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FGDC CSDGM Metadata
FALSE
Samples_Christiansen
002
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5396667.078200
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GCS_WGS_1984
Linear Unit: Meter (1.000000)
WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Sphere
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20220610
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FGDC
Joel E Robinson
U.S. Geological Survey, ALASKA REGION
Geologist
650-439-2322
350 North Akron Road
Moffett Field
CA
94035
US
jrobins@usgs.gov
20220610
ArcGIS Metadata
1.0
GS ScienceBase
U.S. Geological Survey
1-888-275-8747
Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Mail Stop 302
Denver
CO
80225
US
sciencebase@usgs.gov
none
Digital Data
https://doi.org/10.5066/P94JTACV
https://doi.org/10.5066/P94JTACV
File Geodatabase Feature Class
Yellowstone Sample Collection - database
2021-12-16
Joel E. Robinson
Emma McConville
Mark Szymanski
Robert L. Christiansen
USGS
Reston, VA
database
<DIV STYLE="text-align:Left;"><DIV><DIV><P><SPAN>This database was prepared using a combination of materials that include aerial photographs, topographic maps (1:24,000 and 1:250,000), field notes, and a sample catalog. Our goal was to translate sample collection site locations at Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas into a GIS database. This was achieved by transferring site locations from aerial photographs and topographic maps into layers in ArcMap. Each field site is located based on field notes describing where a sample was collected. Locations were marked on the photograph or topographic map by a pinhole or dot, respectively, with the corresponding station or site numbers. Station and site numbers were then referenced in the notes to determine the appropriate prefix for the station. Each point on the aerial photograph or topographic map was relocated on the screen in ArcMap, on a digital topographic map, or an aerial photograph. Several samples are present in the field notes and in the catalog but do not correspond to an aerial photograph or could not be found on the topographic maps. These samples are marked with “No” under the LocationFound field and do not have a corresponding point in the SampleSites feature class. Each point represents a field station or collection site with information that was entered into an attributes table (explained in detail in the entity and attribute metadata sections). Tabular information on hand samples, thin sections, and mineral separates were entered by hand. The Samples table includes everything transferred from the paper records and relates to the other tables using the SampleID and to the SampleSites feature class using the SampleSite field.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>Data were minimally modified by the Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) in March, 2022 for simplified display on the interactive Geology of Yellowstone Map. The SampleSites feature class was joined to the Samples nonspatial table by the SampleSite field. Records where LocationFound = "No" were deleted because these records lack spatial data. The SampleSites feature class was then joined to the HandSamples, ThinSections, and MineralSeparates nonspatial tables by the SampleID field. Records from these three nonspatial tables that are populated (in other words, where the data exist), were assigned a "Yes" value in the "Hand sample?", "Thin section?", and "Mineral separates?" fields respectively; all other records were assigned "No" values in these fields. The joined table was exported to the final feature class, and some fields were added, given different aliases, or had their visibility turned off for simplified display on the interactive Geology of Yellowstone Map. The WSGS has not formally reviewed or quality-controlled these data; users are encouraged to consult the original data source.</SPAN></P></DIV></DIV></DIV>
This database was compiled to preserve geologic sample information in paper field notes, sample collection locations, and sample analysis work conducted by Robert L. Christiansen and others over several decades. Sample site locations were digitized using methods described in the metadata to provide the best possible location of the sites in GIS. The database provides a reference to the geologic data for individual samples and the approximate locations of sample sites that were used to map the geology of Yellowstone.
Rock samples collected and analyzed by Robert L. Christiansen, Edward W. Hildreth, Richard M. Blank, and Harold J. Prostka during 1965-2001.
Robinson, J.E., McConville, E.G., Szymanski, M.E., and Christiansen, R.L., 2021, Yellowstone Sample Collection - database: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P94JTACV.
Joel E Robinson
U.S. Geological Survey, ALASKA REGION
Geologist
650-439-2322
350 North Akron Road
Moffett Field
CA
94035
US
jrobins@usgs.gov
Yellowstone plateau
rhyolite
rock samples
caldera
USGS Metadata Identifier
USGS:61684066d34e653770010a4d
Yellowstone plateau
rhyolite
rock samples
caldera
USGS:61684066d34e653770010a4d
<DIV STYLE="text-align:Left;"><DIV><DIV><P><SPAN>None. Users are advised to read the data set's metadata thoroughly to understand appropriate use and data limitations.</SPAN></P></DIV></DIV></DIV>
Distributor assumes no liability for misuse of data.
None. Please see 'Distribution Info' for details.
Esri ArcGIS 10.3.1 (Build 4959) Service Pack N/A (Build N/A)
true
-111.7449
-110.1238
45.2571
43.5508
observed
1965
2001
All information in this database was transferred from handwritten field notes, locations on aerial images and topographic maps, and through direct communication with Robert L. Christiansen. The transfer was executed as accurately as possible; however, any missing information or null values are due to gaps in the original records. Refer to the notes field to find additional information about why some fields may be empty.
