Chemostrat
Data interpretation
Data interpretation is what sets Chemostrat aside from other chemostratigraphic service providers. Initially, we follow a set interpretation procedure in order that each project provides a systematic interpretation that can be compared with other Chemostrat studies. These initial steps are:
Step 1 : Basic data screening to identify various lithologies and facies. Each lithology is then treated as a separate dataset and geochemical concentrations of all elements are plotted against depth. From these the vertical variations, or geochemical logs, key elements for each specific study are identified.Using these key elements, a series of element ratios are devised that enhance subtle variations.
Step 2 : The key elements and element ratios are plotted against depth and the resulting geochemical logs used to make initial stratigraphic subdivisions.
Step 3 : Geochemical data are plotted as ternary and binary diagrams to assess the validity and strength of the zonation determined from geochemical logs.
Step 4 : In multi-well projects, data from the wells database is compared statistically and visually so zonations for individual wells are generated and a inter-well chemostratigraphic correlation scheme is constructed.
Step 5 : Steps 1-4 are iteratively repeated until the most satisfactory solution is obtained.
Step 6 : To fully understand what the geochemical data is telling us in a geological sense. The geochemical data is linked to its mineralogical controls by both statistical and visual means. In addition a variety of supplementary analysis such as SEM, XRD and petrography may be performed to provide additional mineralogical information.
Step 7 : This is where the experience and real skill of Chemostrat is displayed. All of the data and interpretations generated in Steps 1-6 are combined with pre-existing "traditional" stratigraphic and sedimentological data in order to produce a single, comprehensive stratigraphic model.