A stepwise multiple regression procedure is presented to link geochemical parameters with their affiliated depositional regimes. The stepwise method systematically identifies the independent parameter (both organic and inorganic variables) most highly correlated with dependent variables (additional geochemical characteristics).

The purpose of the research is to quantitatively ascertain whether certain geochemical affiliations are more prominent than others during and after black shale diagenesis. This provides insight as to the environmental/depositional venue of the deposits and may single out metal associations and speciation conception.

A number of black shale samples from various regimes were combined in this study, including classic black shale studies by Vine and Tourtelot (1970), Glascock and Coveney (1988), Quinby-Hunt, et al (1989), Gromet et al (1984), Taylor and McLennan (1985), Schultz and Coveney (1992), and Turekian and Wedepohl (1961), among others.

Statistical results of the study indicate that organic black shales are diverse and represent an assortment of depositional settings as well as various associated diagenetic geochemical behavior. Statistical groupings based on geochemical temperament are presented and provide insight for further work to aid in deciphering black shale formation as well as genetic metal connections.