Template Editor

ACE allows for any type of data to be used in calculating ages of cosmogenic nuclide samples. The Template Editor provides a mechanism by which new types of datasets can be imported into ACE. To import new data types ACE requires a description of that data, and this utility provides the required detail about what kind of data is being imported.

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Click on image to expand

Several types of data are used in ACE by default. These are:

  • constants (eg decay constants),
  • elements (eg cross sections for 36Cl production rates),
  • Geomagnetic Intensity (temporal changes in paleomagnetic intensity),
  • Geomagnetic Polarity (temporal changes in geomagnetic dipole),
  • Cutoff Rigidity (cutoff rigidity as a function of location and time),
  • Sea Level (temporal changes in eustatic sea level) and
  • Sunspot Record (temporal changes in sunspot activity).

These templates list data structures, for example the Cutoff Rigidity template (above) lists cutoff rigidity as a function of latitude, longitude and time:

New types of data can be added using the Add Template button.  For example say that you had some paleoclimate model reconstructions of atmospheric pressure that you wanted to add to ACE.  Start by creating a new template named ‘Atmospheric Pressure’:

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If the pressure is a function of latitude and longitude as well as time in the past, you need to add these as well.  Start with time:

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Click on image to expand

If Is Key is selected, this means that the datatype is an independent variable (eg time, latitude, longitude).  If not, this means that the datatype is a dependent variable (eg a function of time). After all variables are entered you should have a new template:

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Click on image to expand

and ACE is ready to import the csv file of atmospheric pressure in the Collection Browser.