Cardium Formation, Geological formation in Alberta, Canada
The Cardium Formation extends over 1000 kilometers through western Alberta, containing layers of sandstone and mudstone with substantial hydrocarbon deposits.
James Hector first documented this formation in 1895 along the Bow River, naming it after the heart-shaped cockle shell fossils found within its layers.
The formation represents a significant part of Canadian geological research, with over 400 academic publications studying its composition and characteristics.
This formation contains established oil reserves of 305 million cubic meters, making it Canada's largest conventional petroleum reserve in the Western Sedimentary Basin.
The formation's thickness ranges from 22 meters to 109 meters, with six distinct members including the Sturrock, Leyland, Cardinal, Kiska, Moosehound, and Ram.
Location: Alberta
Made from material: sandstone
GPS coordinates: 51.14100,-114.99400
Latest update: March 13, 2025 06:35
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