A FORTRAN IV program for the analysis of tectonic strain using deformed elliptical markers

A FORTRAN IV computer program is presented which provides an objective approach to tectonic-strain marker analysis. The algorithms are based on the “Theta-Curve” method and include a test (chi-square, goodness of fit) to check the validity of an initially random marker deformation model. Graphically represented values of confidence versus calculated tectonic-strain estimates, are produced for critical interpretation of results. Orientation data are not dependent on any preconceived reference directions such as cleavage or bedding. The method does assume, in its undeforming procedure, that the median value of the deformed marker-orientations is equivalent to the direction of maximum extension in the finite-strain ellipse. Optional line-printer graphics in separate subroutine form are included for producing the widely accepted diagrams and may be interfaced easily with other strain-analysis programs. A data-conversion program is appended to enable the use of preexisting data sets intended for the STRANE program of Dunnet and Siddans