OneDZ: A global detrital zircon database and implications for constructing giant geoscience database

Abstract

The amount of detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology data and Lu-Hf isotopic data has doubled in the past two decades with the continuous improvement of analytical methods, and has developed into the most closely integrated research field in earth science with big data methods. However, how to effectively construct giant databases in geoscience has become a challenge. Here, we present OneDZ, a global comprehensive detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology and Lu-Hf isotope database, which includes diverse samples with data source, location, stratigraphy, depositional age, and various elemental and isotopic information. OneDZ collected corresponding regions, stratigraphic and lithological information to facilitate quick access for users. Comparing with current zircon databases, until now, OneDZ complies 2 550 738 grains of detrital zircon U-Pb and 297 527 grains of detrital zircon Lu-Hf records from 275 971 publications. Furthermore, the construction of OneDZ leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and programming scripts and offers insights into managing large-scale unstructured data in geosciences. This paper further discusses the perspective of applying big data methods in the research of zircon-related areas. This database exemplifies the power of big data in Earth sciences, providing a platform for investigating zircon data in deep time. It serves as a springboard for research, offering new insights in understanding Earth's past, present, and future. The database (Li et al., 2026) is freely available via Zenodo at 10.5281/zenodo.19690702.