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This paper presents the tidypaleo package for R, which enables high-quality reproducible visualizations of time-stratigraphic multivariate data that is common to several disciplines of the natural sciences. Rather than introduce new plotting functions, the tidypaleo package defines several orthogonal components of the ggplot2 package that, when combined, enable most types of stratigraphic diagrams to be created. We do so by conceptualizing multi-parameter data as a series of measurements (rows) with attributes (columns), enabling the use of the ggplot2 facet mechanism to display multi-parameter data. The orthogonal components include (1) scales that represent relative abundance and concentration values, (2) geometries that are commonly used in paleoenvironmental diagrams created elsewhere, (3) facets that correctly assign scales and sizes to panels representing multiple parameters, and (4) theme elements that enable tidypaleo to create elegant graphics. Collectively, this approach demonstrates the efficacy of a minimal gg-plot2 wrapper to create domain-specific plots.

The Annapolis-Cornwallis Valley Aquifer Study was a regional hydrogeological study focusing on major aquifer units of the most important agricultural area of Nova Scotia. The study area covered 2100 km2, and included sedimentary rocks of the Wolfville and Blomidon formations, as well as part of the North and South mountains bordering the valley. The surficial sediment cover is mainly composed of glacial tills, but sand and gravel units are also present in the eastern part of the valley. The main objectives of this project were to improve the general understanding of groundwater flow dynamics and to provide baseline information and tools for a regional groundwater resource assessment. The main bedrock aquifers of the Valley are located in the Wolfville and Blomidon formations, which are composed of lenticular bodies of sandstone, conglomerate, shale and siltstone in variable proportions. The aquifers are often confined and the flow is topographically-driven. Their hydraulic conductivities are in the range of 10-6-10-5 m/s. Good aquifers, though limited in extent, can also be found in the sand and gravel units, with hydraulic conductivities on the order of 10-4 m/s. Groundwater recharge was estimated to range between 115 and 224 mm/a over the entire study area. The vulnerability study showed that bedrock aquifers are typically less vulnerable than surficial aquifers, with the Wolfville Formation being the most vulnerable bedrock formation. Groundwater of the Valley is generally of good quality, although nitrate levels are of concern in several areas.

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