Astronomical tuning, astronomical forcing and environmental conditions of the Lower Triassic Montney Formation, northeastern British Columbia, Canada

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2018-07-11
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Abstract
Astronomical cyclicity calculated from a X-ray fluorescence (XRF) dataset from the biostratigraphically-constrained cyclic lithology of the distal Montney Formation at the c-65-F/94-B-8 core in northeastern British Columbia, generated a new astronomical time scale (ATS) for the entire Early Triassic. This ATS for the Lower Triassic Montney Formation provides dates for substages and stages (base-Dienerian at 251.1 Ma; base-Olenekian at 250.0 Ma; base-Spathian at 248.8 Ma; base-Anisian at 247.0 Ma) as well as an independent time calibration for the durations and rates of Early Triassic sedimentation and biotic recovery after the end-Permian mass extinction. This ATS compares closely with similar time-series analyses from South China demonstrating its potential for future global correlation. Moreover, two ecologically significant intervals (mid-late Dienerian and early Spathian), which show regular high frequency cyclicity in carbonate content, revealed a dominant obliquity signal that affected environmental and biotic changes. Lastly, this project has economic impact since the Montney Formation is a major natural gas play in Canada. A better understanding of environmental controls on cyclicity and of sedimentation rates will contribute to correlation and aspects of mechanical properties of the rocks.
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Citation
Shen, C. (2018). Astronomical tuning, astronomical forcing and environmental conditions of the Lower Triassic Montney Formation, northeastern British Columbia, Canada (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/32403