In this paper is presented the subsurface information concerning the Pale beds and the Foremost formation as disclosed by seven deep wells drilled in the Lethbridge-Brooks area of Alberta. The nomenclature of the formations and some regional aspects of lithology, sedimentation, and thickness are considered briefly. These formations are Cretaceous in age, and are the equivalent of the Judith River beds of Montana.

The Foremost formation consists largely of brackish-water, lagoonal deposits of dark gray shales with subordinate sandstone, carbonaceous matter, and oyster beds. A prominent coal series (McKay) is recognized near the base, and another coal horizon (Taber) is present at the top of the formation in some parts of the area. The average thickness of the formation is 400 feet, but it is somewhat less farther northeast.

The Pale beds consist chiefly of fresh-water deltaic deposits of light gray sandstones and shales. A widespread coal series (Lethbridge coal measures) is present at the top. The formation is about 740 feet thick in the southwestern part of this area, but becomes thinner northeastward.

Stratigraphic evidence indicates that some western land mass was the source of the sediments. Persistent coal measures at the base of the Foremost and the top of the Pale beds are useful for correlation.