Architecture of a Neoproterozoic intracratonic carbonate ramp succession: Wynniatt Formation, Amundsen Basin, Arctic Canada

Abstract

The Neoproterozoic Wynniatt Formation, part of the upper Shaler Supergroup, is exposed in the Minto Inlier of Victoria Island, Canada, and was deposited in the intracratonic Amundsen Basin. The unit consists of a southwest-thickening (480 to 1000m over ~300km) shallowing-upward succession of three carbonate ramp sequences separated by regional unconformities. In ascending order: 1) inner to outer ramp carbonate facies, gradationally overlain by siliciclastic rocks of a pro-delta slope setting; 2) inner to mid-ramp subtidal carbonate facies, including a regional stromatolitic barrier system; and 3) outer ramp carbonate (gravity flow) facies overlain by shallowing-upward subtidal to intertidal, mixed siliciclastic-carbonate inner ramp facies. Spatial arrangements of nineteen lithofacies illustrates that each carbonate ramp sequence represents part of a distally steepened, storm-dominated carbonate ramp, with an interval of deep-water carbonate rocks coincident with oceanic restriction that elevated salinity. Migration of depocentre loci for successive ramp stages reflects changing patterns of subsidence. This may identify far-field extensional effects in this intracratonic basin because ages of the lower (~850Ma) and middle (~761Ma) formation bracket initiation of supercontinent (Rodinia) break-up. Our work offers an improved sedimentary framework for interbasinal correlation with coeval Neoproterozoic basins. It highlights temporal changes in carbonate facies compared to older carbonate successions in the Shaler Supergroup, and it defines depositional context for the Tawuia-Chuaria assemblage zone, providing important interbasinal biostratigraphic correlation.