Debolt Formation

Debolt Formation Stratigraphic range: Meramecian PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
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
Named for	Debolt, Alberta
Named by	G. Macauley, 1958
Coordinates	55°18′21″N 117°53′46″W / 55.3057°N 117.8961°W / 55.3057; -117.8961 (Amerada Crown GF23-11)Coordinates: 55°18′21″N 117°53′46″W / 55.3057°N 117.8961°W / 55.3057; -117.8961 (Amerada Crown GF23-11)
Region	Alberta,  British Columbia
Country	Canada

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. ^ ^{a b c} Lexicon of Canadian Geologic Units. "Debolt Formation". http://cgkn1.cgkn.net/weblex/weblex_litho_detail_e.pl?00053:003842. 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