> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ess-dive.gitbook.io/sample-id-and-metadata/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ess-dive.gitbook.io/sample-id-and-metadata/guide.md). # Guide Here you will find proposed guidelines for standardizing sample metadata to describe interdisciplinary samples within DOE's Environmental Systems Science research. Most of the sample metadata follows [SESAR's metadata guidelines](http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3874923). However, we modified some metadata elements, specific requirements, and vocabularies based on ESS researcher needs. This includes additional fields, which mostly come from biodiversity standards [Darwin Core](https://dwc.tdwg.org/), or genomic standards [Minimum Information about any Sequence (MIxS)](https://gensc.org/mixs/). We seek any additional feedback, with the goal of making ESS sample information **F**indable, **A**ccessible, **I**nteroperable, and **R**eusable (FAIR). *** ## Sample Metadata Content - Link to More Details \*Required fields are marked with an asterisk, and indicated in detailed tables below. [**Header Rows**](#header-rows):\ [Object Type\*](#object-type) |[User Code\*](#user-code) [**Sample IDs and Related Identifiers**](https://github.com/ess-dive-workspace/essdive-sample-id-metadata/blob/main/sample-ids-and-related-identifiers/README.md):\ [Sample Name\*](#sample-name) |[Other names](#other-names) |[IGSN](#igsn) |[Parent IGSN](#parent-igsn) |[Collection ID](#collection-id) |[Event ID](#event-id) |[Location ID](#location-id) [**Sample Description**](#sample-description):\ [Material\*](#material) |[Field name informal classification](#field-name-informal-classification) |[Sample Description](#sample-description) |[Purpose](#purpose) |[Size](#size) |[Size unit](#size-unit) |[Filter Size](#filter-size) |[Filter Size Unit](#filter-size-unit) |[Scientific Name](#scientific-name) |[Sample Remarks](#sample-remarks) [**Sample Collection Details**](#sample-collection-details):\ [Collector Chief Scientist\*](#collector-chief-scientist) |[Collection Date\*](#collection-date) |[Collection Time](#collection-time) |[Collection Method Description\*](#collection-method-description) |[Sample Processing](#sample-processing) |[Field Program or Project Name\*](#field-program-or-project-name) [**Location**](#location):\ [Latitude Coordinate system WGS 84\*](#latitude-coordinate-system-wgs-84) |[Longitude Coordinate system WGS 84\*](#longitude-coordinate-system-wgs-84) |[Navigation Type](#navigation-type) |[Location Description](#location-description) |[Country](#country) |[Elevation start](#elevation-start) |[Elevation end](#elevation-end) |[Elevation unit](#elevation-unit) |[Minimum Depth in Meters](#minimum-depth-in-meters) |[Maximum Depth in Meters](#maximum-depth-in-meters) |[Depth scale](#depth-scale) |[Minimum Distance above Surface in Meters](#minimum-distance-above-surface-in-meters) |[Maximum Distance above Surface in Meters](#maximum-distance-above-surface-in-meters) | [**Environmental Context**](#environmental-context):\ [Physiographic feature\*](#primary-physiographic-feature) |[Biome](#biome) [**Sample Access**](#sample-access):\ [Release Date\*](#release-date) |[Current Archive](#current-archive) |[Current Archive Contact](#current-archive-contact) *** ## Header Rows ### Object Type | ESS-DIVE Proposed Element | objectType `Required` | | --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Broad characterization of the nature of a sample or specimen. | | **Format** | [SESAR Controlled List](https://www.geosamples.org/help/vocabularies#object). See [object type list](/sample-id-and-metadata/term-lists/objecttype.md) for revised terms proposed for ESS-DIVE | | **Additional Instructions** | Provide feedback on additional terms or revisions needed. | | **Examples** | Core; Individual Sample; Organism | ### User Code | ESS-DIVE Proposed Element | userCode `Required` | | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

Globally unique IGSN code that will be used as a prefix
for IGSNs in the submitted batch template.

| | **Format** | Five-letter code | | **Additional Instructions** |

User codes should be unique to an individual or large project managed by a team;
avoid creating multiple user codes. If assigning IGSNs in the IGSN column,
the user code must match the user code in the IGSNs. For example, if the user
specifies IEMEG is the user code, any user-specified IGSNs must begin with IEMEG.
If you do not specify the user code to be used, a default user code belonging
to the registrant will be used.

