Consolidation of open-source data tools for carbonate critical zone research

Open-source programming languages such as Python are a growing necessity for data analysis in the geosciences. Through the Carbonate Critical Zone Research Coordination Network (CZ RCN), a public list of data tools will be made available including highlighted Python libraries, data processing codes, and modeling codes. These important tools will enable researchers to explore the potential of their own data sets. Open-source programs for data analysis are beneficial due to the free cost, accessibility, and ability to promote meaningful advancement of research goals between collaborators. Specifically, existing Python codes may facilitate researchers to easily interpret large data sets and may be easily shared with other researchers through platforms such as CUAHSI Hydroshare. However, because of the nature of open-source programs, hundreds of thousands of constantly expanding Python libraries exist and may overwhelm new users. For hydrogeologists studying carbonate systems, a comprehensive but specific summary of available data tools is necessary to aid with time series or large data sets, and to also identify and address potential deficiencies. The summary of open-source data tools for carbonate CZ research will be available on the RCN web site: https://carbonatecriticalzone.research.ufl.edu/. Additionally, to aid new users, a suite of Python introductory lessons and demonstrations of data processing tools will be made easily accessible through user-friendly Python Google Colaboratory notebooks.