Manuscript Guidelines

Thank you for considering a submission to Sedimentologika.

Submitting and publishing in Sedimentologika is, and will always be, entirely free of charge. There are no charges whatsoever for authors to submit, publish, or have their work evaluated, edited, and read.

This page outlines the requirements for preparing your manuscript. Adhering to these guidelines ensures a smooth peer-review process and greatly assists our volunteer copyediting and production teams upon acceptance.

While not a requirement, we strongly encourage using our official templates to help prepare your submission:

The LaTeX template is highly recommended, as it includes built-in commands to easily compile pre-prints and anonymised files for double-blind review. Last updated: 2026-08-20

TL;DR: General Principles & Submission Checklist

1. Open Science & Data

  • Pre-prints: Post to EarthArXiv (preferred), ESSOAr, or arXiv. Update with the final DOI upon acceptance.
  • Data & Code: Follow FAIR principles. Deposit in repositories (e.g., Zenodo, PANGAEA) using open formats (CSV, JLD2, HDF5). “Data available on request” is not acceptable.
  • Indigenous Data: Respect CARE principles when working with Indigenous lands, data, or traditional knowledge.

2. Language, Inclusivity & Formatting

  • Templates: Strongly recommended, but not required. Use our LaTeX (preferred) or Word/OpenOffice templates.
  • Language: Use a single, consistent English dialect. You may include translated Abstract and Plain Language Summaries (placed before the Introduction).
  • Inclusivity: Use active voice (“we”), bias-free language, traditional place names alongside English equivalents, and neutral names for disputed geographic regions.
  • Typography: Use sans-serif fonts (e.g., Noto Sans). Do not italicise common Latin phrases (e.g., in vitro). Use ≈, c., or ca for approximations, not ~.
  • Nomenclature: Use SI units. Follow IMA for minerals and ICS for geological time.

3. Visuals (Figures & Tables)

  • Accessibility (Mandatory): Use CVD-safe colour palettes (e.g., Scientific Colour Maps). No rainbow or jet maps. Ensure minimum 8 pt (1.5 mm x-height) font size.
  • Captions: Must be standalone and define all abbreviations. Alt-text is highly encouraged.
  • Tables: Keep simple. No coloured cells. Deposit large datasets in repositories instead.

4. Required Declarations

Place these at the end of the main text (before references):

  • CRediT author contributions
  • ORCID where present
  • Acknowledgements (including land/custodian acknowledgements)
  • Conflict of Interest
  • Funding
  • Artificial Intelligence Use (see AI Policy)
  • Data and Code Availability

5. Submission Mechanics

  • Manuscript File: Single PDF/Word/OO file with embedded figures/tables. Remove identifying info if requesting double-blind review.
  • High-Resolution Figures: Upload individual, high-resolution figure files during the OJS submission wizard.
  • Cover Letter: Fill out the OJS text box (approx. 400–500 words). Suggest an executive editor and 1–2 associate editors (from the Editorial Board) and ≥ 2 reviewers. Include pre-print link if applicable.
  • Checklist: Complete the pre-submission checklist.

Article Types

Sedimentologika’s editorial board and reviewers reserve the right to request the shortening of excessively long or verbose submissions. We publish manuscripts falling into the following categories:

Research Articles

Original contributions that advance the understanding of sedimentology and/or stratigraphy. Must provide sufficient detail to clearly convey the study and enable reproducible science.

  • Length: Generally under 10 000 words (excluding title, figure captions, table text, and references).
  • Visuals: Maximum of 12 figures and tables combined.
  • Note: Longer articles may be accepted at the journal’s discretion.

Negative Result Articles

Original contributions where circumstances prevented the successful collection of interpretable data (e.g., diagenetic alteration preventing meaningful geochemical analysis). This category provides an avenue to share valuable methodological lessons and combat publication bias.

  • Length & Visuals: Follows standard Research Article guidelines, but manuscripts are typically shorter.

