Redknife Formation

The Redknife Formation is a geological layer in the Northwest Territories made up of shale, limestone, siltstone, and dolomite stacked in different bands. These rocks lie far underground across a broad region of the western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.

The formation was first documented in 1962 along the Trout River and identified as a significant Late Devonian structure. It formed hundreds of millions of years ago when an ancient sea covered this region.

Scientists study the formation's coral and brachiopod fossils to understand marine environments that existed between 385 and 359 million years ago.

This geological layer lies far below the ground surface and is not directly accessible to visitors. Information about the formation comes from drilling wells and scientific research by experts.

The formation holds fossils of corals and brachiopods from a time around 385 to 359 million years ago. These remains help scientists understand what the ancient seas looked like and what creatures lived in them.

Location: Northwest Territories

Made from material: shale

GPS coordinates: 61.28000,-119.87000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:13