ISSN:
1573-8868
Keywords:
data processing
;
plotting
;
statistics
;
geochemistry
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Mathematics
Notes:
Abstract Broken straight lines on probability paper have been proposed as representing the cumulative probability distributions of SiO2, Na, and Cl in certain plutons. This corresponds to pairs of complementarily truncated normal or lognormal distributions. It is shown that alternative representations, such as pairs of overlapping complete normal or lognormal distributions, yield fits equally acceptable statistically if the sample selection is random. The method also yields a good description of distributions described as “complex.” Computer methods of optimizing the free parameters are used; significance testing is discussed in some detail. It is stressed that although significance testing is helpful, it can neither relieve the geochemist of the burden nor take from him the privilege of being independent, and forming his opinion on the total evidence.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02045957
