Sediment Transport in a Precambrian Ice Age: The Huronian Gowganda Formation

Abstract

The Gowganda Formation of Ontario consists of conglomerates, quartzites, and argillites deposited in a glacial environment. The distribution of varved argillites and silty limestones suggests continental and marine facies, respectively. Pebble and ripple-drift orientations, distribution of limestones, striated pavements, distribution of the underlying Bruce Group, and Huronian quartzite paleocurrents support the conclusion that sediment transport was from north to south.

Precambrian uranium-bearing quartz-pebble conglomerates: exploration model and United States resource potential

“…These paraconglomerates have associated laminated phyllites with dropstones, large clasts with possible striations, and even local striated pavements at their base. They have been interpreted as tillites (Lindsey, 1966;Cassyhap, 1969, Young, 1973 and may represent the earliest examples of continental glaciation. Certainly these deposits are further evidence of the development of large stable landmasses by the Early Proterozoic.…”

“…The depositional environment of the Gowganda Formation is considered by most workers to have been glacial or periglacial (Collins, 1925;Arnold, 1954;Overshine, 1964Overshine, , 1965Cassyhap, 1966Cassyhap, , 1968Lindsey, 1966;Young, 1973). emphasized that only part of the Gowganda is likely to actually be glacial till; the rest being glacial-fluvial, glacio-marine, and even non-glacial mass transport deposits such as mudflows and turbidites.…”