ABSTRACT

Partly as a result of varying and conflicting interpretations of the Devonian stratigraphy of the lower Mackenzie River valley, formational nomenclature gradually is becoming confused. The names believed to be valid are: Bear Rock (Hume and Link, 1945), Hume (Bassett, 1961), Hare Indian (Kindle and Bosworth, 1921, emended Bassett, 1961), Ramparts (Kindle and Bosworth, 1921), Canol (Bassett, 1961) or Fort Creek (Kindle and Bosworth, 1921), and Imperial (Hume and Link, 1945).

Hume Formation should take precedence over Norman Wells Formation (Crickmay, 1960), which was defined inadequately and has not been accepted.

Hare Indian Formation should be retained, although strict interpretation of the stratigraphic code casts doubt upon its validity.

The name Ramparts has had a complex history but remains valid in stratigraphic nomenclature. Much of the confusion surrounding it developed as a result of an unfortunate emendation by Hume and Link (1945) by which it came to be applied to a much extended segment of the Devonian sequence. Recently Bassett (1961) has claimed that it was preoccupied when established and proposed that it be replaced by Kee Scarp Formation: but this is unacceptable for numerous reasons, not least that his preoccupation claim is based upon a most insecure foundation and can be refuted.

Use of Canol or Fort Creek Formation is dependent upon stratigraphic interpretation, and both names should be retained until a major problem of correlation is resolved.

Imperial Formation should not be displaced by Carcajou Mountain Beds. Imperial is deeply entrenched in the literature and is widely used. Geographic and stratigraphic separation preclude the possibility of confusion between the Devonian Imperial Formation in northern Canada and the Miocene Imperial Formation in southern California.