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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

CSPG Bulletin

Abstract


Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology
Vol. 21 (1973), No. 1. (March), Pages 52-80

Grain-Size Distribution and Depositional Environment of Whitemud Sandstones, Edmonton Formation (Upper Cretaceous) Alberta, Canada1

P. L. Binda2, J. F. Lerbekmo3

ABSTRACT

Grain-size analysis by settling tube of 73 samples from 13 outcrops and 1 bore-hole of Whitemud sandstones underlying the Battle Member claystone of the Edmonton Formation was carried out as part of an integrated study of the environmental interpretation of this unit.

The results are compared with the cumulative curves of Van Andel and Postma (1954), the C-M plot of Passega (1957), the Md-sigma.gif (835 bytes) plot of Moiola and Weiser (1968) and the Q1MdQ3 calculation of Doeglas (1968). Q-mode factor analysis shows three dominant factors which compare closely with the three basic types of cumulative curves and with the three segments of the C-M "boomerang".

It is concluded that the Whitemud sandstones were deposited by fluvial rather than marine processes. The results support the evidence supplied by the micro-paleontological study, namely, the recovery of only megaspores and vegetal micro-fossils from the Battle Member claystone, suggesting a continental milieu for the deposition of that unit. The results also indicate that moderately diagenetically altered sandstones may be usefully compared by mechanical size analysis with Recent unconsolidated sands.


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