Review Articles

Comprehensive syntheses reviewing the current state of scientific knowledge on a specific sedimentological or stratigraphic topic.

  • Length: Generally under 15 000 words (excluding title, figure captions, table text, and references).
  • Visuals: Maximum of 20 figures and tables combined.
  • Note: Longer articles may be accepted at the journal’s discretion.

Method Articles

Descriptions of new, or significantly updated, methods, techniques, or protocols of broad interest to the sedimentology and stratigraphy community. Must contain sufficient detail to allow exact replication.

  • Length & Visuals: No strict word limit, but manuscripts must remain focused and avoid excessive verbosity.

Opinion Pieces

Personal perspectives on sedimentology- and stratigraphy-related topics, challenges, models, or ideas.

  • Review Process: Not peer-reviewed. However, all submissions are strictly screened by the editorial board to ensure compliance with our Code of Conduct and Ethics Statement. Bigotry and discrimination will not be tolerated in any form.
  • Length & Visuals: Must be clear and concise. Maximum of 3 figures/tables.

Horizons Articles

Fact-based commentaries highlighting specific knowledge gaps and proposing future research questions to advance the fields of sedimentology and stratigraphy.

  • Review Process: Not peer-reviewed, but strictly screened by the editorial board for compliance with our Code of Conduct and Ethics Statement.
  • Length & Visuals: Must be clear, concise, and tightly focused.

Manuscript Preparation

Manuscript File

The initial submission for review must be uploaded as a single file (PDF, Word, or OpenOffice).

  • Required Content: The file must include the title, abstract, plain-language summary, up to 5 keywords, main text, embedded figures and tables, and the reference list.
  • Author Information & Anonymity: Include the corresponding author’s email address and institutional affiliations and ORCIDs for all authors. Note: If you select double-blind peer review in the OJS submission wizard, you must ensure all identifying author information (including names, affiliations, and identifying self-citations) is removed from this manuscript file, as the system handles author metadata separately.

Required Declarations

Your manuscript must include the following declarations. During the submission phase, you may place these wherever you prefer in the document. However, please note that in the final published version, they will be placed after the main text and before the references (with the exception of the CRediT statement, which is typically grouped with author affiliations).

If a category does not apply, include the heading and state “None” or “Not applicable”.

  • CRediT Author Contributions: Use the CRediT taxonomy to specify each author’s contributions.
  • Acknowledgements: Thank individuals who contributed but do not meet authorship criteria.
  • Conflict of Interest: Declare any financial or non-financial competing interests.
  • Funding: List all grants and funding sources supporting the work.
  • Artificial Intelligence Use: Disclose if and how AI tools (e.g., LLMs) were used in the research or writing process. Please review our full AI Use Policy for specific requirements, restrictions, and how to properly cite AI-generated text.
  • Data and Code Availability: Provide repository links or explain restrictions, as detailed in the Data and Code section.

Authorship Criteria

  • ICMJE/Vancouver Guidelines: All listed authors must meet the four standard criteria for authorship: (1) substantial contribution to conception, design, or data acquisition/analysis; (2) drafting or critically revising the work; (3) final approval of the version to be published; and (4) agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
  • Acknowledgements: Contributors who do not meet all four criteria (e.g., general supervision, funding acquisition, basic proofreading) must be listed in the Acknowledgements section, not as authors.

Minimum Formatting Requirements

We strongly encourage using our official templates (LaTeX, Word/OpenOffice) to ensure correct formatting. If you choose to format your manuscript manually, you must adhere to the following baseline requirements:

  • Language: Use a single, consistent dialect of English (e.g., UK, US, Australian) throughout.
  • Typography: Use a readable sans-serif font (e.g., Noto Sans) at a minimum size of 10 pt for the body text, double spaced.
  • Figure Accessibility: All embedded figures must use colour-vision deficiency (CVD) safe palettes (e.g., Scientific Colour Maps). No rainbow or jet colour maps.

