Paleocurrent analysis of sedimentary crossbed data with graphic output using three integrated computer programs

Basin analysis for paleocurrent directions commonly makes use of hundreds of cross-bedding dip and strike measurements taken on structurally tilted sedimentary beds which may be parts of plunging folds. For regional interpretations the desired forms of data are vector means and rose diagrams of dip directions after reduction to the assumed horizontal plane of deposition. Three FORTRAN computer programs have been integrated to perform the data reduction from raw field measurements to graphic plotted rose diagrams. Program PLUNGR rotates the raw field data back to the original horizontal plane of deposition. Output from PLUNGR is a deck of punched cards suitable for input into the second and third programs, with provision for various regroupings of data. VECMEN computes vector mean and other statistics on data groups defined by inserted control cards. Program ROSE, with a variety of options, plots a rose diagram of dip direction azimuths on a CalComp plotter.