ISSN:
1573-8868
Keywords:
classification
;
factor analysis
;
mapping
;
oceanography
;
sedimentology
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Mathematics
Notes:
Abstract Factor analysis utilizing textural data from 81 bottom samples was used to analyze the surficial sediments covering a 40,000-sq km area, which is one input data point per 500 km. On the other hand, the surficial geology of the area studied is complex as some map units are only 1 km wide in places. Under these circumstances it is interesting to determine that factor analysis nonetheless aims toward a reasonable geological solution. If the premise is accepted that factor analysis provides a solution “best-fitted” to the data, the geologist has carried his research one step further and is left with the problem of interpreting the results of factor analysis correctly. In this experiment, the interpretation of the factors representing the gravel and the mud is relatively simple, although the two factors representing sands are more difficult to explain. The proper interpretation of factors leads naturally to an inquiry on the optimum number of factors to use, but this problem can be solved objectively by considering the factor loadings.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02111986
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