1
-111.734249
-110.132661
45.256796
43.553915
No formal logical accuracy tests were conducted.
Data set is considered complete for the information presented, as described in the abstract. Users are advised to read the rest of the metadata record carefully for additional details.
If a sample did not have adequate information in the field notes or sample catalog to identify the geologic unit, the overlaid map plate was used to define the unit. Authors used discretion to chose the appropriate unit when plates overlapped.
Database for the Quaternary and Pliocene Yellowstone Plateau volcanic field of Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 551
Geologic Map data
2011
R. D. Koch
David W. Ramsey
Robert L. Christiansen
tabular digital data
https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/551/
publication date
2011
A handwritten field notes and a printed copy of Chistiansen's sample catalog was the primary source for identifying units and location information per sample.Aerial images and notated topographic maps were used to locations sites in GIS.
Yellowstone Sample Catalog, field notes, aerial images and notated topographic maps
Sample Catalog
1986
Robert L. Christiansen
Edward W. Hildreth
Harold J. Prostka
Richard M. Blank
printed data
observed
1986-11-08
Locations were marked on the photograph or topographic map by a pinhole or dot, respectively, with the corresponding station number. Station numbers were then referenced in the notes to determine the appropriate prefix for the station. Each point on the aerial photograph or topographic map was relocated on the screen in ArcMap on a digital topographic map or digital orthoquadrangle aerial photograph. Tabular information on hand samples, thin sections, and mineral separates were entered by hand.
2016-08-12
Sample Catalog
Each sample was assigned the Unit found in the sample catalog (list of mineral separates and thin sections from Yellowstone samples), when possible. Multiple samples were taken at some sites, indicated by a SampleLetter. SampleSites not found in the catalog were assigned the Unit of the overlaid geologic map data in GIS. The information that corresponds between these plates and the points was given a priority based primarily on scale in order: 1, 2, and 3. Some points were found located on contacts between units. Discretion was used when deciding the assigned Unit considering all available information. The confidence of the Unit assignment is recorded in the UnitConfidence field.
2016-08-12
Geologic Map data
Sample Catalog
1689
Samples
A database table of all transferred Yellowstone sample records.
Producer defined
Feature Class
1689
OBJECTID
OBJECTID
OID
4
0
0
Internal feature number.
Esri
Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
SampleID
The SampleID is a concatenation of the SampleSite and SampleLetter and provides a unique ID for every individual sample in all tables in the database.
Producer defined
Unique ID for identifying individual sample records and joining tables.
SampleID
String
50
0
0
SampleSite
The SampleSite provides a unique ID associated with the point location of each sample collection site. This field can be used to join the SampleSites feature class to the tables or join the tables to one another. The SampleSite identifies different sites with the same station number (e.g., 6YC-74 and 74Y-74; both are station 074, but are different locations, samples and years).
Producer defined
Unique ID that can be joined to the feature class or tables in this dataset.
SampleSite
String
50
0
0
Year_
Year
String
50
0
0
SampleSource
This column indicates the geologist’s collection from which the sample was sourced. NULL values occur when inadequate information was included about the source of the sample.
Producer defined
null
No sample source found in original records.
Producer defined
Robert L. Christiansen's Samples
Sample collected by Robert L. Christiansen.
Producer defined
Richard Blank's samples
Samples collected by Richard Blank.
Producer defined
Harold Prostka's samples
Sample collected by Harold Prostka.
Producer defined
SampleSource
String
50
0
0
Unit
The Unit category displays the geologic unit assigned to each sample according to a combination of identifiers. Each sample was assigned the Unit found in the field notes or sample catalog (list of mineral separates and thin sections from Yellowstone samples), when possible. Samples left without a Unit were then assigned the Unit of the overlaid geologic map plate. Some points were found located on contacts between units. Due to scale differences, some points collocate on multiple geologic map plates. Discretion was used when deciding the assigned Unit considering all available information. The confidence of the Unit assignment is recorded in the UnitConfidence field. Records without adequate information were to identify a unit remain in the dataset with a null value. The notes field can include additional information about unidentified units.
Producer defined
null
Inadequate information about the sample to identify a unit.
Producer defined
geologic unit names
Unit
String
100
0
0
Label
This field displays the unit abbreviation that corresponds with the Unit.
Producer defined
null
Inadequate information about the sample to identify a unit.
Producer defined
geologic unit label abbreviations
Label
String
50
0
0
Notes
This column contains any extra information that was included in the field notes or notes about identifying the location or unit using GIS.
Producer defined
null
No additional information was found or available.
Producer defined
free text
Notes
String
400
0
0
Shape
Shape
Geometry
0
0
0
Feature geometry.