| | **Examples** | IEMEG, IEJDE | *** ## Sample IDs and Related Identifiers ### Sample Name | ESS-DIVE Proposed Element | sampleName `Required` | | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

Collector's project-specific sample name, which must be unique for each sample that
you are submitting.

| | **Format** | free text, unique | | **Additional Instructions** |

You can develop a sample ID that has meaning to you and may help in your internal,
project sample management.

| | **Examples** | 001-ER18-FO | ### Other names | ESS-DIVE Proposed Element | otherName `Optional` | | --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Other sample name(s) that have been used in the past. | | **Format** | free text | | **Additional Instructions** | Use a semi-colon to delimit multiple names where needed. | | **Examples** | 001ER18FO; 001ER18-FO | ### IGSN | ESS-DIVE Proposed Element | IGSN `Recommended` | | --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

Globally unique and persistent identifier for the sample. Leave blank if you want
SESAR to assign the IGSN, which is recommended.

| | **Format** | semi-opaque, alphanumeric characters (9 recommended) | | **Additional Instructions** |

For split samples/subsamples, you can assign your own 1-2 character extensions from
the Parent IGSN, and submit your own IGSNs for registering these child samples.
This is not required, but is an option if desired. For assigning your own
IGSNS, you must use upper-case alpha-numeric characters.

| | **Examples** | IEWER7214, IEMEG0215 | ### Parent IGSN | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | parentIGSN if relevant,`Required` | | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

The larger sample from which a child sample was derived. For example, a core section
may be the parent of a series of subsamples or split samples. Parent
and child samples are linked in the SESAR catalog. Sibling samples are inferred
from parent-child relationships and are linked on the landing page for a
sample.

| | **Format** | semi-opaque, alphanumeric characters (9 recommended) | | **Additional Instructions** | Leave blank if a parent IGSN does not exist. | | **Examples** | IEMEG0002 | ### Collection ID *Not a SESAR Field* | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | collectionID `Optional` | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

A unique identifier for the set of information associated with a collection of
samples; collections may be organized around a particular project, data set,
field season, region, site, etc.

| | **Format** | free text, unique | | **Additional Instructions** |

Must be unique within the data package (project-assigned, and does not need
to be globally unique). See link to diagram that demonstrates linking related
collection, site, event, and sample IDs. A collection identifier can be
used to link a set of samples together, and/or to enable efficient entry of
metadata that is the same across all samples in a "sample collection."

| | **Examples** | WSFA\_June2019 | ### Event ID *Not a SESAR Field* | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | eventID `Optional` | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Definition** |

A unique identifier for the set of information associated with an Event
(something that occurs at a place and time).

| | **Format** | free text, unique | | **Additional Instructions** |

Must be unique within the data package (project-assigned, and does not need
to be globally unique). See link to diagram that demonstrates linking related
collection, site, event, and sample IDs. An event identifier can be used to
link a set of samples collected on a specific date, and/or to enable efficient
entry of metadata that is the same across these samples.

| | **Examples** | WSFA\_20191023 | ### Location ID *Not a SESAR Field* | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | locationID `Optional` | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Definition** |

A unique identifier for the set of location information. May be a global
unique identifier or an identifier specific to the data set.

| | **Format** | free text, unique | | **Additional Instructions** |

Must be unique within the data package (project-assigned, and does not need to
be globally unique). See link to diagram that demonstrates linking related
collection, site, event, and sample IDs. A site identifier can be used to link
a set of samples collected from a specific site, and/or to enable
efficient entry of metadata that is the same across these samples.

| | **Examples** | CoyoteRiver\_D22 | *** ## Sample Description ### Material | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | material `Required` | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Material that the sample consists of. | | **Format** |

SESAR controlled list.See ESS-DIVE's proposed material terms from Environment
Ontology (ENVO)

| | **Additional Instructions** |

Use a semi-colon to delimit multiple materials where needed. Please provide feedback
on any other terms needed.

| | **Examples** | Soil; Sediment; Gas; Liquid>aqueous | ### Field name informal classification | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | classification, or remove `Optional` | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Definition** | Informal classification of sample | | **Format** | free text | | **Additional Instructions** |

Here you can add additional material classifications that are not in the current SESAR
IGSN controlled fields.

| | **Examples** | leaf, root, surface water, groundwater | ### Sample Description | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | sampleDescription `Recommended` | | --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

Description of sample features, such as its components, texture, color, shape,
treatments, plot ID from which the sample was taken, etc.

