I`m not sure whether this is a matter of style, but I was wondering what is the appropriate way of presenting the axis-label when dealing with transformed data (log). For example, should I present the word log in the graph like this log [N(mg g-1)] in the axis label or simply N(mg g-1) and explain the nature of the data (the fact that it is log transformed) in the figure legend??
Yes, it is used in bio-geographic and chemical studies. Widely used parameters as pH and dB are also logarythmnic values.
I think it depends on which numbers are written at the ticks of the axis. The label should describe the numbers, so if the axis is scaled logarithmatically, but the numbers are not logarithms, then the label should be x, not log x.
I agree with Dieter's answer. The legend can only contain the "log" label when you represent several curves some of which are in log scale while others are in natural scale. If you only represent one curve or a set of curves in the same scale it entirely depends on whether you have made clear that the scale is graphically re-scaled in logarithmic scale or not. If your X-axis along with the vertical divisions evidence that your scale is logarithmic, then you should not include the prefix "log" in the X-axis title. Conversely, if the X-axis is blank (it has no mention of numeric divisions) or sometimes when the graph does not represent division lines, then it is common to find the prefix log in the X-axis title.
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