1. A method for evaluating a geoscience data analysis question, comprising: (a) inputting the data analysis question to a computer through a user interface, said data analysis question pertaining to one or more geophysical data elements; (b) using the computer to perform an automated derivation of a measure to evaluate the data analysis question; and (c) inputting the one or more geophysical data elements to the computer, computing the derived measure from the data elements, and using it to evaluate the data analysis question.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the user interface is a diagram graphical user interface or a text command interface.