Dunvegan Formation

The Dunvegan Formation is a sandstone layer in northwestern Alberta consisting of marine and deltaic deposits. The rock sequence shows clear differences between thicker sandstone beds and thinner shale layers, indicating changing depositional conditions over time.

George Mercer Dawson documented this rock layer in 1881 near Dunvegan Trading Post and named it accordingly. The discovery helped geologists better understand the sediment sequences of the western Canadian basin.

The formation contains valuable dinosaur tracks from nodosaurs, ornithopods, and theropods, along with preserved ankylosaur remains from the mid-Cretaceous period.

This rock layer is most accessible to geologists and those interested in Earth history through fieldwork guided by specialists. Visitors should know that exploring rock formations requires sturdy footwear and proper equipment for safe access.

The rock layer contains traces of dinosaurs that walked across the ancient seafloor or deltaic swamps millions of years ago. Particularly valuable to scientists are the fossil footprints of different dinosaur species preserved in the sandstone.

Location: Alberta

Made from material: sandstone

GPS coordinates: 55.92040,-118.63200

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:20