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GeoscienceCanada.Volume 3. Number 1.

Febrl

A facies model could be defined as a all of these will be covered in this series.
general summary of a specific and some others might be added.
sedimentary environment, written in Sedimentologists might also wish to add
terms that makethesummary useable in aeolian and glacially-influenced
at least four different ways. The basis of environments to the list, and herein lies
the summary consistsof many studies in the beginning of confusion - some
both ancient rocks and recent environments are being defined
sediments; the rapidly increasing data geomorphologically (e.g.. alluvial fans)
base is due at least partly to the large and others by process (e.g.. aeolian).
number of recent sediment studies in the Aeolian sediments can exist on their
last 15 years.The increased need for the own (in many deserts) or can be blown
Facies Models models is due to the increasing amount into alluvial fan and fluvial environments.
1. General of prediction that geologists are making
from a limited local data base. This
yet still be identifiable as windblown.
The point to make here is that our aim
Introduction prediction may concern subsurface
sandstone geometry in hydrocarbon
as geologists is not only to recognize
environments, but to understand the
reservoirs,the association of mineral range of processes that can operate
Roger G. Walker deposits with specific sedimentary within them. We must also be sureof why
Department 01 Geology environments (for example, uraniferous we want to identify environments in the
McMaster University conglomerates), or the movement of first place. Is it to provide a name
Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4Ml modern sand bars in shallow water (Bay showing that we have thought about the
of Fundy, tidal power). In all cases, a origin of the unit we have mapped ("the
Purpole of Serler limited amount of local information plus Ordovician Cloridorme Formation
This article is a general introduction to a the guidance of a well-understood consists of deep water turbidites"), or is
proposed series of articles on facies model results in potentially it to provide a framework for further
sedimentary lacies models. They will important predictions about that local thought? It is the latter - the framework
appear roughly one per issue in environment. for further thought - that in my mind
Geoscience Canada, and are intended separates the art of recognizing
to review specific sedimentary !hdirnentary Emlronrnents environments from the art of FACIES
environments.Thearticles will be written The preparation of a series of review ANALYSIS and FACIES MODELLING.
lor the non-specialist who wishes or articles implies that there must be some The meaning and implication of these
needs to be aware of current ideas in agreement among sedimentologists as terms will become apparent.
environmental interpretation and to how to subdivide up the depositional
prediction. There will be a minimum of environments of the world into Facler Models
text, a maximum of illustrations, and a commonly recurring types. At a recent The principles, methods and motives of
bibliography so short that there is a count (1972). there were 18 major lac~esanalys s are snown in F gdre I.
reasonable chance for the non- environments, 40 sub-types. 14 sub- spec flcally lor t u b dltes Th s 1s tone p
special~st-sedimentologistto read a l~ttle sub-types. and 20 sub-sub-sub-types. I link the general comments on facies
farther and painlessly find his way into a deliberately do not cite this reference! models in this article with specific
maze of literature. Obviously, we will Nevertheless, there is some agreement comments on the turbidite model
stress review papers and classic on a very basic subdivision based upon discussed in the next article. In Figure 1.
examples, using Canadian examples morphology, physical and chemical the local examples 1 through 6 are
wherever possible. processes, and biological processes. turbiditeexamples; however, I
The geologist involved with ancient emphasize that the ideas embodied in
lntroductlon environments would add the criteria of Figure 1 can and should apply tolacies
In the general field of stratigraphy and stratigraphic record and diagenesis to models lor all other environments. If
sedimentology, one of the most active the above list. A typical set of enough examples of modern turbid~tes
areas is that concerned with the environments that most can be studied in cores, and if enough
formulation of facles models for various sedimentologists would not object to is ancient turbidite formations are studied
sedimentary environments. This shown in Table I: many but perhaps not in the field, we may be able to make
emphas~sis not new: many of the ideas some general statements about
were embodied in Dunbar and Rodger's Table IMalor envaonmenls of depoo1,on turbidites, rather than statements about
Pr~nciples01 Stratigraphy in 1957. and 01Clasf~crocks only one particular example. The
were based upon studies dating back to Terrestr~al. Alluv~alfans process of extracting the general
Gressly and Walther in the 19th Century R~versand thelr floodplains information is shown diagrammatically
(Middleton. 1973) However, the Marg~nal-MaroneDeltas In Figure 1. where numbers 1 and 2
importance of facies models at the Alongshore sand bodles represent recent sediment studies
present time 1s due to an increasing (beaches,cheniers, barriers) (cores from, say. La Jolla fan and
need for the models, and a rapidly Marine. Shelf Hatteras abyssal plain) and numbers 3
increasing data base on which the Subrnarrne fans - Turbidltes -
Abyssal plains through 6 represent studies of ancient
models are formulated.
3) it must act as apredictor in new
geological situations
I LA JOLLA FAN
4) it must act as a basis for
1
CL 2 HATTERAS ABYSSAL PLAIN hydrodynamic Inferpretafion for the
z environment or system that it
a
X
3 CLORIDORME FM represents.
4 TOURELLE FM Figure 1 has been constructed to
illustrate these various functions. Using
the example of the turbidite model. the
DISTILLED AWAY
6 CHARNY FM
numbers 1 through 6 indicate various
local studies of modern and ancient
turbidites. There is a constant feedback
between examples - in this way the
sedimentologist exercises his
DO LOCAL EXAMPLES 7
DIFFER FROM NORM judgement in definingthe features in
common and identifying "local
irregularities". This is the "distillation"
process that allows the environmental
/ summary (that will actasafacies model)
MODEL AS to be set up.
FRAMEWORK FOR PURE ESSENCE OF Having constructed the facies model,
FUTURE OBSERVATIONS ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY it must act first as a norm (Fig. 1. A) with
which individual examples can be
compared. Without a norm, we are
unable to say whether example 5 of
Figure 1 contains any unusual features
In this example. Utica Formation
MODEL AS BASIS FOR turbidites at Montmorency Falls are very
@ HYDRODYNAMIC INTERPRETATION
MODEL AS thin, sllty, and many beds do not begin
PREDICTOR with dlvlsion A of the Bouma mode (Flg.
1 );they begln with division B or C.

