CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Andriashek, L.D.
Date : 1985
Title : Quaternary stratigraphy of the Sand River area, NTS 73L
Publication : Unpublished M.Sc. thesis. University of Alberta, Edmonton
Issue :
Page(s) : 368 pp
Abstract
Eight glacial and non-glacial formations have been defined for the Quaternary sequence in the Sand River area. The thick drift cover, combined with a paucity of exposures, necessitates reliance on testhole data for the differentiation and correlation of these units. The stratigraphy of the upper 50 m is defined primarily from matrix texture and carbonate content, and 1-2 mm sand composition data derived from dry auger samples at 1 m intervals. Rotary drill samples and electric log responses are essential to define the deeper stratigraphy. The relative abundance of four rock groups (igneous and metamorphic, quartz, carbonates and local bedrock) within the l-2 mm sand fraction is the most useful criteria in differentiating the till. The proportion of these rocks commonly show a systematic change with distance from the source, consequently a ratio of their abundance, rather than the absolute percentages, is used to differentiate the tills within a local sequence. The standardization of electric log responses with the analytical values enable correlations of the units beyond areas where samples were collected. Textural and lithologic variations allow the division of some formations into units or members. The formations have been informally defined with designated type sections. The Empress Formation is the oldest, and is divided into three units on the basis of lithology: unit 1, preglacial sand and gravel, unit 2, silt and clay, and unit 3, glacial sand and gravel. The Bronson Lake Formation overlies the Empress Formation. It consists of clayey till and clay deposited by the first recognized glacier in the area, the Cherry Grove Glacier. Glaciofluvial sand and gravel of the Muriel Lake Formation were deposited on top of the Bronson Lake Formation, following the retreat of the Cherry Grove Glacier, and during the advance of the Fort Kent Glacier. Till of the Bonnyville Formation overlies the Muriel Lake Formation. It was deposited by the Fort Kent Glacier, and is characterized by a relative abundance of quartz, and a paucity of carbonate in the 1-2 mm sand fraction. Glaciolacustrine silt and clay of the Ethel Lake Formation were deposited in progIacial lakes during the advance of the Ardmore Glacier. Till of Marie Creek Formation was deposited by the Ardmore Glacier, overtop the Ethel Lake Eormation. The till is characterized by a relative abundance of carbonate rocks, mainly dolostone, in the silt-clay and l-2 mm sand fractions. Glaciofluvial sand of the Sand River Formation was deposited following the retreat of the Ardmore Glacier and during the advance of the Cold Lake Glacier. The Grand Centre Formation consists of till and glacially displaced sediment deposited by the Cold Lake Glacier. The till is characterized by an abundance of igneous and metamorphic rock fragments in the l-2 mm sand fraction. Oxidized profiles on the surface of the till formations suggest that lengthy periods of weathering followed each major glacial episode.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology