Horn River Formation

The Horn River Formation is a shale layer in the Northwest Territories that spans several hundred meters thick. It consists of dark rock with silica-rich material and limestone deposits that accumulated in an ancient sea environment.

The formation was first documented in 1922 by E.J. Whittaker, who studied it along the banks of the Horn River. This discovery helped geologists understand the ancient marine environments and geological history of the region.

The formation represents a significant part of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, contributing to the understanding of Middle to Late Devonian geology.

This formation lies beneath the surface and is not visible from above. Information about its structure comes from geological studies and drilling surveys conducted by researchers.

The formation consists of three distinct layers that differ in color and mineral composition. Each layer tells a different story about the conditions in the ancient sea where it formed.

Location: Northwest Territories

Made from material: shale

GPS coordinates: 61.73330,-117.75000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:57