Language and Formatting

English Varieties and Translations

  • Consistency: Manuscripts must be written in English. Select a single variety (e.g., British, US, Australian, Canadian, Commonwealth) and use it consistently throughout.
  • Proofreading: Submissions must be thoroughly proofread prior to submission to ensure they are free from grammatical and spelling errors.
  • Translated Summaries: We strongly encourage providing translations of the Abstract and Plain Language Summary in another language (e.g., the language of the study region or the authors’ native language). Place these translations at the front of the manuscript, immediately following their English versions and prior to the Introduction.

Abbreviations and Geological Nomenclature

  • General Abbreviations: Define all non-standard abbreviations at their first mention in the main text. Do not use non-standard abbreviations in the Abstract.
  • Stratigraphic Units: Use full words (e.g., “Formation”, “Member”, “Group”) in the main text and figure captions. Reserve standard abbreviations (e.g., “Fm.”, “Mbr.”, “Gp.”) strictly for inside figures and tables where space is limited.
  • Standardized Nomenclature: Use internationally recognised standards for geological terminology:

Units and Measurements

  • SI Units: All measurements must use the International System of Units (SI) or standard scientific derivatives (e.g., metres, kPa, Ma).
  • Uncertainties: All uncertainties should generally be stated with a coverage factor of two (i.e. 2s/2σ), or at the 95 % confidence-interval level. In any case, state what uncertainty coverage is used.
  • Approximations: Do not use the tilde (~) to mean “approximately”. Use c., ca, approx., or ≈. Reserve the tilde strictly to indicate “on the order of” or “in the magnitude of” (e.g., ~10^5 years).
  • Formatting: The production team uses automated tools (e.g., siunitx) to handle final typographic formatting and spacing of units. Authors should focus on using correct SI units and symbols rather than perfect typographic spacing in the draft.

Mathematical Notation and Equations

  • General Standards: Follow standard international conventions for mathematical typesetting (e.g., ISO 80000-2 principles). The free Short Math Guide for LaTeX is an excellent, comprehensive reference for these rules and applies regardless of the software you use to write your manuscript.
  • Variables vs. Operators:
    • Italicise variables (x, T, P, m).
    • Keep mathematical functions (sin, log, exp), operators, and standard constants upright/Roman.
  • Subscripts: Italicise subscripts that represent variables (xi). Use upright text for descriptive labels (e.g., cp for specific heat capacity, Ek for kinetic energy).
  • Units: Keep units upright and separate them from the numerical value with a space (15 m, not 15m ).
  • Definitions and Numbering: Define every variable immediately following the equation. Number equations sequentially in the order they appear.

Inclusive and Respectful Language

Sedimentologika is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and accessible scientific community. We strongly encourage authors to use non-discriminatory language and to be mindful of cultural contexts in their manuscripts.

  • Bias-Free Language: For comprehensive guidance on avoiding bias in scientific writing, please refer to the APA Guidelines for Bias-Free Language.
  • Active Voice: Science is a collaborative effort. We encourage the use of the active voice and first-person pronouns (e.g., “we measured,” “our analysis”) to clearly attribute actions, rather than relying exclusively on the passive voice.
  • Traditional Place Names: To acknowledge the cultural significance and history of the regions being studied, authors are encouraged to use traditional Indigenous place names alongside their English equivalents where appropriate.
    • Example: “The Kaikōura Canyon is located east of Te Wāhipounamu (the South Island of Aotearoa/New Zealand).”
  • Land and Custodian Acknowledgements: Where applicable, authors should acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which the research or fieldwork was conducted. This is typically placed in the Acknowledgements section.
  • Indigenous Data Sovereignty: When research involves data, samples, or knowledge tied to Indigenous communities, authors are expected to respect the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, Ethics) in addition to standard FAIR data principles.

Politically Sensitive Geographic Names

Earth science frequently involves working with geospatial data across regions where geographic names or territorial borders are politically disputed. Sedimentologika requires authors to maintain scientific neutrality in these cases.

