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Classification of river systems based on dimension and lithology of architectural elements is critical in determining their scale and role in ancient drainages as tributaries, distributaries, or trunk river systems. Facies boundaries associated with the zonation of the fluvio-estuarine system can be difficult to predict using standard facies and sequence stratigraphic models, particularly within broad, long-lived compound incised valley fills. These questions are addressed in an outcrop study of incised valleys in the Turonian Ferron Sandstone Member of the Western Interior Seaway, southern Utah. Field data includes 8 measured sections containing detailed lithological, ichnological, paleocurrent, and architectural data, and 3 high resolution gigapan photomosaics of opposing outcrop faces oriented oblique to depositional dip. The compound valley records multiple episodes of cut and fill, with three nested valleys, each containing multiple channel stories. An upward progression from single thread meandering fluvial style, indicated by large scale laterally accreting point bar deposits, to more freely avulsing rivers in upper stories is documented. Lithological analysis of the oldest valley shows grain size distributions ranging from medium lower sandstone at the valley base to fine lower sandstone towards the top, and is characterized by amalgamated macroform deposits with dune scale crossbedding and abundant mud rip up clasts throughout. The second shows variable estuarine laterally accreting point bars, which coarsen away from the valley margin. The youngest valley is dominated by fining upward successions passing from medium lower dune scale cross bedded sandstone at the base with few mud clasts, to rippled very fine upper sandstone and interfingered floodplain shale deposits. Tidal influence is documented; suggesting that rivers were positioned basinward of the paleo backwater length, and estuarine facies seen in V2 suggests they are within the bayline. These rivers are among the largest documented in the Ferron and show that fluvial style and scale changes regionally within this large valley system. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Heightened industry focus on the Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Turonian) Eagle Ford has resulted from recent discoveries of producible unconventional petroleum resource in this emerging play. However, little has been published on the facies and facies variabilities within this mixed carbonate-clastic mudrock system. This rock-based study is fundamental to understanding the controls, types, and scales of inherent facies variabilities, which have implications for enhanced comprehension of the Eagle Ford and other mixed carbonate-clastic mudrock systems worldwide. This study utilizes 8 cores and 2 outcrops with a total interval equaling 480 feet and is enhanced by synthesis of thin section, XRD, XRF, isotope, rock eval/TOC, and wireline log data. Central Texas Eagle Ford facies include 1) massive argillaceous mudrock, 2) massive argillaceous foraminiferal mudrock, 3) laminated argillaceous foraminiferal mudrock, 4) laminated foraminiferal wackestone, 5) cross-laminated foraminiferal packstone/grainstone, 6) massive bentonitic claystone, and 7) nodular foraminiferal packstone/grainstone. High degrees of facies variability are observed even at small scales (50 ft) within the Eagle Ford system and are characterized by pinching and swelling of units, lateral facies changes, truncations, and locally restricted units. Facies variability is attributed to erosional scouring, productivity blooms, bottom current reworking, and bioturbation. At the 10-mile well spacing scale and greater, the data significantly overestimates intra-formational facies continuity but is successful in defining the following four-fold stratigraphy: The basal Pepper Shale is an argillaceous, moderate TOC, high CGR and GR mudrock. The Waller Member is a newly designated name used in this study for an argillaceous and foraminiferal, high TOC, massive mudrock with a generally moderate CGR and GR profile. The Bouldin Member is a high energy, carbonate-rich (foraminiferal), low TOC, low and variable CGR but high GR zone. Finally, the South Bosque Formation is an argillaceous and foraminiferal, moderate TOC, massive and laminated mudrock with a moderate CGR and GR signature. GR logs alone are inadequate for determination of facies, TOC content, depositional environment, and sequence stratigraphic implications. Using integrated lithologic, isotopic, and wireline log data, cored wells in the study area are correlated across the San Marcos Arch. Geochemical proxies (enrichment in Mo, Mn, U, and V/Cr) indicate that maximum basin restriction occurred during deposition of the Bouldin Member. Bottom current activity influenced depositional processes and carbonate sediment input was driven by water column productivity. These primary controls on Eagle Ford stratigraphy and character are independent from eustatic fluctuation, rendering classical sequence stratigraphy unreliable. / text

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Mémoire (M. Sc. A.)- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 1981. / Quatre cartes géologiques sur feuillets pliés, en pochette. "Mémoire présenté en vue de l'obtention de la maîtrise es sciences appliquées" CaQCU CaQCU Document électronique également accessible en format PDF. CaQCU

Mémoire (M.Sc.T.)--Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 1989. / Document électronique également accessible en format PDF. CaQCU

Mémoire (M.Sc.A.Geologie)--Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 1985. / Une carte pliée, en pochette. "Mémoire présenté en vue de l'obtention de la maîtrise en sciences appliquées en géologie" CaQCU CaQCU Document électronique également accessible en format PDF. CaQCU

Mémoire (M.Sc.T.)--Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 2001. / Document électronique également accessible en format PDF. CaQCU

Thèse (D.R.Min.) -- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 1996. / Document électronique également accessible en format PDF. CaQCU

Thèse (M.Sc.T.) -- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 2005. / Bibliogr.: f. 100-105. Document électronique également accessible en format PDF. CaQCU