The field of experimental geomorphology is in a data-rich era with rapid expansion of high-resolution,
digital data sets. Millions of dollars have been invested in building and renovating flume laboratories that
run experiments at increasing sophistication, scale, and resolution. However, this overflowing body of
laboratory data is not easily analyzed, stored, or accessed. This lack of organization comes at substantial
cost to the Earth-surface science community (i.e., geomorphologists, sedimentary geologists, and
engineers) through missed opportunities to address scientific challenges. Here, we present an overview of
the current state of data management practices and challenges within the context of the experimental
lifecycle. Based on this assessment, we identify four areas of greatest need in order to achieve higher
rates of data sharing and reuse: metadata guidelines, workflow documentation, data storage, and
incentives and training. We suggest specific guidance for addressing these needs and summarize
outstanding community debates regarding interoperability and human- versus machine-readability. A
proposed metadata list includes basic data set information and disciplinary information for experimental
geomorphology, including metadata for evaluating data quality and readiness for reuse. Data publication
is presented as a framework for improving data sharing, and we discuss community-specific
considerations for review of experimental data sets.