Exploratory multivariate statistical analysis of geochemical data from the Cenomanian-Turonian transition of the Yezo supergroup, Hokkaido, Japan

The multivariate statistical analysis of major and minor elements and rare earth elements from 37 stratigraphical levels sampled across the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary in Hokkaido, Japan, yields evidence of substantial group differences in chemical properties of the sediments demarcated by the anoxic event at the transition between stages, both for the set of major and minor elements and for the set of rare earth elements. The multivariate statistical methods used were principal components, principal coordinates and canonical correlation, all of which were applied in a mode appropriate for compositional data. The results are an example of quantitative chemostratigraphy. A brief statistical overview of the main methods used is given.