EVIDENCE IN
AREA 7
LOCAL + GUIDANCE FROM
FACIES MODEL
_ PREDICTIONS IN
AREA 7
Because of the existence of the norm
(Bouma model), we can ask questions
about example 5 that we could not
otherwise have asked, and whole new
Flgure 1 essence of any local example and what avenues of productive thought can be
D~SDllallonola general lacres model lrom opened up this way. Thus there is a
is its"nolse"? Which aspects do we
varrous local examples,andlts useas a norm. constant feedback between a model
lramework lor observalrons predrclor, and dismiss and which do we extract and
consider important? Answering these and 11slndlvidual examples - the more
bass lor hydrodynam,c !nferpretalron See
!ex! lor detarls questions involves experience. examples and the more distillation, the
judgement, knowledge and argument better the norm will be, and the more we
among sedimentologists, and the must be forced into explaining local
turbidites (for example, the Cloridorme answers also involve the ultimate variations.
and Tourelle Formations of Gaspe, the purpose of the environmental synthesis The second lunction of the facies
Utlca Formation at Montmorency Falls. and summary. We will not consider the model is to set up a framework for future
and the Charny Formation around process of distilling the information here. observations (Fig. 1 . B), lnasmuchasthe
Quebec City). The entire wealth of but will consider each environment at its model summarizes the imporlant
~nformationon modern and ancient present level of understanding - information, geologists know that similar
turbidites can then be distilled, boiling emphasizing its beauty but pointing out Information must be sought in new
away the local details, but distilling and its warts. situations. In our example, this would
concentrating the important features I pointed out earller that thedifference include the individual characteristics of
that they have In common into a general between the summary of an the five Bouma divisrons. Although the
summary of turbidites If we distill environment and a facies model framework ensures that this information
enough individual turbidltes. we can end perhaps depends mainly on the use to is recorded wherever possible, it can
up wlth a perfect "essence of lurbidite". whlch the summary is put. As well as also act to blind the unwary, who might
now called the Bouma model (see next being a summary, a FACIES MODEL ignore some evidence because it is not
artlcle In this issue1 But what is the must lulfill four other imporlantfunctions: clearly spelled out by the model. This
1 ) it must act as a norm, for purposes of leads to imprecise interpretations,and
comparison would cause a freeze on any furlher
2) it must act as a framework and gufde improvement of the facies model -
for future observations hence the feedback arrow (Fig. 1. B)
GeoscienceCanada.Volume 3. Number I . Febuary. 7976 23

