Detection of orbital signals in the sedimentary record through stochastic statistical modeling

The preservation of orbital signals in sedimentary records, a crucial aspect for the reliability of astronomical time scales, has been insufficiently explored, presenting challenges in interpretation. In this study, we focus on the effect of inconsistent sedimentation rates on the preservation of these orbital signals from a modeling perspective. We delve into how inconsistent sedimentation rates influence the retention of these orbital signals. Employing stochastic statistical models, our research simulates diverse sedimentary environments, we show that 405-kyr eccentricity tuning is the most reliable approach for constructing ATS among different tuning strategies, particularly in environments characterized by high energy conditions and unsteady sedimentation such as fluvial or deltaic settings. This discovery holds substantial importance in refining geological time scales. We introduce an innovative approach to evaluate sedimentation rates within these records. Our study demonstrates the robustness of the cyclostratigraphic method and deepens our understanding of the preservation of sedimentary records, thereby enriching our grasp of Earth's intricate geological past.