Organic, Inorganic Geochemistry and Sedimentology of the Second White Specks Formation, Eastern Margin of the Western Interior Seaway
Abstract
The Cenomanian-Turonian (C-T) records a worldwide organic preservation event within fine-grained sediments. This period corresponds to deposition of the Second White Specks Formation (2WS) within the Canadian Western Interior Seaway (WIS). Available cores in Manitoba, new cores from Saskatchewan, and outcrops along the Manitoba Escarpment with relative different paleobathymetry provide the opportunity to study these sediments on the eastern margin of the seaway. In this study, 2WS sediments, the overlying and the underlying formations are investigated with respect to their organic matter type, percentage and maturity, as well as varied controls on organic matter burial including primary production, preservation and sedimentation. Direct observations along with use of different approaches and proxies aid to establish reliable interpretations regarding paleooceanographic conditions. Organic geochemistry shows the dominance of immature marine organic matter with high hydrocarbon potential. Geochemical proxies indicate high primary productivity and low terrigenous input during deposition of the 2WS. Inorganic geochemistry data shows variable degree of redox conditions within the studied strata. Distribution of biota provides additional constrains regarding paleoconditions such as redox state, salinity and temperature.
Description
Keywords
Geochemistry, Geology, Mineralogy
Citation
Hosseininejad Mohebati, S. (2016). Organic, Inorganic Geochemistry and Sedimentology of the Second White Specks Formation, Eastern Margin of the Western Interior Seaway (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/27223