Since publication of the first volume of Stochastic Modeling and Geostatistics in 1994, there has been an explosion of interest and activity in geostatistical methods and spatial stochastic modeling techniques. Many of the computational algorithms and methodological approaches that were available then have greatly matured, and new, even better ones have come to the forefront. Advances in computing and increased focus on software commercialization have resulted in improved access to, and usability of, the available tools and techniques. Against this backdrop, Stochastic Modeling and Geostatistics Volume II provides a much-needed update on this important technology. As in the case of the first volume, it largely focuses on applications and case studies from the petroleum and related fields, but it also contains an appropriate mix of the theory and methods developed throughout the past decade. Geologists, petroleum engineers, and other individuals working in the earth and environmental sciences will find Stochastic Modeling and Geostatistics Volume II to be an important addition to their technical information resources.

Analysis of strain in Jurassic argillites forming part of the folded and thrusted sedimentary succession of the Lagonegro basin (southern Italian Apennines) has been carried out using ellipsoid-shaped 'reduction' spots as strain markers. Most of the determined finite strain ellipsoids are of oblate type and show a peculiar distribution of the maximum extension direction (X), with maxima either subparallel or subperpendicular to the local fold axes.

The Romanche transverse ridge (equatorial Atlantic) is located in the northern flank of the fracture zone, opposite the eastern ridge-transform intersection (RTI). It constitutes a major positive topographic anomaly that reaches a height of over 4 km above the level predicted by the thermal subsidence curve. A series of E-W aligned peaks, located on the crest of the transverse ridge, were at sea level during early and middle Miocene times; they are presently capped by a ~300 m thick, shallow-water carbonate platform that grew on a subsiding oceanic crust basement surface flattened by erosion at sea level. These structures are now about 1 km below sea level. High resolution seismic reflection surveys and multibeam morphobathymetry as well as study of samples recovered from the carbonate platform allowed a reconstruction of the paleoenvironment and of the vertical movements of the peaks starting from the lower Miocene. Ages derived from microfossils suggest that the base of the carbonate platform dates from 17-25 m.y. ago and the sinking of the platform started between 18 and 13 m.y. ago. These data were included in a numerical simulation model that takes into account thermal and tectonic subsidence, growth potential of the carbonates, subaerial and submarine erosion rates and Mio-Pliocene absolute sea level fluctuations. The results outline the subsidence history of the Romanche transverse ridge and suggest post-Miocene subsidence faster than that predicted by the thermal cooling model.