Temporal explosion: the need for new approaches in interpreting and managing geochronology data

Recent analytical improvements have provided a new wave of geochronology data, but developments in understanding of the analytical process and the application of statistically robust interpretative/visualisation tools have lagged. Some tools are emerging, but there is a strong need for further development. A fundamental concern is simply how to manage the volumes of data now being acquired. Work has begun on developing a standard for the exchange of geochronology data using XML technology within the framework of other standard developments in Australian geosciences. However, a caveat in both the development of tools and standards is that they must be usable and must be accompanied by sufficient education to enable regular use.