When referencing disputed locations, territories, or bodies of water, please follow this hierarchy:

  1. Legal Arbitration: If an international arbitration decision exists (e.g., via UNCLOS or the International Court of Justice), use the legally recognised name.
  2. International Consensus: If no legal ruling exists, use the name most widely recognised by the international scientific community, or defer to official United Nations geospatial maps.
  3. Dual Naming: If there is no clear international consensus, provide both names (e.g., Name A / Name B) on first mention.

The primary intent is to ensure that the nomenclature used in the manuscript remains as neutral and scientifically objective as possible.

Figures and Tables

Placement and Captions

  • Embedding: All figures and tables must be embedded within the main manuscript file for peer review. You may place them either inline near their first citation or grouped at the end of the document.
  • Captions: Number all figures and tables sequentially. Provide an informative, standalone caption for each that allows the reader to understand the visual without referring to the main text. Define all abbreviations and symbols directly in the caption.

Design and Accessibility

All visual elements must strictly comply with our detailed figure and table Guidelines.

  • Accessibility: Design with inclusivity in mind. Mandatory requirements include using colour-vision deficiency (CVD) safe palettes (e.g., no rainbow or jet maps), adhering to minimum font sizes (≥ 8 pt sans-serif / 1.5 mm x-height), and ensuring high text-to-background contrast.
  • Alt-Text: We strongly encourage providing alternative text (alt-text) for all figures to support screen-reader users. See our alt-text guidance for an overview and resources to help.

3D Models, Videos, and Supplementary Media

  • Formats and Hosting: For accepted file formats (e.g., 3D meshes, video codecs) and repository hosting requirements for large media files, see the 3D Models and Videos section in the Figure and Table Guidelines.

Tables and Large Datasets

  • Use Tables Sparingly: Use tables only when they present summary information more clearly than text or figures. Keep table structures simple, avoid coloured cells, and ensure they are accessible.
  • Depositing Raw Data: Do not use manuscript tables to present large, raw, or highly detailed datasets. Instead, deposit your data in an appropriate repository (using open formats like CSV, NetCDF, HDF5) and cite it in your Data and Code Availability statement.

High-Resolution Figure Files (Required at Submission)

While the embedded manuscript file is used for peer review, you must also upload high-resolution, individual files for each figure during the initial submission process.

  • Please upload these via the “Supplementary Files” or “Production Files” step in the submission wizard.
  • Refer to the file Formats section in the Figure and Table Guidelines for technical specifications (e.g., vector vs. raster formats, minimum PPI, and file cleanup).

Referencing

Reference Style and Management

Sedimentologika uses the APA 7th Edition referencing style. We strongly recommend using a reference manager (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley, EndNote) to ensure consistency and easily generate the required export files.

  • Style Files: Download .csl for Zotero | Download .ens for EndNote
  • Production Export: Upon acceptance, you will be asked to provide an export of your reference library (preferably in CSL JSON, EndNote XML, or RIS format). Failing to provide this file, or omitting DOIs/permalinks for materials that have them, will cause delays in production.

Open Science and Citation Principles

  • Open Citations (I4OC): Sedimentologika supports the Initiative for Open Citations (I4OC), which advocates for open, machine-readable, and comprehensive citation data. This means the journal releases all published reference lists into the public domain (CC0) via Crossref, allowing unrestricted reuse and text-and-data mining. To support this open network, authors must ensure all cited works include accurate DOIs or stable permalinks.
  • DORA: In line with §16 of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), we ask authors to cite the primary literature where observations were first reported, rather than citing review articles. Give credit where it is due.
  • Citing Open Science: Datasets, code repositories, and pre-prints deposited in recognised archives (e.g., Zenodo, EarthArXiv) should be cited in the reference list with their respective DOIs, just like traditional publications.

