The Match Game: New Stratigraphic Correlation Algorithms’

New algorithms for automatic correlaiion of geologic strata are introduced. The algorithm are exiensions of the Smith and Waierman (1980) dynamic programming technique and include several features rhat greatly increase the utility for sedimentary sequences. Gaps in correlation (unconformiiies) caused by local nondeposiiion or eroded strata can include in a single “event” several strata. Furihermore, these gaps can be weighied as a single event, rather than as the sum of gap events for each sirata. In addition, one or several adjacent strata in a second column can be correlated (matched) with one or several srraru in a second column. Deletions within one of ihese multiple matches are also possible. The new algoriihms include ihe method of minimum distance and the meihod of maximum similariry. Wiihin this context, a similarity algorithm is given to locate and correlate the best matching segmenis or iniervals from each Stratigraphic column. All correlations within a preset disiance of rhe optimum likewise can be produced for any of these algorithms. An example of specific assignments of ihese weighifunctions is given for correlation of well logs from the San Juan Basin.