AGEDISPLAY: an EXCEL workbook to evaluate and display univariate geochronological data using binned frequency histograms and probability density distributions

Univariate diagrams such as binned frequency histograms and probability density distributions are often used for the initial assessment and communication of geochronological data. Both diagram types are estimates of the sample distribution and both have inherent limitations that are not widely appreciated. Binned frequency histograms are effective at conveying frequency information, but analytical error is discarded and appearance is vulnerable to bias due to arbitrary decisions about bin width. A method for assessing the efficiency of bin widths is presented. Probability density distributions use a variable Gaussian kernel method that accounts for analytical error of individual datum. While providing standardization of the display, these diagrams are limited by the lack of visually accessible frequency information. An approach combining elements of both histograms and probability density distributions is proposed. All methods are applied in an Excel workbook and the procedures for using this are explained. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.