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Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Geology

Supervisor

Plint, Guy

2nd Supervisor

Cheadle, Burns

Abstract

In the Cenomanian-Turonian Dunvegan and Kaskapau formations in Alberta and British Columbia, terrestrial, and nearshore to offshore environments can be related temporally and spatially using a well-established allostratigraphic framework. In these varied environments, ten mudstone microfacies were identified, using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Microfacies 1 through 3 were deposited in a freshwater lacustrine environment by hyperpycnal flows, and consist of rippled, structureless, and inverse-to-normally graded thin beds that record turbulent, laminar, and waxing and waning flow. Microfacies 4 and 5 were deposited from turbulent flow in a fluvial environment. Microfacies 6 represents a paleosol that underlies a maximum flooding surface above the base of Dunvegan allomember E. Marine prodelta mudstones contain microfacies 7 to 9 that comprise bioturbated mudstone characterised by a randomly oriented clay fabric, and storm-generated interlaminated siltstone and mudstone. Microfacies 10 is the most distal offshore facies and includes organo-mineralic aggregates and re-worked intraclastic aggregates.

Summary for Lay Audience

The intricacies of mudstone microstructure are examined at a micron-scale using detailed scanning electron microscopy of ancient mudstones sampled from the Cenomanian-Turonian Dunvegan and Kaskapau formations in Alberta and British Columbia.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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