Nikanassin Formation, Sandstone formation in Alberta, Canada
The Nikanassin Formation is a sandstone formation in Alberta that also extends into northeastern British Columbia. It consists of several layers of marine sandstone mixed with dark grey shales throughout the region.
The formation was discovered in 1909 by D.B. Dowling and later officially named in 1929 by B.R. MacKay. The name was given after the Nikanassin Range, a geographical feature in the region.
The name comes from the Cree language and refers to the geographical location of these rock layers. Local communities and geologists use this term when discussing the formation in scientific and everyday conversations.
Visitors find this formation across western Alberta and northeastern British Columbia. The layers lie partly deep below the ground surface and are best accessed through geological studies or borehole data rather than direct observation.
Natural gas reservoirs exist within this formation thanks to a network of open fractures running through the layers. These fractures have become important for energy production in the area.
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