The Paleo/Geo Context in Specify allows users to link their specimens to their paleontological or geological context. This functionality can be configured to display as either Paleo Context (PC) or Geologic Context (GC), depending on the user’s discipline, ensuring that the information is relevant and accessible.
Specify offers several fields and relationships that can be used in ways that best align with your conceptualization and linking preferences.
The essential fields for Paleo/Geo Context are as follows:
- Chronostratigraphy (link to the Chronostratigraphy tree)
- Biostratigraphy (text field by default, can optionally be linked to the Chronostratigraphy tree)
- Lithostratigraphy (link to the Lithostratigraphy tree)
- Remarks (text field)
- Tectonic Unit (link to the Tectonic Unit tree)
By default, the Paleo/Geo Context is linked to the Collecting Event table as a one-to-many relationship, but this can be altered to a one-to-one relationship through manipulation of the form structure.
Similarly, the Paleo/Geo Context can be linked to the Collection Object and Locality tables with either a one-to-many or one-to-one relationship using appropriate form and database schema modifications. It is important to note that the Paleo/Geo Context relationship must remain consistent for each collection residing in the same discipline and database.
Shared vs. Embedded Paleo/Geo Context
Shared Paleo/Geo Context
Non-embedded paleo forms will display as a Query Combo Box. In the case of one-to-many relationships, customized forms will include a drop-down query combo box for searching and selecting from existing Paleo/Geo Context records. This allows for sharing within collections residing in the same discipline within the same database. Adding, editing, and viewing the Paleo/Geo Context is accomplished through the query combo box tools, which will open a new Paleo/Geo Context form window.
Embedded Paleo/Geo Context
Embedded paleo forms will be displayed as a subview. Collections using a one-to-one relationship require Paleo/Geo Context information to be entered for each specimen and do not allow for the data to be shared among other collection objects.
Tectonic Unit Tree
The Tectonic Unit tree provides a structured framework for integrating tectonic information with geological/paleontological data. It functions just like any other tree in Specify.
This tree features a simple hierarchy with the following default ranks:
- Superstructure
- Tectonic Domain
- Tectonic Subdomain
- Tectonic Unit
- Tectonic Subunit
The ranks are entirely configurable, so this can be adjusted to meet the needs of your collections and to better align with the appropriate regional tectonic data. It does not include any default data, so it is entirely up to the collection to determine what is added.