Factor analysis: How it copes with complex geological problems

  • Georges Drapeau
Article
Received:
Revised:

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.

Key words

classification factor analysis mapping oceanography sedimentology 
This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. California Computer Products, 1971, A general purpose contouring program: California Computer Products Inc., Anaheim, California, 88 p.Google Scholar
  2. Drapeau, G., 1971, Sedimentology of the surficial sediments of the western portion of the Scotian Shelf: unpubl. doctoral dissertation, Dalhousie Univ., 132 p.Google Scholar
  3. Drapeau, G., and King, L. H., 1972, Surficial geology of the Yarmouth-Browns Bank maparea: Marine Sci. Paper 2, Marine Sci. Brch, Dept. Environment (Ottawa), 6 p.Google Scholar
  4. Imbrie, J., and Purdy, E. G., 1962, Classification of modern Bahamian carbonate sediments,in Classification of carbonate rocks: Am. Assoc. Petroleum Geologists Mem. 1, p. 253–272.Google Scholar
  5. Imbrie, J., and Van Andel, T. H., 1964, Vector analysis of heavy mineral data: Geol. Soc. America Bull., v. 75, no. 11, p. 1131–1156.Google Scholar
  6. International Business Machines Corp., 1966, System 360 scientific subroutine package (360-CM-03X) version II, Programmer's Manual: IBM Corp., White Plains, New York, 329 p.Google Scholar
  7. Kaiser, H. F., 1959, Computer program for varimax rotation in factor analysis: Educational and Psychological Measurement, v. 19, no. 3, p. 413–420.Google Scholar
  8. King, L. H., 1967, Use of conventional echo-sounder and textural analyses in delineating sedimentary facies—Scotian Shelf: Can. Jour. Earth Sci., v. 4, no. 4, p. 691–708.Google Scholar
  9. King, L. H., 1970, Surficial geology of the Halifax-Sable Island map-area: Marine Sci. Paper 1, Marine Sci. Brch, Dept. Environment (Ottawa), 16 p.Google Scholar
  10. Klovan, J. E., 1966, The use of factor analysis in determining depositional environments from grain-size distributions: Jour. Sed. Pet., v. 36, no. 1, p. 115–125.Google Scholar
  11. Krumbein, W. C., and Graybill, F. A., 1965, An introduction to statistical models in geology: McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 475 p.Google Scholar
  12. MacLean, B., and King, L. H., 1972, Surficial geology of the Banquereau and Misaine Bank map-area: Marine Sci. Paper 3, Marine Sci. Brch, Dept. Environment (Ottawa), 19 p.Google Scholar
  13. Milliman, J. D., and Emery, K. O., 1968, Sea levels during the past 35,000 years: Science, v. 162, no. 3858, p. 1121–1123.Google Scholar

Copyright information

© Plenum Publishing Corporation 1973

Authors and Affiliations

  • Georges Drapeau
    • 1
  1. 1.Bedford Institute of OceanographyAtlantic Geoscience CentreCanada

Personalised recommendations