PARADIS - A RELATIONAL DATABASE FOR THE CONSISTENT DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF METAMORPHIC MINERAL ASSEMBLAGES

A set of integrated computer programs has been developed to optimize d ocumentation, storage, and analysis of petrological data. Primary petr ographic and mineral chemistry data, as well as petrological results ( such as stability diagrams) derived from these data, are documented by a relational database named ParaDIS (Paragenetic Data Inventory Syste m). ParaDIS is implemented using INGRES(TM), a commercial relational d atabase-management system running under UNIX on Sun computers. Two use r-friendly applications, forms-based and menu-operated, allow for entr y, retrieval, and various manipulations of any amount of petrological data. In the current version, ParaDIS is interfaced with external ther mobarometric programs (e.g. TWEEQU, PTAX) based on consistent thermody namic models, allowing for coherent interpretation of metamorphic asse mblages. The results (e.g. P-T- or T-X-graphs) can be directed back in to ParaDIS for further analysis and to document the interpretations. P -T-data derived for particular field areas also can be fed into graphi cs programs or Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for further mani pulation, such as P-T-contouring, and display. Data architecture and s torage structure of ParaDIS are presented in detail.