implying that all future observations Baaic Souces 01 inlormation environments. This volume would not be
must in turn be distilled to better define The following bibliography is not the place to start reading, but would be
the general model. intended to be complete, and my good follow-up material lor readers
The third function of the model is as a annotations apply only to the aspects of wanting a better understanding of
predictor in new geological situations Ihe books or papers relevant to physical processes operating in various
(Fig. 1. C). In example 7 (for example. environmental summary and facies environments.
Archean rocks in the Manitou Lakearea. modelling.
N.W. Ontario) (Fig. 1. C) let us imagine Pettijohn. F. J.. P. E. Potter and R. Siever.
that we have just enough evidence to Books Containing General 1972. Sand and Sandstone: New York.
suggest a turbidite interpretation. EnvironmentalSynlheaes Springer-Verlag. 618 p.
Because we have the turbidite model Selley. A. C.. 1970. Ancient sedimentary Chapter 11 (p. 439-543) is a review of
and (in an ideal world) understand its environments: Ithaca. N.Y.,Cornell sand bodies and environment written at
operation, we can take the combination University Press. 237 p. a fuller and more technical level than
Of the model and the limited data from Selley inlroduces the volume as "not a Selley. Spearing, or Blatt, Middleton and
area 7 to make further predictions about work for the specialist sedimentologist, Murray. It considers Alluvial, Deltaic
area 7. This is obviously a vitally but an introductory survey for readers Estuarine, Tidal Flat. Beach and Barrier.
important aspect of facies modelling. with a basic knowledge of geology". The Marine Shelf, Turbidite and Aeolian
and good surface or subsurface book achieves this end very well - it environments, with separate remarks on
prediction from limited data can save summarizes, it leans on classical sand body prediction. Useful follow-up
unnecessary exploration guesswork examples, and it very briefly indicates reading after Blatt, Middleton and
and potentially vast sums of money. the economic implications (oil, gas. Murray (1972). Spearing (1974) and
The fourth major function of a facies minerals) of some ofthe environmenls. Selley (1970) in that order.
model is to act as an integrated basis for This volume is a good place to start.
hydrodynamic interpretations (Fig. 1. D). Rigby. J. K.. and W. K, Hamblin, eds..
Again, it is important to eliminate the Spearing. D. R.. 1974. Summary sheets 1972. Recognition of ancient
local "noise" before looking for a general of sedimentary deposits: Geol. Soc. Am.. sedimentary environments: Soc. Econ.
hydrodynamic interpretation, and again. Map and Charts Mc-8. Paleont. Min.. Spec. Pub. 16.340 p.
there can be a feedback between the A series of 7 large sheets with many Contains separate papers on many
hydrodynamic norm and local examples line drawings, minimal text, and useful important environments wrinen at a
(Fig. 1. D). This is indicated by the references on selected sandstone technical level. Many of the papers are
feedback arrow to example 5 (Fig. 1). depositional environments. This is a disappointing as reviews but there are
implying the question "does the quick way to get a feeling for alluvial fan, excellent contributions on Alluvial Fans,
interpretation of example 5 differ from alluvial valley, aeolian, regressive Fluvial Paleochannels, Barrier
the idealized hydrodynamic shoreline, barrier island, tidal, and Coastlines and Shorelines. Most of the
interpretatlon?'' If there 1s a difference turbidity current environments, and the authors present their environmental
(and there is), we can again ask serles also provides a very good entry to summaries but do not attempt to use
questions that could not be asked if we the recent literature. them as models.
had not used the facies model to
