Supplemented graphic correlation: A powerful tool for paleontologists and nonpaleontologists

The graphic correlation technique of Shaw (1964) is not restricted to biostratigraphic applications. Supplemented graphic correlation (SGC) expands the original technique to include nonunique events (log patterns) to add to the understanding of the geologic history of an area. Dinocyst and acritarch occurrence data and single-point resistance electric logs from three Paleocene to Eocene cores in the Virginia Coastal Plain-illustrate the method. The two western cores show similar geologic histories, but the thickness in the northernmost core is approximately 30% greater. SGC reveals four episodes of deposition in the easternmost core relative to the western cores. During late Paleocene time, relative accumulation rates increased in an easterly direction. A major change in sediment source and supply occurred in early Eocene time when relative accumulation rates increased to the north.