KWare SFT is a specialized Windows application designed for geologists, volcanologists, and material scientists to analyze and model particle size distribution data. Developed by Ken Wohletz (associated with Los Alamos National Laboratory) under the “KWare” software suite, it focuses on mathematical inversion techniques to uncover the physical origins of geological and fragmented samples. Core Functionality
The software takes raw grain or particle size data and “inverts” (mathematically deconstructs) it to find specific distribution parameters. It models these data sets using three primary scientific frameworks:
Lognormal Parameters: Standard statistical modeling for naturally occurring particle populations.
Sequential Fragmentation: Models how rocks, tephra, or materials break apart during high-energy events like volcanic eruptions.
Sequential Fragmentation/Transport (SFT): Adds atmospheric or fluid transport dynamics to the fragmentation model to show how wind or water sorted the particles after they broke. Primary Use Cases
Volcanology: Deconstructing bimodal or multimodal tephra and ash samples from explosive eruptions to identify individual subprocesses (e.g., separating primary Plinian fall components from co-ignimbrite ash cloud deposits).
Sedimentology: Analyzing deep-sea cores or land-based sediment layers to track changes in particle size over distances from the original volcanic source.
Geological Origin Tracking: Providing numerical clues about whether a sample was shaped purely by explosion (fragmentation) or heavily altered by travel (transport).
If you are trying to use this tool, would you like guidance on interpreting SFT bimodal subpopulation data or finding documentation on related KWare geological tools like Erupt3? KWare SFT 2.2 Download (Free) – SFT.exe
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