Determination of the number of zones in a biostratigraphical sequence

K. D. BENNETT,

K. D. BENNETT

Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK

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K. D. BENNETT,

K. D. BENNETT

Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK

Search for more papers by this author

First published: January 1996

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8137.1996.tb04521.x

Citations: 909

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SUMMARY

Current methods for numerical zonation of biostratigraphic sequences neither assess the reliability of zones identified nor provide any means of determining the number of zones that are ‘significant’ (based on structure in the data set, rather than the stochastic element). These problems can be overcome by using the broken-stick model to assess the significance of zones against a model of random distribution of zones within a sequence. The broken-stick model is described and its application demonstrated on actual data sets. Additionally, simulation modelling is used to assess the uncertainty of the location of individual zone markers, given the errors of the original data. These widely-applicable methods make it possible to identify zones rigorously and consistently. The potential in biostratigraphy and correlation includes the recognition, correlation and subdivision of chronostratipraphic units in long Quaternary sequences.

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Volume132, Issue1

January 1996

Pages 155-170

Determination of the number of zones in a biostratigraphical sequence

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Determination of the number of zones in a biostratigraphical sequence

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