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CSPG Special Publications

Abstract


The Mesozoic of Middle North America: A Selection of Papers from the Symposium on the Mesozoic of Middle North America, Calgary, Alberta, Canada — Memoir 9, 1984
Pages 554-554
Symposium Abstracts

Mesozoic Stratigraphy, Sverdrup Basin, Arctic Canada: Abstract

A. F. Embry1

Abstract

Mesozoic strata of the Sverdrup Basin are up to 9 km thick and cover an area of 300,000 sq. km. The strata consist of alternating sandstone-dominated units and argillaceous intervals and record numerous regional transgressions and regressions. Seventeen stratigraphic sequences have been recognized and these result from the interplay of basin tectonics, sedimentation and eustatic sea level changes.

Subaerial Previous HitunconformitiesNext Hit form the sequence boundaries on the basin margins. These Previous HitunconformitiesNext Hit disappear basinward and most are due to eustatic sea-level fall. However, widespread subaerial Previous HitunconformitiesNext Hit of Late Callovian and Hauterivian age are more likely related to regional tectonic activity.

Submarine Previous HitunconformitiesTop (hiatal surfaces) mark the sequence boundaries in the basin centre. These formed during times of sea level rise when sediment supply to the basin was cut off.

Rate and type of sedimentation varied during the Mesozoic. In general periods of pronounced deltaic sedimentation with accompanying high rates of deposition alternated with shelf sedimentation with moderate to low rates of sedimentation. Epeirogenic movements of the craton most likely controlled this variation.

Igneous activity involving basic volcanism and dyke and sill intrusion occurred from Late Jurassic until mid-Late Cretaceous and is probably synchronous with the formation of the Amerasian ocean basin.


 

Acknowledgments and Associated Footnotes

1 Geological Survey of Canada, 3303 - 33rd Street N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2L 2A7

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