Graphical representation of particle shape using triangular diagrams: An Excel spreadsheet method

Analysis of the shape of sedimentary particles can provide information abou t their transport history and aid facies differentiation and the characteri zation of depositional environments. Triangular (Sneed and Folk) diagrams, employing ratios of the three orthogonal particle axes, have been advocated as the most appropriate method for unbiased presentation of primary partic le shape data. A spreadsheet method for the production of these diagrams is described. Clast data-sets from a range of environments are presented usin g this method. An alternative use of the spreadsheet for the presentation o f sedimentary fabric shape is suggested. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & So ns, Ltd.