Applications of Ichnology to Petroleum Exploration: A Core Workshop

The field of ichnology (the study of animal-sediment relationships) is undergoing rapid expansion. Increased significance is being attached to trace fossils in environmental and diagenetic interpretations of rock units and in establishing basic stratigraphic frameworks. The subject, therefore, is of importance not only for ichnologists but also for invertebrate and vertebrate paleontologists, paleoecologists, sedimentologists, stratigraphers, and resource geologists. The main purpose of this workshop is: a) to introduce the basic concepts of ichnology; b) to learn how to recognize basic types of trace fossils in core; c) to place these structures in their appropriate paleontologic, sedimentologic, and stratigraphic content; and d) to integrate this data with other lines of evidence to aid in petroleum exploration.
Comparative Ichnological Analysis of Late Albian Estuarine Valley-Fill and Shelf-Shoreface Deposits, Crystal Viking Field, Alberta Available to Purchase
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Published:January 01, 1992
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CiteCitation
S. George Pemberton, Gerry E. Reinson, James A. MacEachern, 1992. "Comparative Ichnological Analysis of Late Albian Estuarine Valley-Fill and Shelf-Shoreface Deposits, Crystal Viking Field, Alberta", Applications of Ichnology to Petroleum Exploration: A Core Workshop, S. George Pemberton
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Abstract
The Lower Cretaceous Viking Formation in the Crystal Field of south-central Alberta contains a thick (30m) sandstone body that has been interpreted as an incised valley fill. The incision surface is marked by a wide-spread Glossifungites -demarcated erosion surface that is penetrated by Diplocraterion and Arenicolites. Distinct trace fossil suites are recognizable above and below this surface. Open marine, distal offshore to lower shoreface suites are present below the surface, while, low diversity, brackish water suites characterize the sediments overlying the surface. A major lowstand of sea level that occurred approximately 97 m. y. ago is believed to be responsible for incisement of the estuarine valley, which was filled during rising sea level.