In-Text Citations

Use standard APA 7th narrative and parenthetical formats:

  • Narrative: Lambda et al. (1989) demonstrated that…
  • Parenthetical: …as previously demonstrated (Lambda et al., 1989).

Sedimentologika uses Citation Style Language (CSL) in the backend to automatically format and cross-link citations in the final PDF. To ensure locators (e.g., page numbers, figure references) are correctly processed, use standard terminology.

Standard Locators

The production system recognises standard locator abbreviations. Use these when pointing to specific parts of a cited work:

  • page (p., pp.), figure (Figure, Figures), table (Table, Tables), section (Section, Sections), chapter (Chapter, Chapters), equation (Equation, Equations), volume (Volume, Volumes), part (Part, Parts), line (Line, Lines), appendix (Appendix, Appendices).
  • Example: (Lambda et al., 1989, Figure 4) or (Lambda et al., 1989, pp. 12–15).

Prefixes, Suffixes, and Complex Citations

When citing modified figures, adding context, or combining multiple references, use the Prefix and Suffix fields in your reference manager, or format them clearly in your text:

  • Modified/Reproduced figures: Use a prefix to clarify the relationship between your figure and the cited work.
    • Example: (Figure 2; modified from Lambda et al., 1989, Figure 2) or (Figure 2; after Lambda et al., 1989, Figure 2).
  • Context and Groupings:
    • Example: (e.g., Lambda et al., 1989, and references therein) or (see also Alpha, 2020, Section 4).

Acceptable sources

Peer-reviewed articles, articles in special issues, book chapters (ensure editors are mentioned), online theses, datasets, virtual outcrop models, and specific websites (must include the date of access). Please refrain from using personal communications, unpublished conference abstracts (unless hosted with a DOI), unpublished field guides, and any other non-accessible or non-archived materials unless absolutely necessary.

Reference List

  • Must be ordered alphabetically.
  • A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) or other permanent link (e.g., Handle, URN) must be provided for every entry where one exists.

Methodological Reproducibility

Full reproducibility is required for all studies.

  • Analytical Parameters: Explicitly state reference materials, calibration standards, decay constants, mass bias corrections, and data reduction software in main text (Methods). Never rely solely on citing “standard laboratory procedures” without providing specific parameters applied in study.
  • Code Execution: Code must execute without manual alterations by reviewer or reader. Provide complete environment lock-files (e.g., Julia Project.toml, Python environment.yml, or Dockerfiles) alongside your scripts.
  • Sample Provenance & Permits: As per our Code of Conduct and Ethics Statement the manuscript should contain detailed information about the provenance of samples to ensure transparency.
    • Always collect and export samples in accordance with relevant permits and local laws, following responsible practices.
    • Any submission that includes new material from protected sites must include information about the necessary permissions obtained.

Data and Code Availability

Sedimentologika is committed to Open Science. All author-generated data supporting a manuscript must be provided in an open-access format adhering to the FAIR principles upon submission. A useful guide for the practical application of FAIR data principles in earth and environmental science is available at doi: 10.60566/n2q3g-fd094.

Depositing Data and Code

  • Repositories: Host data on established platforms such as Zenodo, figshare, or PANGAEA. Provide the DOI or a private reviewer link in your Data Availability Statement.
  • File Formats: Use open, non-proprietary formats (e.g., CSV, ODS, HDF5, JLD2, NetCDF) to ensure long-term reproducibility.
  • Code and Scripts: We strongly recommend archiving analytical code and scripts alongside your data. For live repositories (e.g., GitHub), link the specific release used in the study to a DOI via Zenodo (guide here).

Data Availability Statement

Every manuscript must include a “Data and Code Availability” statement at the end of the text.

  • Acceptable examples: > “The data and code supporting this study are available in the [Repository Name] repository at [DOI/URL].” > “No new data or code were generated during this study. Relevant data sources are cited in the text.”
  • Unacceptable: > “Data available upon request.” (This statement is not acceptable for standard datasets).

