Simulating the nonmarine fossil record within a sequence-stratigraphic framework isimportant for understanding stratigraphic control on the distribution of fossils. The empirical
model presented here simulates a stratigraphic column with occurrences of plant, invertebrate,
and vertebrate fossils based on data from the Judith River Formation of north-central Montana.
The model uses an embedded Markov chain to simulate stratigraphy, based on calculated
transition probabilities among facies and the thickness distribution across facies. Facies transition
probabilities and their thickness and frequency distribution are used to numerically compare
systems tracts. The numerical comparisons match the qualitative expectations from previous
studies of nonmarine stratigraphy. Fossil occurrences in the simulated columns are based on
observed probabilities of collection of each taxon within each facies. Although sample size is
insufficient in some cases, the probabilities of collection of fossils varies among facies, systems
tracts, and the elevation gradient.
