LithoPlates - a new deep-time reconstruction community service provided by the AusGeochem data platform

AusGeochem, together with the Earthbyte Group and Lithodat, has developed a cloud-based, fully integrated deep time reconstruction tool for geochemistry data based on Earthbyte’s pyGplates and plate models. This new tool is easy to use and enables researchers to visualise and analyse samples and analytical results in their palinspastic context. On-the-fly analytical tools currently included in AusGeochem such as live contouring and multi-sample selections can now be performed in their paleogeographic locations without any further data preparation. The ease of use will enable researchers to explore the world of deep-time reconstructions and enhance their understanding of the tectonic settings and events of importance to rock, mineral or fluid sample history. The current version enables the user to select between 7 different plate models ranging back to 1 Ga. All images and results can be exported for further analysis and processing.

 

Here we present how this new tool can be used and how it is integrated into AusGeochem, Australia's public geochemistry data platform for FAIR data. Geochronology data can be reconstructed back in time to help understand when and where rocks were formed or deformed, and how they are related in a paleogeographic context. Filters can be applied to make sure only data of age relevance are shown in any given reconstruction timeslice. The advantage of having the new reconstruction function fully integrated into AusGeochem’s relational database is that all data and metadata can be analysed using the same on-the-fly tools in both present-day and palinspastic geography. . This new tool is primarily designed for researchers interested in the paleogeographic context of their samples, but also for plate model scientists seeking to integrate all available geochronology and thermochronology data to help better constrain and improve existing plate models. Future enhancements will include the addition of more deep-time plate models, advanced visualisation and filters and a comparison of multiple model outputs.