A graphical software system to present stratigraphic information of surveyed sections

Abstract

Stratigraphic sections are the foundation of many regional stratigraphic analyses. The Pascal program STRATCOLUMN is designed specifically as an aid to produce a graphical presentation of litho- and biostratigraphic data of a geologic section or a core. It is useful in a wide variety of geologic settings. The layout of the plot is highly flexible. In general it consists of a header, an explanation, a lithological column, and a series of adjacent columns filled with additional information. The stratigraphic layer, defined by a set of characteristics, is the fundamental element from which the lithological column is constructed. Text and data observed in the field or in the laboratory, are expressed in additional columns according to a variety of graphical layouts. Notations of lithotypes, icons of fossils, sedimentary and biogenic structures correspond as much as possible to conventional symbolism. Many are available by default in the program, but the system provides the user with ways to construct his own single or composite lithotype notations and icons. The present version of the program runs under NOS/BE operating system on a CDC CYBER mainframe. Only elementary graphic routines of CALCOMP are used, making the program adaptable to other computer environments. Free formatting throughout simplifies the structure of the input files. Large plots are produced economically, because all selected features are stored dynamically.