Geohistory Analysis diagrams are an excellent method of portraying stratigraphic data and conclusions and provide a direct means of reading the timing and magnitude of geologic events. Quantification of paleontologic conclusions on age and environments now permits considerable refinement and the routine use of linear scales in such portrayals. Geohistory diagrams thus were developed and have been used since 1970. Jan van Hinte wrote an important paper on this subject in 1976. Geohistory diagrams depict the subsidence history of a well by plotting the numeric ages of the unit boundaries (from biostratigraphy via global schemes or graphic correlation ) against their depths (with or without using decompaction based on the main lithology).

The advantages of constructing these diagrams are:

1. The construction itself forces the biostratigrapher to be aware of the geologic implications of his conclusions. He sees, for example, where more data are needed, what the consequences are of reporting an unconformity, and which of his interpretations do, and which do not, make geologic sense. For example, when a displaced shallowwater fauna is not recognised as such, it will plot too high on the diagram, and consequently the subsidence curve will show an uplift 'kick'.
2. Comparisons between wells and areas are possible at a glance.
3. The diagram forms a convenient linear time/depth frame for the geologist to plot other parameters, such as heatflow data, porosity changes, and mineralisations.
4. Generalised diagrams are most informative models of basin evolution, tectonic style, continentalmargin history, etc.
5. Extrapolation of the curves fills gaps in cases of fragmentary information.

The estimated subsidence rates derived from Geohistory Analysis diagrams can be used as a first pass estimate and compared with those derived from other methods, such as Cyclicity Analysis .

The numerically estimated ('calculated') Geothermal History of a well can be superposed in the Geohistory Diagram, thus providing an immediate feel for the possible maturation history of an area. This estimated thermal history can later be compared with the actual geochemical data to calibrate the subsidence model used in the first instance.