Event Correlation in Upper Silurian Rocks of Somerset Island, Canadian Arctic

Abstract

Recurring sedimentary events can sometimes be used for time correlation in sequences where biostratigraphic control is insufficient. On Somerset Island in the Canadian Arctic, the Upper Silurian Leopold Formation, a thick heterogeneous, sparsely fossiliferous carbonate sequence, largely of intertidal origin, displays broad fluctuations in siliciclastic content. The peaks of detrital content can be correlated widely and are considered to be time-equivalent. A field correlation using lithologic markers accentuated by weathering relief agrees with the proposed event correlation. Preliminary studies of fossil ostracoderms suggest that a complementary faunal succession is also present. According to the event correlation, previously defined lithostratigraphic boundaries are dia hronous, some markedly so.