| | **Format** | free-text | | **Additional Instructions** | | | **Examples** |

Example 1) Day 223 core section from unheated control plot 1C of a deep soil warming
experiment; Example 2) Filter used for filtered surface water samples

| ### Purpose | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | purpose `Recommended` | | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | The scientific purpose for collecting the sample. | | **Format** | free text | | **Additional Instructions** |

Purpose may often be the same across a series/collection of samples;
To avoid entering the same information across numerous samples, you can create
a separate file with metadata to describe a sample collection, which contains
a "collectionID", and any associated metadata fields (e.g.
"collectionMethodDescription", "Purpose", "Chief Scientist", etc.).

| | **Examples** |

Characterize the biogeochemistry, geochemistry and microbiology of soils
associated with trees and shrubs.

| ### Size | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | size `Optional` | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Definition** |

Size of the registered object, such as the surface area, length of a core, weight,
or volume

| | **Format** | Number | | **Additional Instructions** | Must be associated with Size unit. | | **Examples** | 4; 6.8 | ### Size unit | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | sizeUnit only if Size provided,`Required` | | --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Unit for the numerical value provided for ‘size’. | | **Format** | [Controlled List](/sample-id-and-metadata/term-lists/units.md) | | **Additional Instructions** | Use any additional unit terms from [Units Ontology](http://www.ontobee.org/ontology/UO), and provide feedback. | | **Examples** | square centimeter; kilogram | ### Filter Size *Not a SESAR Field* | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element |

filterSize only if object type is "fitrate" or
"material captured in filter",Required

| | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

Filtering pore size used in sample preparation (filter size value range). Filter size
value range.

| | **Format** | Number range (float-float) | | **Additional Instructions** | | | **Examples** | 0-0.22 | ### Filter Size Unit *Not a SESAR Field* | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element |

filterSizeUnit only if object type is "fitrate" or
"material captured in filter",Required

| | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Filtering pore size unit. | | **Format** | unit (float-float unit) | | **Additional Instructions** | | | **Examples** | micrometer | ### Scientific Name *Not a SESAR Field* | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element |

scientificName only if object type is Organism,
Required

| | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Definition** |

The full scientific name, with authorship and date information if known. When
forming part of an Identification, this should be the name in lowest level taxonomic
rank that can be determined.

| | **Format** | | | **Additional Instructions** | | | **Examples** | Vochysia ferruginea; Miconia borealis; Terminalia amazonia | ### Sample Remarks *Not a SESAR Field* | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | sampleRemarks `Optional` | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Comments or notes about the sample. | | **Format** | free text | | **Additional Instructions** | You can include weather descriptions here, if relevant. | | **Examples** | | *** ## Sample Collection Details ### Collector Chief Scientist | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | collector `Required` | | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Name of the person(s) who collected the sample. | | **Format** | | | **Additional Instructions** |

You can enter multiple collectors/sampling team for large sampling efforts, separated
with a semi-colon. If the collector(s) of the sample(s) is/are not known,
enter name of the person responsible for the sample.

| | **Examples** | John Smith; Jane Johnson | ### Collection Date | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | collectionDate `Required` | | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Date when the sample was collected. | | **Format** | YYYY-MM-DD | | **Additional Instructions** |

All dates and times must be reported in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and follow
the ISO 8601 standard (RFC 3339). Temporal data using different standards can be
provided as a separate variable (column) in addition to UTC format.

| | **Examples** | 2019-08-14 | ### Collection Time | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | collectionTime `Optional` | | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Time when the sample was collected. | | **Format** | HH:MM:SSZ | | **Additional Instructions** |

All dates and times must be reported in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and follow
the ISO 8601 standard (RFC 3339). Temporal data using different standards can be
provided as a separate variable (column) in addition to UTC format.

| | **Examples** | 12:05:03Z | ### Collection Method Description | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | collectionMethodDescription `Required` | | --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

Description of the collection method for the sample. Include any important terms
and details for potential users to understand how your sample was collected.

| | **Format** | | | **Additional Instructions** |

Collection methods may often be the same across a series/collection of samples;
there are two options for providing collection method details at a higher level.
Option 1: Create a separate file with metadata to describe a sample
collection, which contains a "collectionID", and any associated metadata fields
(e.g. "collectionMethodDescription", "Purpose", "Chief Scientist", etc.).
Option 2: Create a methods file, with a series of methods descriptions
that are each associated with a "methodID" and an associated "methodDescription."

