ABSTRACT
Tephra layers are proving to be an invaluable tool in palaeoenvironmental studies. The data produced by such research, however, can be difficult to handle and disseminate. Tephrabase is a database of tephra layers found in Iceland and northwest Europe. Queries are put to the database via HTML forms, the data retrieved are displayed on the users' browser and can be downloaded to their local computer. Spatial aspects of the data can be displayed via a link to the Xerox PARC Map Viewer. Future developments of the database will include the incorporation of a more sophisticated GIS interface and the linking to other palaeoenvironmental databases and models. The use of the Internet as a means of disseminating scientific knowledge will become more important.
