| The Middle Cambrian Wheeler Formation is interpreted as having been deposited in the shallow ramp and deeper basin environments of the House Range embayment. The first appearance of Ptychagnostus atavus is the only biozone marker within the Wheeler Formation; lack of other chronostratigraphic markers and/or distinctive stratal patterns in the basinal facies makes correlation between sections difficult. Therefore, carbon-isotope and total organic carbon (TOC) were tested for their utility as intrabasinal correlation tools.; δ13Ccarbonate isotope values range from −1.7‰ to 1.4‰ (PDB), and both localities show small-scale isotope variability. This variability however, is thought to be the result of local isotopic effects and was not used for correlation. TOC values from both sections increase upsection; define a distinct peak, then decrease upsection. These peaks are associated with shale facies and occur near the maximum flooding surface, indicating that the TOC results could be used for correlation. |
