Statistical graphics in geochemical journals

A quantitative investigation of types of statistical graphics and maps being used for presentation of geochemical data has been made for the 1984 volumes ofGeochemica et Cosmochimica Acta, Chemical Geology, Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Geochemistry International, Journal of Geochemical Exploration, Journal of Petrology, and the 1983 volume ofOrganic Geochemistry. Although a number of significant differences exist between relative proportions of text, tables, statistical graphs and maps, and other illustrations in the various journals, overall figures are comparable broadly to those found by Cleveland (1984) in a recent survey of usage in 57 journals in natural, mathematical, and social sciences. Between 18% and 35% of 1463 graphs and maps in these journals contain at least one item of error or poor presentation, indicating the need for substantial improvement in both standards of preparation and refereeing of diagrams, and we suggest guidelines for both authors and referees.Presented at the Computer Graphics in Geology meeting of the Geological Information Group of the Geological Society of London, held at the University of Bristol, England, 23 May 1985.