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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

CSPG Bulletin

Abstract


Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology
Vol. 38 (1990), No. 1. (March), Pages 165-165

C.S.P.G. 1990 Convention, "Basin Perspectives"

Wabamun/Palliser Strata of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin [Abstract]

Halbertsma, H.L.1

ABSTRACT

Wabamun/Palliser strata of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin consist of shallow water carbonates and evaporites that were deposited on a broad shelf in latest Devonian (Famennian) time. Thickness in the Southern Rocky Mountains reaches 600 m. In the Northern Rocky Mountains, thickness is considerably less due to Late Devonian uplift and erosion.

The Wabamun Formation can be subdivided into a lower transgressive sequence, a middle regressive sequence and an upper transgressive sequence. Lithofacies distribution is similar to a carbonate ramp transition from shelf to basin. Sabkha facies are preserved in southern Alberta, but correlation with similar facies in Saskatchewan (Williston Basin) is difficult.

For the purpose of regional correlation, the Wabamun carbonates are the subdivided into six members: (1,2) Dixonville and Whitelaw; (3,4) Normandville and Cardinal Lake and (5,6) Last Lake and Big Valley. The Dixonville Member is correlated with the Tetcho Formation in northeast British Columbia. The overlying five members are correlated with the Kotcho Formation, which was partly eroded during latest Famennian time. The Big Valley Member is correlated with the Big Valley Formation in east-central Alberta. Subdivision of the Palliser is somewhat simpler: Lower Morro, which correlates with (1,2) of the Wabamun; Upper Morro (3,4) and Costigan (5,6). Boundaries of all members are slightly diachronous.

In northwestern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia, the uncomformable contact between the Wabamun carbonates and the overlying Exshaw shales and Banff siliciclastic carbonates gradually cuts downsection toward the west until it reaches Frasnian strata at 124° W longitude, indicating regional epeirogenic uplift. Complete to partial erosion of the Wabamun/Palliser interval has taken place from Jasper to the Liard Basin. Contact with the Exshaw Formation (where present) and the overlying Banff Formation is conformable, but in the Liard Basin the systemic boundary between the Devonian and the Carboniferous is well above the base of the Banff. Late Famennian underthrusting of the North American plate may have caused the epeirogenic uplift and related erosion recorded by the sub-Exshaw uncomformity in the north. In the south, minor erosion took place prior to and after deposition of the Exshaw.

The stratigraphic correlations discussed in this paper are well illustrated in several regional cross-sections, facies maps and isopach maps.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ASSOCIATED FOOTNOTES

1 Consultant, Calgary T2S 2R9

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