CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Fenton, M.M.; Pawlowicz, J.G.; Paulen, R.C.; Prior, G.J.; and Weiss, J.A.
Date : 2004.
Title : Quaternary drift stratigraphy Buffalo Head Hills, Alberta.
Publication : 49th Annual Meeting of the Geological Association and the Mineralogical Association of Canada. May 12-14, 2004. Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario.
Issue :
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Abstract
Since 1997 thirty-eight kimberlite pipes have been discovered within the Buffalo Head Hills (BHH) area. During 2002, the Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) conducted auger coring to collect data about Quaternary stratigraphy and glacial dispersal from a kimberlite. These provides three-dimensional information to compliment surface mapping and sampling conducted by the AGS and Geological Survey of Canada in support of diamond exploration in this region. Nine holes were cored near kimberlite pipe K4 to intersect the dispersal train and two holes were drilled in the thicker drift to the west (hole depths 10 to 44 m). Samples are from the till, bedrock and intertill sediment. All 155 samples were analysed for multi-element geochemistry m (< 0.063 mm fraction), matrix texture (< 2 mm), and carbonate content (< 0.063 mm). Previously the authors tentatively recognized two tills in this region. Subsequent examination of these data has characterized the two tills and developed criteria to distinguish them from other sediment. The till in each hole has been subdivided into an upper till (group 1), a lower till (group 2) and in a few holes a third group which lacks definitive characteristics. Data types most useful in separating the tills are the concentrations of Ti, V, Li, Mg, Ca, P, and Si, the carbonate and dolomite content, and LOI. The matrix texture is similar for all groups. The shallow Quaternary stratigraphy (<50 m) consists of an upper till (Late Wisconsin) overlying stratified (glaciolacustrine) sediment overlying a lower till (Early Wisconsin?) with a locally preserved weathered surface. The upper till was remarkably thin in some holes; possibly < 2 m. This observation may be supported by areas in the southern portion of the BHH where an oxidized till is exposed in a number of pits is within 2 or 3 m of the surface. The reasons for the differences in composition between the two tills are uncertain. However the oxidized surface of the lower till indicates deposition occurred during different glacial advances with a significant nonglacial time interval. The upper till may have been formed by ice flowing over a wider subcrop of the Paleozoic carbonates: the result of either a different ice flow provenance or increased exposure of the carbonate subcrop during the later stages of Late Wisconsin glaciation.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology