Viking Deposition in Southwestern Saskatchewan With a Note on the Source of the Sediments

ABSTRACT A study of the Viking formation in southwestern Saskatchewan has revealed no evidence in support of deposition by turbidity currents. Deposition in a near shore environment is suggested by a lithology of interfingering arenaceous and argillaceous lenses up to inch in thickness. The sediments have undergone varying degrees of disturbance, due largely to organic reworking, but partly to differential compaction. In the light of the work of various authorities on turbidity currents and turbidites, the widespread and numerous 'chert' pebble beds occurring within the formation (which first prompted the consideration of turbidity current deposition for the Viking) would seem to argue against catastrophic deposition rather than for it.