ABSTRACT

The writer discusses the Edmonton formation of Central Alberta from field sections on the Red Deer, North Saskatchewan and Athabasca Rivers, and from well logs in the intermediate area. It has a thickness of 1100 to 1700 feet and the writer divides it into five members, the lowest four being Fox Hills-Pierre in age and the uppermost Lance. The continuity of the Kneehills tuff zone (Member D) throughout the area as a marker between Lance and Pre-Lance sediments is demonstrated.

The Bearpaw marine shale is replaced by Edmonton continental sediments to the north. The stratigraphic continuity of the Edmonton-Belly River contact as an extension of the Bearpaw-Belly River contact is maintained throughout the area.

The writer concludes there is no evidence of irregular differential erosion of the Edmonton formation before deposition of the Paskapoo formation. There may be an angular disconformity between the two formations but, if it exists, it probably results in a slow progressive truncation of the uppermost Edmonton beds beneath the Paskapoo sandstone in an easterly direction.