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Figure 1.

The uncertainty scale for geological data and models. The categories are linked to estimates of statistical likelihood, from low to high, of permissive (less than 25% chance), suggestive (25%–50%), presumptive (50%–75%), compelling (75%–99%), and certain (100%). Data can be categorized as no evidence or certain. In contrast, it is not possible for a model to be certain. Further, models can be unsupported. It is possible for both data and models to be incorrect.

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