Exceptions, Embargoes, and Large Datasets

  • Confidentiality and Embargoes: If third-party restrictions or data confidentiality require an embargo, access may be restricted to editors and reviewers during peer review. Post-publication embargo periods must not exceed one year.
  • Seismic Data: We recognize that raw seismic data is often proprietary or restricted. In these cases, authors are strongly encouraged to share derived horizons, interpreted surfaces, and metadata.
  • Extremely Large Datasets (TB-scale): For massive datasets (e.g., hundreds of GBs to TBs of seismic data) that exceed the limits of standard online or institutional repositories, authors should state in the Data Availability Statement that the data may be shared via physical media (e.g., external hard drives or USB flash drives) upon direct request to the corresponding author.

Cover letter

During the submission process, you will be asked to provide a summary of your manuscript and suggest editors and reviewers. This information is collected via text fields in the submission system.

Provide a concise cover letter addressed generically “To the Sedimentologika Executive Editors and Steering Committee”.

Manuscript Summary

  • Length and Scope: The summary should be no longer than 300 words. Focus on the novelty, key highlights, and main breakthroughs of your research. Do not simply repeat the abstract.
  • Pre-prints: If you have posted a pre-print of your manuscript (e.g., on EarthArXiv), please include the link here.
  • System Checkboxes: You do not need to state the article type or declare the originality of the work in this text, as these are handled by dedicated checkboxes during submission.

Editor and Reviewer Suggestions

Following your manuscript summary, please provide the following suggestions to assist the editorial team:

  • Suggested Editors: Suggest one of our executive editors, and one or two of our associate editors to handle your manuscript. A list of our editors is available on our website - Editorial Board.
  • Suggested Reviewers: Suggest at least two suitable reviewers. For each, provide their full name, institutional affiliation, email address, and a brief note regarding their specific expertise relevant to your manuscript.
  • Excluded Reviewers (Optional): If you need to exclude specific reviewers due to a genuine conflict of interest, please list their names and provide a brief, high-level justification (e.g. “Direct competitor” or “Conflict of interest”). Detailed personal explanations are not required.

Editorial Process - Review and Revision Timelines

Sedimentologika endeavours to process submissions as efficiently as possible. However, we must balance this goal with the practical constraints of our volunteer editorial team, peer reviewer bandwidth, and the time authors require to conduct thorough revisions. We expect prompt communication and timely responses from authors during the revision stages. To maintain an active and manageable editorial queue, manuscripts that remain inactive or unresponsive for very extended periods may be subject to withdrawal.

Pre-prints and Archiving

Sedimentologika strongly supports Open Science. Posting a manuscript on a pre-print server does not constitute prior publication and will not disqualify your submission. For full details on our Open Science and archiving policies, please see our About page.

Pre-print Guidelines

We encourage authors to deposit their manuscripts on public pre-print servers such as EarthArXiv (preferred), ESSOAr, or arXiv at any time.

  • Anonymity Warning: If you intend to request anonymous (double-blind) peer review, be aware that a publicly available pre-print may reveal your identity to reviewers. If maintaining anonymity is a concern, please discuss this with the editorial team prior to submission.
  • Upon Acceptance: If your manuscript is accepted, you are required to update your pre-print record to include a full citation, URL, and DOI linking to the final Version of Record published in Sedimentologika.

Archiving and Self-Archiving

Sedimentologika ensures the long-term preservation of all published content through the PKP Preservation Network (PKP PN).

As an author, you retain the right to self-archive your work:

  • No Embargo: You may immediately deposit and share both the accepted manuscript and the final published Version of Record in your institutional repository or any open-access repository of your choice.
  • No Restrictions: There are no embargo periods or restrictive licensing barriers preventing you from making your final article openly available alongside the journal’s official publication.

General resources to ensure accessibility of published content

We encourage you to ensure that the content you publish is Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust for everyone and invite you to check the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines WCAG.

AccessAbility: A Practical Handbook on Accessible Graphic Design

MS Word Accessibility Checker