Esri
Coordinates defining the features.
Hand_sample
Hand sample?
String
3
0
0
Thin_section
Thin section?
String
3
0
0
Min_sep
Mineral separates?
String
3
0
0
Data_source
Data source
String
200
0
0
SampleSites
feature class of sample site locations
Producer defined
OBJECTID
Esri ID
Producer defined
1
1412
Shape
Feature geometry.
ESRI
Coordinates defining the features.
SampleSite
The SampleSite provides a unique ID associated with the point location of each sample collection site. This field can be used to join the SampleSites feature class to the tables or join the tables to one another. The SampleSite identifies different sites with the same station number (e.g., 6YC-74 and 74Y-74; both are station 074, but are different locations, samples and years).
Producer defined
Unique ID that can be joined to the feature class or tables in this dataset.
LocationSource
The LocationSource field displays the aerial photograph number (e.g. 6517 or 6518) or topographic map name (e.g. Mammoth 24k or Old Faithful 24k) the field station location was found on.
Producer defined
Number identifier of aerial photo or name of notated topographic map that the locations was found on.
HandSamples
database table of hand samples
Producer defined
SampleID
The SampleID is a concatenation of the SampleSite and SampleLetter and provides a unique ID for every individual sample in all tables in the database.
Producer defined
Unique ID for identifying individual sample records and joining tables.
SampleSite
The SampleSite provides a unique ID associated with the point location of each sample collection site. This field can be used to join the SampleSites feature class to the tables or join the tables to one another. The SampleSite identifies different sites with the same station number (e.g., 6YC-74 and 74Y-74; both are station 074, but are different locations, samples and years).
Producer defined
Unique ID that can be joined to the feature class or tables in this dataset.
SampleLetter
The SampleLetter category indicates if more than one sample was taken at a SampleSite (e.g., 6YC-7 - A, B, C; three samples were taken at this location; they may or may not be all the same unit – see Unit column).
Producer defined
null
Only one sample exists with the SampleSite.
Producer defined
Letter differentiating samples collected at the same SampleSite.
Prefix
This column contains the sample prefix for each station that has a hand sample(s).
Producer defined
null
No prefix found in original records.
Producer defined
Code denoting the year sample was collected.
Station
The Station column displays the station number associated with each SampleSite. This column was added so that stations could be numerically sorted. There can be multiple station numbers that correspond to different SampleSite (e.g., 6YC-5, 0YR-5, 3YC-5 all have station number 5).
Producer defined
null
No station found with original records.
Producer defined
The Station column displays the station number associated with each SampleSite. Station names by and large increase in chronological order, but were periodically reset at that beginning of a field season. This column was added so that stations could be numerically sorted. Multiple samples can have the same station number that correspond to different SampleSite (e.g., 6YC-5, 0YR-5, 3YC-5 all have station numbers 5).
Year
This column displays the year the sample was collected. The year was obtained from the prefix in the SampleSite (e.g., 6YC-6 – year: 1966).
Producer defined
null
No Prefix or year found in original records.
Producer defined
1965
2001
SampleSource
This column indicates the geologist’s collection from which the sample was sourced. NULL values occur when inadequate information was included about the source of the sample.
Producer defined
null
No sample source found in original records.
Producer defined
Robert L. Christiansen's Samples
Sample collected by Robert L. Christiansen.
Producer defined
Richard Blank's samples
Samples collected by Richard Blank.
Producer defined
Harold Prostka's samples
Sample collected by Harold Prostka.
Producer defined
Unit
This column identifies which geologic map unit each hand sample is from. This information was obtained from the sample catalog prepared by Hildreth and Christiansen.
Producer defined
geologic unit name
Notes
This column contains any additional information available about each record.
Producer defined
free text
ThinSections
database table of Yellowstone thin sections
Producer defined
SampleID
The SampleID is a concatenation of the SampleSite and SampleLetter and provides a unique ID for every individual sample in all tables in the database.
Producer defined
Unique ID for identifying individual sample records and joining tables.
SampleSite
The SampleSite provides a unique ID associated with the point location of each sample collection site. This field can be used to join the SampleSites feature class to the tables or join the tables to one another. The SampleSite identifies different sites with the same station number (e.g., 6YC-74 and 74Y-74; both are station 074, but are different locations, samples and years).
Producer defined
Unique ID that can be joined to the feature class or tables in this dataset.
SampleLetter
The SampleLetter category indicates if more than one sample was taken at a SampleSite (e.g., 6YC-7 - A, B, C; three samples were taken at this location; they may or may not be all the same unit – see Unit column).
Producer defined
null
Only one sample exists with the SampleSite.
Producer defined
Letter differentiating samples collected at the same SampleSite.
Prefix
This column contains the sample prefix for each station that has a hand sample(s).
