End_Page 645------------------------------

A detailed sedimentological study has been conducted on cores from the subsurface Elmworth area, Alberta. Characteristic vertical sequences of the Falher A and B units show coarsening-upward sandstone to conglomerate sequences. Ideal cycle is a shallow-marine to beach progradation. The major sedimentary environments recognized in the Elmworth area are wave-dominated coastal environments which prograded to the north. Falher sediments are interpreted to have been deposited in beach, nearshore, shallow-marine, and coastal-plain environments. On the basis of the interpretation of depositional environments, a depositional model is proposed to explain the sedimentary motifs of Falher sediments. The model consists of shingle ridges, spits, lagoon, coastal plain, and fluvial channels. In this study, most Falher sediments, conglomerates in particular, are interpreted to be transported southeastward by longshore currents and deposited along shoreline in the Elmworth area. These shingle ridges prograded to the north and some spits were developed. Even though some channels were recognized in the study area, the local drainage system during Falher deposition seems to have been poorly developed. It is very unlikely that this system could transport the great amounts of sediments, particularly conglomerates. In considering the distribution and volume of Falher sediments, these channels might contribute part of sands, but not the large amounts of pebbles that are present in the Elmworth area.

End_of_Article - Last_Page 646------------