North American Plant Macrofossil Database

In collaboration with the NOAA National Geophysical Data Center, we are compiling a database of Quaternary plant macrofossil data from North America north of Mexico. The North American Plant Macrofossil Database (NAPMD) will include published and unpublished macrofossil records from lakes, wetlands, meadows, and other chemically reduced environments (e.g., fluvial, estuarine, buried soils, etc.) as well as exposed or buried 14C-dated logs and stumps. The database specifically excludes data from archeological sites and packrat middens.

The database provides several benefits to paleoecology and paleoclimatology. Synoptic maps of macrofossil occurrences can be used to test paleoclimates simulated by GCMs or inferred from other data (e.g., pollen). The maps also will reveal those regions and time periods in which data are critically needed. The data can also provide estimates of past species ranges and migration rates, corroborating inferences from pollen data. The database comprises a valuable research tool for paleoecologists and other scientists by allowing easy retrieval and display. The database will ulitimately be made available in user-friendly display similar to the North American Pollen Database (NAPD)(e.g., Siteseer, ShowTime).

Our current efforts are aimed at compiling stratigraphic, chronological, descriptive, and quantitative information for incorporation into a comprehensive macrofossil database for North America. This is most reliably and accurately done by obtaining information directly from the original investigators. More information on contributing data may be found at How to Contribute to the Database.

Who are the database folks?

The NAPMD is being developed by Stephen T. Jackson and Tim Chumley at the University of Wyoming Quaternary Plant Ecology Laboratory. Development of the NAPMD is being guided by and Advisory Panel consisting of Richard G. Baker (Chair), R. Scott Anderson, Patrick J. Bartlein, Eric C. Grimm, Alayn Larouche, John H. McAndrews, Northon G. Miller, and Robert S. Thompson.

Directions on how to download the database or contribute to the database are found by clicking icons below.

Downloading Instructions

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