STRATA-VARIOUS: A flexible Fortran program for dynamic forward modeling of stratigraphy

Abstract

STRATA-VARIOUS version 1.3 is a computer program written in Fortran 77 to perform two-dimensional forward modeling of stratigraphic processes. We designed specific features of the program to investigate orbital forcing of high-frequency glacioeustasy. This requires forward modeling of many hundreds of sea-level stillstands and the graphic display of relatively precise spatial details. To use this program, the user constructs files that specify the times and elevations of sea-level stillstands, the initial basement topography, numerous parameters that control the geometry and physical properties of stratigraphic beds, the isostatic response of the lithosphere, the pattern of tectonic subsidence and uplift, the number and scale of desired output cross sections, etc. Two features of this program are especially novel. Whereas many forward-modeling programs store information about stratigraphic beds in fixed-size horizontal bins, our program retains in memory the precise locations of all horizontal locations where any stratigraphic bed undergoes any distinct change. This allows us to obtain regional cross sections and magnified sections that preserve information about the geometry and lithology of individual beds. Second, for clastic sediments we have developed a realistic parametric scheme for describing how sea-level variation affects the sediment discharge rate. The parameters that control this scheme have simple physical interpretations in terms of the dimensions, erosion rates, etc. for the alluvial valley responsible for the sediment supply. In this article we give various examples of STRATA-VARIOUS graphic output to illustrate model sensitivity and to demonstrate some of the options available.