formulate a general interpretation. This Blatt, H., G. V. Middleton and R. C. Reineck, H. E., and I.B. Singh, 1973,
usage of the facies model is Murray, 1972, Origin of sedimentary Depositional sedimentary
demonstrated particularly well by the rocks: Englewood Cliffs,N.J., Prentice environments: New York, Springer-
turbidite model, discussed in the Hall. 634 p. Verlag, 439 p.
follow~ngarticle. Chapter six, on facies models, is only Pages 160-439 are devoted to
The turbidite/subrnarine fan model 29 pages long, but summarizes summaries ot many modern
has been selected as the first to discuss concisely the general principles of environments. Coverage is at the
because it is reasonably well lacies and lacies analysis, and briefly graduate student - professional
understood, and because it revlews alluvial fans, alluvial plains, sedirnentologist level, but is patchy and
demonstrates particularly well the four deltas, barr~ers,offshore shoals and rather uncritical. Vast reference lists are
functions of a model illustrated by F~gure turbidites - deep basin environments. given, but it is hard to single out the very
1. Some of the other models to be Allen. J. R. L.. 1970. Physical processes important papers from the trivial. The
discussed are less well understood - of sedimentation: New York, American emphasis on modern environments is
because the environmental summary is Elsevier,248 p. useful, but the book should not be used
weaker, so the functioning of the model Although slanted toward physical until one is at least somewhat familiar
is weaker. I emphasize that the processes, the book contains chapters with specific environments.
construction and functioning of lacies on winds and their deposits, river flow
models is essentially sim~larfor all and alluvium, shallow marine deposits,
envlronments. and that the turbidite turbidity currents and turbidites, and
example was discussed above to make glaciers and glacial deposits. Each
the general statements about facies chapter begins with a discussion of
models a little more specific. processes, but ends with useful
generalized descriptions of the
The formulation and use of fade8
models
Harms. J. C.. D. R. Spearing. J. B.
Southard and R. G. Walker. 1975.
Depositional environments as
interpreted from primary sedimentary
structures and stratification sequences:
Soc Econ. Paleont. Min.. Short Course2
(Dallas, 1975). 161 p.
These notes were intended f a the
general soft-rock geologist, not the
expert sedimentologist.They review
sedimentary structures and their
formation, and they way in which
sedimentary structures, in sequence.
can be used to construct facies models.
The emphasis is general and
philosophical, although fluvial, shoreline
(conglomeratic, sandy and muddy), and
shelf facies models are discussed in
detail. Problems of facies analysis of
conglomerates are also discussed.
Recommended to those who wish to
explore the ideas behind facies models.
how they are formulated, and thedegree
of gradation between various models.
Classical summaries of specific
environments are not attempted.

Cant. D. J. and R, G. Walker, 1976,


Developnient of a braided-fluvial facies
model lor the Devonian Battery Point
Sandstone, Quebec: Can. Jour. Earth
Sci. (in press. to appear January. 1976).
Although this paper presents new
research results, it discusses in general
terms some of the methods of facies
model construction, using the Battery
Point Sandstone as an example. The
gradation between meandering and
braided stream models is also
emphasized. Recommended to readers
specifically concerned either with
formulating new models, or with using
various fluvial models.

Reference
Middleton. G. V., 1973,Johannes
Walther's law of the correlation offacies:
Geol. Soc Am. Bull.. v. 84, p. 979-988.

MS received November 24.1975.

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