Sedimentology and ichnology of the Lower Cretaceous Kamik Formation in the Parsons Lake Gas Field, Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories

The Lower Cretaceous Kamik Formation of the Beaufort-Mackenzie Delta region is a sandstone-dominated succession interpreted to represent a moderately storm-influenced deltaic succession. Detailed ichnological and sedimentological analysis indicates that the Kamik Formation was deposited as a series of prograding delta lobes characterized by varying degrees of wave, storm and fluvial influence. Overall, wave- and storm-energy were the dominant processes influencing deposition, however some successions also display evidence of a strong riverine influence. Detailed sedimentological and ichnological analysis of fifteen cores identified fifteen facies (Facies A to O) which were subsequently grouped into five facies associations (FA1 to FA5) interpreted to represent a wave-dominated delta, meandering distributary channel system, braided distributary channel system, lower delta plain and a river-dominated delta. The Rhone delta is interpreted to represent a modern analogue for the majority of the wave-dominated Kamik deltas (FA1) and the Mississippi delta is interpreted to represent a modern analogue for the river-dominated deltas of FA5.