| Stratigraphic correlation is the central geologic problem with the underexplored, mixed carbonate-siliciclastic, Belloy Formation. This research integrates biostratigraphy, sedimentology, and wireline logs in which five key conclusions are illustrated: (1) Five major unconformity bounded sequences exist within the Belloy Formation and are Bashkirian, Moscovian, Kasimovian/Gzhelian, Artinskian/Kungurian, and Roadian/Wordian in age. Thin, vertically juxtaposed, condensed and conglomerate horizons suggest that more Permian sequences may exist. (2) The Beatton High and Hudson Hope Low (HHL) was a broad tectonically uplifted region between the Kasimovian and entire Permian. This event is coincident with an eastward shift of the depocentre into Alberta during the Permian. (3) Lithofacies range from dolostone, mixed clastic carbonate to quartzose sandstone, siltstone, and conglomerate. Deposition is interpreted to be in a shallow marine environment. (4) Contrary to previous interpretations (i.e. passive basin fill) tectonics are do control much of Belloy Formation sedimentation. (5) The Belloy Formation stratigraphic nomenclature should be subdivided into a Pennsylvanian and Permian member. |
