CLACK, AARON G.

Beach ridges are sub-parallel mounds which prograde lake or oceanward. Ridges form and are modified by longshore currents, storm waves, and wind. The study will focus on a series of north south trending ridges on the east shore of Lesser Slave Lake, Alberta, Canada.

The main goal of this research is to produce a depositional history and sedimentological model for the prograding beach ridges of Lesser Slave Lake. In addition, processes and environmental factors leading to th

Vibracoring and ground penetrating radar will be used to determine the subsurface stratigraphy and large sedimentary structures. Lake bottom profiling will be used to study offshore bar migration rates. Bed sampling in the offshore zone will be used to determine sediment supply and transport rates. Radiocarbon dating will be used to estimate rate of progradation for the ridges.

Oil and gas reservoir modelers can make use of the depositional model as many oil and gas reservoirs are located in what has been interpreted as beach sediments. Since, the structure of the beach facies has an impact on the reservoir estimates, the depositional model and facies descriptions will aid in the development of these reservoirs. In addition, this research will assist in exploration for and recognition of beach ridges in the geological record.  

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90940©1997 AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid