CoralHydro2k

By Walter et al. | May 24, 2023

Introduction

The PAGES (Past Global Changes) CoralHydro2k project has compiled a global database of coral-based reconstructions of sea surface temperature (SST) and salinity (SSS) for the Common Era (CE). The database is designed to increase the utility of these reconstructions for investigating past climate variability, comparing with climate model simulations, and for use in paleodata-assimilation projects. This is a dynamic compilation, meaning that new datasets that meet the criteria for inclusion can be added and included in subsequent versions. See the criteria and data submission sections below for details.

Data Coverage Map
Data Coverage Map

Data

Data access and LiPDverse visualizations are available here.

Publication

A data descriptor for the compilation was published in Earth System Science Data and is available here.

How to cite this compilation

Walter, R. M., Sayani, H. R., Felis, T., Cobb, K. M., Abram, N. J., Arzey, A. K., Atwood, A. R., Brenner, L. D., Dassié, É. P., DeLong, K. L., Ellis, B., Emile-Geay, J., Fischer, M. J., Goodkin, N. F., Hargreaves, J. A., Kilbourne, K. H., Krawczyk, H., McKay, N. P., Moore, A. L., Murty, S. A., Ong, M. R., Ramos, R. D., Reed, E. V., Samanta, D., Sanchez, S. C., Zinke, J., and the PAGES CoralHydro2k Project Members: The CoralHydro2k database: a global, actively curated compilation of coral δ18O and Sr / Ca proxy records of tropical ocean hydrology and temperature for the Common Era, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 15, 2081–2116, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-2081-2023, 2023.

Criteria for inclusion

The complete criteria for inclusion are described in the publication, but in short: To be included in this compilation, a dataset must meet several criteria:

  1. Archive Type: Records must be sourced from a coral archive.
  2. Proxy Type: Records must provide a reconstruction of sea surface temperature (SST) or sea surface salinity (SSS), typically from δ18O and/or Sr/Ca measurements.
  3. Record Duration: Ideally, records cover at least 80% of the 20th century, but records that present data from earlier in the Common Era are also included.
  4. Record Resolution: Reconstructions must have seasonal or better resolution.
  5. Chronological Accuracy: Records must have an age model that is clearly documented, with quantified uncertainties and age control points.
  6. Peer-review: Records must be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Adding data to this compilation

If you’re interested in adding a dataset to this compilation, whether it’s a new study you’re involved with, or an older record that was previously overlooked or unavailable, follow these steps:

  1. Check that the data meet the criteria for inclusion in the study.
  2. If the dataset is not already formatted as a LiPD file, please do so using the interactive web tool at LiPD.net, and download the resulting file.
  3. We are working on formalizing this process, but for now, please email CoralHydro2k Leadership and/or Nick McKay, attach the dataset(s), and explain why the record should be added.

For more information, take a look at the frequently asked questions.

Long-term archival

The CoralHydro2k data are archived at the NOAA National Center for Environmental Information’s Paleoclimate Data Archive, and are available here.