Producer defined
null
No prefix found in original records.
Producer defined
Code denoting the year sample was collected.
Station
The Station column displays the station number associated with each SampleSite. This column was added so that stations could be numerically sorted. There can be multiple station numbers that correspond to different SampleSite (e.g., 6YC-5, 0YR-5, 3YC-5 all have station number 5).
Producer defined
null
No station found with original records.
Producer defined
The Station column displays the station number associated with each SampleSite. Station names by and large increase in chronological order, but were periodically reset at that beginning of a field season. This column was added so that stations could be numerically sorted. Multiple samples can have the same station number that correspond to different SampleSite (e.g., 6YC-5, 0YR-5, 3YC-5 all have station numbers 5).
Year
This column displays the year the sample was collected. The year was obtained from the prefix in the SampleSite (e.g., 6YC-6 – year: 1966).
Producer defined
null
No Prefix or year found in original records.
Producer defined
1965
1981
SampleSource
This column indicates the geologist’s collection from which the sample was sourced. NULL values occur when inadequate information was included about the source of the sample.
Producer defined
null
No sample source found in original records.
Producer defined
Robert L. Christiansen's Samples
Sample collected by Robert L. Christiansen.
Producer defined
Unit
This column identifies which geologic map unit each thin section is from. This information was obtained from the sample catalog prepared by Hildreth and Christiansen.
Producer defined
This column identifies which geologic map unit each thin section is from. This information was obtained from the sample catalog prepared by Hildreth and Christiansen.
Notes
This column contains any additional information available about each record.
Producer defined
null
No additional information was found or available.
Producer defined
Free text
MineralSeparates
database table
Producer defined
SampleID
The SampleID is a concatenation of the SampleSite and SampleLetter and provides a unique ID for every individual sample in all tables in the database.
Producer defined
The SampleID is a concatenation of the SampleSite and SampleLetter and provides a unique ID for every individual sample in all tables in the database.
SampleSite
The SampleSite provides a unique ID associated with the point location of each sample collection site. This field can be used to join the SampleSites feature class to the tables or join the tables to one another. The SampleSite identifies different sites with the same station number (e.g., 6YC-74 and 74Y-74; both are station 074, but are different locations, samples and years).
Producer defined
Unique ID that can be joined to the feature class or tables in this dataset.
SampleLetter
The SampleLetter category indicates if more than one sample was taken at a SampleSite (e.g., 6YC-7 - A, B, C; three samples were taken at this location; they may or may not be all the same unit – see Unit column).
Producer defined
null
Only one sample exists with the SampleSite.
Producer defined
Letter differentiating samples collected at the same SampleSite.
Prefix
This column contains the sample prefix for each station that has a hand sample(s).
Producer defined
null'
No prefix found in original records.
Producer defined
Code denoting the year sample was collected.
Station
The Station column displays the station number associated with each SampleSite. This column was added so that stations could be numerically sorted. There can be multiple station numbers that correspond to different SampleSite (e.g., 6YC-5, 0YR-5, 3YC-5 all have station number 5).
Producer defined
null
No station found with original records.
Producer defined
The Station column displays the station number associated with each SampleSite. Station names by and large increase in chronological order, but were periodically reset at that beginning of a field season. This column was added so that stations could be numerically sorted. Multiple samples can have the same station number that correspond to different SampleSite (e.g., 6YC-5, 0YR-5, 3YC-5 all have station numbers 5).
Year
This column displays the year the sample was collected. The year was obtained from the prefix in the SampleSite (e.g., 6YC-6 – year: 1966).
Producer defined
null
No Prefix or year found in original records.
Producer defined
1965
1984
SampleSource
This column indicates the geologist’s collection from which the sample was sourced. NULL values occur when inadequate information was included about the source of the sample.
Producer defined
null
No information about the sample source was found.
Producer defined
Robert L. Christiansen's Samples
Sample collected by Robert L. Christiansen.
Producer defined
Type
This column identifies what type of mineral separate each sample is.
Producer defined
null
No information about the type was available.
Producer defined
geologic type abbreviations
Type_Description
This field describes the Type of each sample.
Producer defined
null
No information about the type was available.
Producer defined
Description of the geologic type.
Unit
This column identifies which geologic map unit each mineral separate sample is from. This information was obtained from the sample catalog prepared by Hildreth and Christiansen.
Producer defined
null
No unit was available.
Producer defined
geologic unit
Notes
This column contains any additional information available about each record.
Producer defined
null
No additional information was available.
Producer defined
Free text
The entity and attribute information provided here describes the tabular data associated with the data set. Please review the detailed descriptions that are provided (the individual attribute descriptions) for information on the values that appear as fields/table entries of the data set.
The entity and attribute information was generated by the individual and/or agency identified as the originator of the data set. Please review the rest of the metadata record for additional details and information.
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