thumbnail

Bayesian Mapping of Regionally Grouped, Sparse, Univariate Earth Science Data

Techniques and Methods 7-C29
Mineral Resources Program
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/tm7C29

Links

Abstract

Some earth science data are naturally grouped by region, and it is often desirable to map these data by region. However, if there are only a few samples within each region, then the map should be smoothed in an appropriate way to mitigate the problems that arise from having only a few samples. A smoothing algorithm based on a Bayesian hierarchical model is developed and presented in this report. This algorithm has several features that make it especially suitable for mapping earth science data: it can account for measurements that are censored, it can process multiple datasets with different measurement errors and different censoring thresholds, and it can calculate the uncertainty in any statistic that is mapped. The algorithm is demonstrated by mapping gold concentrations that are measured in streambed sediments in the Taylor Mountains quadrangle in southwestern Alaska.

Suggested Citation

Ellefsen, K.J., Wang, B., and Goldman, M.A., 2025, Bayesian mapping of regionally grouped, sparse, univariate earth science data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 7, chap. C29, 20 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm7C29.

ISSN: 2328-7055 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Method
  • Demonstration of the Method
  • Future Developments
  • Software, Data, and Reproducibility
  • Acknowledgments
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. Bayesian Quantile Regression for an Exponential Trend
  • Appendix 2. Bayesian Quantile Regression for a Linear Trend
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Bayesian mapping of regionally grouped, sparse, univariate earth science data
Series title Techniques and Methods
Series number 7-C29
DOI 10.3133/tm7C29
Publication Date May 08, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston VA
Contributing office(s) Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Description iv, 20 p.
Larger Work Type Report
Larger Work Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Larger Work Title Section C: Computer programs in Book 7: Bayesian Mapping of Regionally Grouped, Sparse, Univariate Earth Science Data
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Taylor Mountains quadrangle
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details