The SCOC database, a large, open, and global database with sediment community oxygen consumption rates.

Area of Science:

• Marine Ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• Oceanography

Background:

• Sediment community oxygen consumption (SCOC) rates are crucial for understanding marine biogeochemical processes and benthic organism activity.
• Previous SCOC databases were limited in size, accessibility, and data quality transparency.
• Lack of transparency in data selection procedures hindered quality assessment by researchers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the most extensive, well-documented, and publicly available database of SCOC data.
• To provide a transparent and reliable resource for marine ecological and biogeochemical research.
• To facilitate future systematic reviews and meta-analyses of SCOC data.

Main Methods:

• Compilation of 3,540 georeferenced SCOC records from 230 peer-reviewed studies.
• Data selection followed systematic review and meta-analysis procedures for enhanced transparency and quality.
• Inclusion of detailed metadata for each record, including measurement type (ex situ/in situ), oxygen uptake (total, diffusive, advective), and instrumentation used.

Main Results:

• The presented database is the largest and most comprehensive collection of SCOC data to date.
• All data records are georeferenced and accompanied by detailed methodological information.
• The database is freely accessible, promoting wider use in scientific research.

Conclusions:

• This database represents a significant advancement for marine sediment research.
• Its comprehensive nature and transparent methodology will support robust scientific inquiry.
• Annual curation and updates will ensure the database remains a vital, up-to-date global resource.