Viking Formation, Sandstone formation in Alberta, Canada.
Viking Formation is a sandstone layer found across central and southern Alberta, made up of marine sandstone and conglomerate rocks stacked in bands of varying thickness. You can see these exposed rock layers at several spots along the province's highways.
The formation was named in 1918 after gas-bearing sandstone was discovered in east-central Alberta and dates back to the Late Cretaceous period, roughly 75 million years ago. These ancient rocks formed when seawater covered much of the western region.
The formation contains numerous fossil deposits that provide scientists with information about ancient marine life and environmental conditions in western Canada.
Many outcrops are visible from roads, but some require permission to cross private land, so it helps to check access beforehand. Bring a hand lens and small hammer if you want to examine the rocks more closely.
The formation holds significant amounts of oil and gas reserves that power much of the energy industry in the region. These resources make it economically important to Alberta beyond what most visitors initially realize.
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