<p> An outcrop of the transition from the Wapiabi Formation to the Belly River Formation was studied in detail at Lundbreck Falls, Alberta. The observed vertical succession of sediments is as follows: 1) interbedded dark shales and Bouma B, BC and C type turbidites; 2) hummocky cross-stratified sandstones and bioturbated silts; 3) swaley cross-stratified sandstones; 4) parallel laminated sandstones; 5) mudstones interbedded with trough cross-stratified sandstone. The turbidites and hummocky cross-stratified sandstones are storm-generated density current deposits. The swaley cross-stratified sandstones have formed below parallel laminated beach deposits and above storm deposits. The section is capped by fluvial deposits containing evidence of subaerial exposure. </p> <p> Paleoflow directions in the lower portion of the section indicate that the regional paleoslope dipped northward. Density currents may have flowed down a topographically significant north-south trending trough. Net sediment transport in the shallow marine portion of the section was towards the east north-east. </p> <p> Petrographic studies indicate that the sandstones are similar to the "barren" basal Belly River sandstones of the Burmis area, studied by Mellon (1961). </p> <p> Another section consisting of continental elastics of the Blairmore Group was studied at Daisy Creek, Alberta. The lower part of the section contains interbedded grey mudstone and cross-stratified sandstone. These are erosively overlain by a 25 m thick, cross-stratified sandstone which caps the section. The sediments have been interpreted in terms of a meandering fluvial system. </p> / Thesis / Bachelor of Science (BSc)

<p> The Wapiabi-Belly River transition and the Belly River Formation was studied in detail in seven sections in the Ghost Dam spillway, near Ghost Dam,Alberta. Units in the lowest portion of the outcrop (Wapiabi) are characterized by sandy mudstones, often coarsening upwards. The mudstones are overlain by storm generated, hummocky cross-stratified sandstones and beach deposits. The vertical sequence represents a shallowing trend. </p> <p> Above the beach deposits lie sandstone and interbedded mudstone-sandstone units (Belly River) deposited in a meandering river environment. Sandstones thicker than approximately two metres were deposited as point bars, show sedimentary structures representative of channels and often pinch out, or laterally interfinger with mudstone. Interbedded mudstone-sandstone units were formed during flood stances. These overbank deposits are classified as either proximal or distal components of the meandering river system. </p> <p> Several marine trace fossils, (Macaronichnus segregatis, Skolithos, Planolites, Chondrites, Teichichnus, and Ophiomorpha nodasa), found in the Belly River rocks suggest a minor marine influence on the river system. </p> <p> The river system is inferred to have been moderately to highly sinuous and comparable in discharge to the Humber and Credit Rivers (Ontario). </p> <p> Petrographic studies show that point bar sandstones are often characterized by fining upward trends and an upward increase in the proportion of carbonate cement. </p> <p> Distal overbank deposits are normally overlain by proximal overbank deposits which inturn are overlain by either point bars or distal overbank deposits. Point bar deposits may be overlain by either proximal or distal overbank. </p> / Thesis / Bachelor of Science (BSc)