| | **Examples** |

Example 1) Collect soil samples from top 10 cm using 2-3 cores from with meadow
plot or under the bulk of tree/shrub canopies. Example 2) Excised branch.
Example 3) Pumped water at specific depths using tubing connected to CTD.

| ### Sample Processing *Not a SESAR Field* | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | sampleProcessing if relevant, `Recommended` | | --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

Any processing applied to the sample during or after retrieving the sample from the
environment. Can provide a list of preparations and preservation
methods for the sample.

| | **Format** | | | **Additional Instructions** |

Sample processing may often be the same across a series/collection of samples.
To avoid entering the same information across numerous samples, you can create
a separate file with metadata to describe a sample collection, which contains
a "collectionID", and any associated metadata fields (e.g.
"sampleProcessing", "collectionMethodDescription", "Purpose", "Chief Scientist",
etc.). Separate multiple sample processing methods
with a semi-colon.

| | **Examples** | filter water; store samples in ethanol | ### Field Program or Project Name *SESAR name is "Field Program/Cruise"* | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | projectName `Required` | | --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Enter the name of the DOE project to associate with this/these sample(s). | | **Format** | free text | | **Additional Instructions** |

Required at dataset level, but want to associate with samples for data search
and integration. Project details may often be the same across a series/collection
of samples; To avoid entering the same information across numerous samples,
you can create a separate file with metadata to describe a project or
sample collection, which contains a "collectionID" or "Field Program/Cruise",
and any associated metadata fields (e.g. "Collection Method Description",
"Purpose", "Chief Scientist"...

| | **Examples** |

Next Generation Ecosystem Experiments (NGEE) Tropics; LBNL Watershed Function
SFA

| *** ## Location ### Latitude Coordinate system WGS 84 | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | decimalLatitude if relevant, `Required` | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Definition** |

Latitude of the location where the sample was collected, entered in decimal
degrees. Negative values for South latitudes.

| | **Format** | Decimal degrees, coordinate system: WGS 84 | | **Additional Instructions** |

Please supply no more than 6 decimal places (meter scale resolution) in the actual
number (not just display format.) No letters are allowed.

| | **Examples** | 5.89634 | ### Longitude Coordinate system WGS 84 | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | decimalLongitude if relevant, `Required` | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Definition** |

Longitude of the location where the sample was collected. Negative values
for ‘West’ longitudes.

| | **Format** | Decimal degrees, coordinate system: WGS 84 | | **Additional Instructions** |

Please supply no more than 6 decimal places (meter scale resolution) in the actual
number (not just display format.) No letters are allowed.

| | **Examples** | -103.785 | ### Navigation Type | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | geolocationInstrument `Recommended` | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Type of geolocation instrument used to obtain geographic coordinates. | | **Format** | [Controlled list](http://www.marine-geo.org/tools/search/vocab.php?use_is_displayed=T\&vocab=vocab_nav_type). | | **Additional Instructions** | Provide feedback on additional terms needed. | | **Examples** | GPS; RTK GPS | ### Location Description | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | locationDescription `Recommended` | | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Free text description of the location. | | **Format** | | | **Additional Instructions** |

You can also include details here about the location type, e.g. whether it is an
absolute or reference location, plot ID and description.

| | **Examples** | 300 year old low-land tropical rainforest in Parque Natural San Lorenzo, Panama | ### Country | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | country `Required` | | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Country where the sample was collected. | | **Format** | [SESAR controlled list](https://www.geosamples.org/help/vocabularies/country). | | **Additional Instructions** | Use SESAR list, but may change controlled list to [GAZ ontology](http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/gaz). | | **Examples** | United States | ### Elevation start | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | minimumElevationInMeters `Optional` | | --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

Elevation at which a sample was collected. Minimum elevation value, if elevation
taken over a range.

| | **Format** | Number | | **Additional Instructions** | Provide elevation in meters where possible. | | **Examples** | 678.5 | ### Elevation end | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | maximumElevationInMeters `Optional` | | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

Maximum elevation at which a sample was collected, if elevation was taken over a
range.

| | **Format** | Number | | **Additional Instructions** |

Leave blank if elevation is a single value and not range. Provide elevation in
meters where possible.

| | **Examples** | 689.2 | ### Elevation unit | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | elevationUnit (recommend meters) if relevant, `Required` | | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Unit that elevation start and/or end are provided in. | | **Format** | Recommend meters. | | **Additional Instructions** | This will be removed when elevation field is changed to specify meters. | | **Examples** | meters | ### Minimum Depth in Meters *Note that SESAR field is "Depth in Core (min)"* | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | minimumDepthInMeters if relevant, `Required` | | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

