Biostratigraphic Age Control of Late Cretaceous-Cenozoic Strata on the Scotian Margin: An Eventful Story

R. A. Fensome¹, G. L. Williams¹, J. A. Crux², R. A. MacRae³, F. C. Thomas¹, G. Gard⁴, and F. Fiorini^5
1 Natural Resources Canada - Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic), Dartmouth, NS
² Biostratigraphic Associates, Hammonds Plains, NS
³ Saint Marys University, Halifax, NS
⁴ Biostratigraphic Services, Hammonds Plains, NS
⁵ Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS

Since the 1970s, little has been published on the Mesozoic-Cenozoic biostratigraphy of the Scotian Margin. In the interim, however, significant progress has been made on preparation techniques, taxonomic concepts, and refinement of biostratigraphic ranges. Moreover, calibration of biostratigraphic events to magnetostratigraphy and the global time-scale has further increased the potential for more accurate and detailed age control. Information for the present study is based mainly on information from six wells, selected to provide a composite section. These wells were analyzed for dinoflagellates, pollen and spores, calcareous nannofossils, and planktic and benthic foraminifera, and these studies have yielded a detailed sequence of biostratigraphic events for the Late Cretaceous-Cenozoic interval. The biostratigraphic information has been integrated with available non-biostratigraphic “event” information (e.g. well-log spikes, lithologic markers). The combination of data from several disciplines provides a remarkably refined and reliable composite stratigraphy for the Scotian Margin.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005