Statistical correlation techniques have been applied to the stratigraphically correlated laminations in four sedimentary basins to demonstrate the degree of lateral variation of certain types of layers and to help determine their interrelationships. Laminae thicknesses in a varved sequence deposited in a small Pleistocene lake in Texas have a very high correlation coefficient (+0.90) over a distance of 275 m. Laminae in the Jurassic Todilto Formation of New Mexico were correlated stratigraphically over a distance of 5.3 km and would probably be traceable over a much greater distance except for the disturbing effects of currents on the bottom of the basin. Five contiguous Todilto sections over a distance of 3.7 km have correlation coefficients of +0.85 or greater. Couplets of bituminous calcite and anhydrite in the Permian Castile Formation of Texas correlate stratigraphically over a distance of 14.2 km with a coefficient as high as +0.99. In a section of 74 couplets 27.4 m above the base of the Castile, anhydrite laminae thicknesses have a correlation coefficient of +0.97; calcite laminae, +0.72; and organic-rich bands in the calcium carbonate laminae, +0.73. There is no relationship between the thickness of associated calcite and anhydrite laminae. Richter-Bernburg measured and subjectively correlated anhydrite laminae thicknesses in cores of the Permian Zechstein Formation in Germany. Correlation coefficients were obtained using his data which range from +0.85 to +0.32 over distances up to 290 km. Zechstein statistical correlation deteriorates with distance. If Castile correlation changes at the same rate, it should be possible to correlate laminae stratigraphically over the maximum length of the basin.

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