Earth’s rocks are basically classified as igneous,
metamorphic, and sedimentary. In this application we
deal only with the sedimentary class of rocks or
deposits. Sediments may be either indurated (i.e.,
cemented as rocks) or unconsolidated (i.e., deposits).
If indurated sedimentary rocks can be disaggregated,
they can be analyzed by the tools described in this
application.
There are many reasons to study sedimentary deposits
including reconstructing and identifying the
transportation mechanisms and depositional environments.
This application provides the opportunity to do so by
plotting the results of grain-size analyses (granulometry).
This application is comprehensive enough that almost all
of the typical granulometric objectives will be
satisfied.
Two-dimensional plotting tools have been widely used in
the analysis and interpretation of granulometric data.
Arithmetic-arithmetic, log-log, arithmetic-log
(semi-log), and other types of plots have been proposed
to display analytical results. The use of arithmetic
probability paper (APP), however, has far more useful
capabilities. Natural data plotted on APP may, in many
applications, be made up of multiple straight-line
segments or components. These segments are often
attributable to some identifiable natural cause or
process. Most statistical computer applications do not
allow for the generation of APP plots, because of
non-linearity of the percentile (or probability) axis of
the plot. This problem has been solved in the present
application by the derivation of equation(s) for
quantifying plotting positions of Gaussian percentiles
(or probabilities), so that APP plots can be easily
computer generated.
Programmed EXCEL application templates are provided here
(click on the appropriate links) for
automatically-produced, complete granulometric analyses.
The EXCEL application is designed for use with
classified data, such as sieve data. For unclassified
data, such as that from settling tube analysis, the
settling tube data will need to be transformed to
classified format in order to use the EXCEL application.
The file includes a README spreadsheet that provides
information about how to use the workbooks. An enhanced
version of GRANPLOTS (release 4.0) has recently been
added to the application. It allows the user the ability
to identify and fit signatures reflecting transportation
and deposition to plotted results and to produce
publication-quality figures.
Additional material is currently being prepared for this
application including a comprehensive compilation of
granulometry protocols, including field sampling, lab
procedures, analytical/statistical determinations and
interpretation. This documentation is particularly
useful because these topics are not typically addressed
in sedimentary texts.
Based on monthly “hit” data and user feedback, it appears
that there has been significant use of this website
application; however, actual use is not quantified. We
would appreciate hearing from you if you use this
application so that we can maintain and continuously
improve this website.
The original version of this program appeared in the
following publication: Balsillie, J.H., Donoghue, J.F.,
Butler, K.M., and Koch, J.L., 2002, Plotting equation
for Gaussian percentiles and a spreadsheet program for
generating probability plots: Journal of Sedimentary
Research, v. 72, p. 929-933. Subsequent revisions have
been made by Jim Balsillie and Joe Donoghue. Any
questions or comments on the application can be
addressed to Joe Donoghue at
jfdonoghue@fsu.edu. The form below can also be used
for feedback. Any information you provide is purely
voluntary. The form is NOT required in order to use this
application.
2012 State of Florida