Cadomin Formation, Geological formation in Alberta, Canada
The Cadomin Formation is a geological layer in western Alberta composed of coarse rock fragments including pebbles, stones, and boulders made of chert and quartzite. These deposits accumulated in an ancient shallow marine environment and were later deformed by tectonic movements.
The formation was named in 1929 after the nearby mining town of Cadomin. It formed during the Early Cretaceous as sediment accumulated again following a previous erosional period.
The formation provides geologists with research opportunities to study sedimentary processes and ancient environments in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin.
This layer lies deep underground in the basin and is not directly visible at the surface without geological excavation or drilling. Visitors interested in understanding it should seek out geological displays or consult with local experts who can explain the exposed rock sequences in the area.
The formation holds some of the oldest dinosaur skeletal remains ever found in Alberta, including bones of an armored plant-eater from the Early Cretaceous. These fossils reveal early versions of ankylosaurs before they became larger and more common in later ages.
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