Perdrix Formation

Geologic formation From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Perdrix Formation is a geologic formation of Late Devonian (Frasnian) age in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin.[2] It named for Roche à Perdrix in Jasper National Park, Alberta, by P.E. Raymond in 1930.[1] It includes fossils of marine animals.[3]

Quick facts Type, Unit of ...
Perdrix Formation
Stratigraphic range: Frasnian
TypeFormation
Unit ofFairholme Group
UnderliesMount Hawk Formation
OverliesMaligne Formation, or Flume Formation
ThicknessUp to 140 metres (460 ft)
Lithology
PrimaryShale
OtherLimestone
Location
RegionAlberta
CountryCanada
Type section
Named forRoche à Perdrix
Named byP.E. Raymond, 1930[1]
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Lithology

The Perdrix Formation was deposited in a marine basin and consists primarily of black, bituminous shales. The upper portion includes nodules and thin nodular beds of argillaceous limestone that increase in frequency upwards and laterally toward the reefs of the Cairn Formation.[3]

Thickness and Distribution

The Perdrix Formation is present as outcrops in the front and main ranges of the Canadian Rockies from the Kakwa Lakes area in northeastern British Columbia to the Ram River area of Alberta. It is also recognized in the subsurface immediately adjacent to the mountain front. Thicknesses range from about 80 metres (260 ft) to 140 metres (460 ft).[3]

Relationship to Other Units

The Perdrix Formation overlies the Maligne Formation or, where the Maligne is absent, the Flume Formation. It is conformably overlain by the Mount Hawk Formation and the contact is gradational. Laterally it interfingers with the Peechee Formation and the reefs of the Cairn Formation.[3]

Paleontology

Tentaculids are common throughout the Perdrix Formation, and brachiopods and pelecypods are present in the more limestone-rich portions.[3]

See also

References

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