Volcanoes |
WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore.
GVMID Data on Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure The Global Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure Database GVMID, is aimed at documenting and improving capabilities of volcano monitoring from the ground and space. GVMID should provide a snapshot and baseline view of the techniques and instrumentation that are in place at various volcanoes, which can be use by volcano observatories as reference to setup new monitoring system or improving networks at a specific volcano. These data will allow identification of what monitoring gaps exist, which can be then targeted by remote sensing infrastructure and future instrument deployments. |
Volcanic Hazard Maps | The IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Hazards and Risk has a Volcanic Hazard Maps database designed to serve as a resource for hazard mappers (or other interested parties) to explore how common issues in hazard map development have been addressed at different volcanoes, in different countries, for different hazards, and for different intended audiences. In addition to the comprehensive, searchable Volcanic Hazard Maps Database, this website contains information about diversity of volcanic hazard maps, illustrated using examples from the database. This site is for educational purposes related to volcanic hazard maps. Hazard maps found on this website should not be used for emergency purposes. For the most recent, official hazard map for a particular volcano, please seek out the proper institutional authorities on the matter. |
IRIS seismic stations/networks | Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Services map showing the location of seismic stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 0.18° (about 20 km at mid-latitudes) from the given location of El Misti. Users can customize a variety of filters and options in the left panel. Note that if there are no stations are known the map will default to show the entire world with a "No data matched request" error notice. |
UNAVCO GPS/GNSS stations | Geodetic Data Services map from UNAVCO showing the location of GPS/GNSS stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 20 km from the given location of El Misti. Users can customize the data search based on station or network names, location, and time window. Requires Adobe Flash Player. |
DECADE Data | The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the Mapping Gas Emissions (MaGa) Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO2 to the atmosphere, but installing CO2 monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere. |
Large Eruptions of El Misti | Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA). |
EarthChem | EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS). |