Depth, or minimum depth (if taken over a range) at which a sample was collected,
below ground or under water.

| | **Format** | Number | | **Additional Instructions** | Recommend using meters. | | **Examples** | 0.001 | ### Maximum Depth in Meters *Note that SESAR field is "Depth in Core (max)"* | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | maximumDepthInMeters if relevant, `Required` | | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Format** | Number | | **Definition** | Maximum depth at which a sample was collected, below ground or under water. | | **Additional Instructions** | Recommend using meters. | | **Examples** | 0.003 | ### Depth scale | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | depthUnit (recommend meters) if relevant, `Required` | | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Format** | Recommend meters. | | **Definition** | Unit in which the depth is provided, should be meters. | | **Additional Instructions** | This field will be deleted when we change the depth field to be required in meters. | | **Examples** | meters | ### Minimum Distance above Surface in Meters *Not a SESAR Field* | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | minimumDistanceAboveSurfaceInMeters `Optional` | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

Minimum height above the ground surface, in meters. If no range of values collected,
provide height measurement here.

| | **Format** | Number | | **Additional Instructions** | | | **Examples** | 4.2 | ### Maximum Distance above Surface in Meters *Not a SESAR Field* | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | maximumDistanceAboveSurfaceInMeters `Optional` | | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Maximum height above the ground surface, in meters. | | **Format** | Number | | **Additional Instructions** | | | **Examples** | 7.2 | *** ## Environmental Context ### Physiographic feature | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | localEnvironmentalContext `Recommended` | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Definition** |

Entity or entities which are in your sample or specimen’s local vicinity and
which you believe have significant causal influences on your sample or
specimen.

| | **Format** |

Terms from Environment Ontology (ENVO). Provide the appropriate term and
ENVO identifier - see examples below.

| | **Additional Instructions** |

Choose environmental context that is a smaller spatial grain than your entry
for biome. Delimit multiple values using semi-colon. If needed, request new
terms on the ENVO tracker, identified here.

| | **Examples** |

river \[ENVO:00000022]; pond \[ENVO:00000033]; wet meadow ecosystem
\[ENVO:01000449]; mountain \[ENVO:00000081]
For annotating a pooled sample taken from various
vegetation layers in a forest, consider: canopy \[ENVO:00000047]; herb and
fern layer \[ENVO:01000337]; litter layer \[ENVO:01000338];
understory \[01000335]; shrub layer \[ENVO:01000336].

| ### Biome *Not a SESAR Field* | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | biome `Recommended` | | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

Major environmental system your sample or specimen came from. The systems
identified should have a coarse spatial grain, to provide the general environmental
context of where the sampling was done (e.g. were you in the desert or a
rainforest?).

| | **Format** |

Terms from Environment Ontology (ENVO). Provide the appropriate term and ENVO
identifier - see examples below.

| | **Additional Instructions** |

We recommend using subclasses of ENVO’s biome class. Use a semi-colon to delimit multiple biomes where needed. If needed, request new
terms on the ENVO tracker, identified here.

| | **Examples** |

shrubland biome \[ENVO:01000176]; tropical moist broadleaf forest biome
\[ENVO:01000228]; estuarine biome \[ENVO:01000020]

| *** ## Sample Access ### Release Date | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | releaseDate `Required` | | --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

Date when sample metadata should be publicly accessible and searchable. If null
, defaults to date of registration in SESAR (recommended).

| | **Format** | YYYY-MM-DD | | **Additional Instructions** |

SESAR recommends that sample metadata become public within 2 years of sample
registration.

| | **Examples** | 2018-03-15 | ### Current Archive | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | currentArchive `Optional` | | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** | Name of institution, museum, or repository where the sample is currently stored. | | **Format** | | | **Additional Instructions** |

Only applies to physical samples that are archived in a collection for some period
of time.

| | **Examples** |

Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, USGS Federal Center, Lakewood,
CO

| ### Current Archive Contact | Proposed ESS-DIVE Element | currentArchiveContact `Optional` | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Definition** |

Address and/or email of the person who should be contacted for information about
or access to the sample.

| | **Format** | free text | | **Additional Instructions** | Email is not mandatory, but helps with communication about samples. | | **Examples** | |