Debolt Formation

Debolt Formation
Stratigraphic range: Meramecian
Type Geological formation
Unit of Rundle Group
Sub-units Upper Debolt
Lower Debolt
Underlies Golata Formation
Overlies Shunda Formation
Thickness up to 366 metres (1,200 ft)[1]
Lithology
Primary Limestone, dolomite
Other Shale, anhydrite
Location
Coordinates 55°18′21″N 117°53′46″W / 55.3057°N 117.8961°WCoordinates: 55°18′21″N 117°53′46″W / 55.3057°N 117.8961°W
Region  Alberta,  British Columbia
Country  Canada
Type section
Named for Debolt, Alberta
Named by G. Macauley, 1958

The Debolt Formation is a stratigraphical unit of Meramecian age in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.

It takes the name from the hamlet of Debolt, Alberta, and was first described in the Amerada Crown GF23-11 well near Debolt by G. Macauley in 1958.[2]

Lithology

The Debolt Formation consists of bioclastic limestone in the base, with dolomitized areas in the east and with increased shale content in the north.[1] Chert and dolomite are more frequent closer to the Canadian Rockies foothills. The upper Debolt is composed of dolomite and anhydrite and crystalline limestone. The facies is mainly limestone in north-eastern British Columbia.

Distribution

The Debolt Formation is present in the sub-surface in the Peace River Country in northern Alberta and north-eastern British Columbia. The formation is 366 metres (1,200 ft) thick close to the Rocky Mountains, and thins out northward and eastward. It has a thickness of 244 metres (800 ft) at its type locality near Debolt, Alberta.[1]

Relationship to other units

The Debolt Formation is the upper most component of the Rundle Group. It rests conformably on the Shunda Formation, resting on shale and carbonates. It is overlain conformably by the Golata Formation of the Stoddart Group in the west, and the upper contact becomes unconformable with gradually newer formations to the east and north (Permian, Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous beds).

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Lexicon of Canadian Geologic Units. "Debolt Formation". Retrieved 2009-02-10.
  2. ↑ Macauley, G., 1958. Late Paleozoic of Peace River area, Alberta. In: Jurassic and Carboniferous of western Canada; Goodman, A.J. (Ed.), p. 289-308. American Association of Petroleum Geologists