The Quantitative Analysis of Stratigraphic Event Order

An introduction to the application of quantitative methods for inferring the historical order of deep-time stratigraphic events Many earth scientists today collect data using methods that would have been familiar to their nineteenth-century predecessors. Modern quantitative-analysis methods, designed to promote data integration and explore patterns in the data, are available but remain underutilized in stratigraphic analysis. Moreover, few university-level instructional programs provide training in the use of these powerful tools. To fill this gap, this book offers an introduction to quantitative methods by which stratigraphic data can be integrated and the historical order of stratigraphic events inferred. Its emphasis is on providing a deep understanding of the concepts, data, and assumptions that underpin each procedure while also viewing these approaches in practical earth-science contexts. Features include: • A stand-alone overview that covers the history of using quantitative methods to analyze stratigraphic event orders, a classification of mathematical techniques used, and practical challenges • A background section for those not familiar with stratigraphic concepts and terms • Detailed discussions of theory, methods, and applications of linear deterministic, probabilistic, and optimization search-based approaches along with hybrid procedures • Dedicated discussion of two widely applied supplementary analyses: cyclostratigraphy and taxon richness analysis