Bjorne Formation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bjorne FormationStratigraphic range: Early Triassic |
|
|---|---|
| Type | Geological formation |
| Unit of | Sverdrup Basin |
| Underlies | Murray Harbour Formation |
| Overlies | Blind Fiord Formation Lindstrom Formation Trold Fiord Formation |
| Thickness | 60–1,440 m (200–4,720 ft) |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | Sandstone, shale |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 79°20′N 83°09′W / 79.33°N 83.15°W |
| Region | Canadian Arctic Archipelago |
| Country | Canada |
| Type section | |
| Named by | Tozer |
| Year defined | 1963 |
The Bjorne Formation is a special layer of rock found in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Think of it like a giant stack of pancakes made from different kinds of rock. This formation is mostly made up of sandstone and shale.
Contents
What is the Bjorne Formation?
The Bjorne Formation is a type of geological formation. This means it's a specific set of rock layers that geologists (scientists who study Earth's rocks) have identified. It's known for its unique features and how it was formed.
Where is it Located?
You can find the Bjorne Formation in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. This is a large group of islands in northern Canada, close to the North Pole. It includes islands like Melville Island, Mackenzie King Island, Lougheed Island, and parts of Prince Patrick Island, Borden Island, Ellef Ringnes Island, Amund Ringnes Island, and Cornwall Island.
What Rocks Make it Up?
The main rocks in the Bjorne Formation are:
- Sandstone: This rock is made from tiny grains of sand that have been pressed together over millions of years. It often feels rough, like sandpaper.
- Shale: This rock is made from very fine mud and clay particles. It's usually smooth and can split easily into thin layers.
How Old is the Bjorne Formation?
The Bjorne Formation was formed during the Early Triassic period. This was a very long time ago, about 250 million years! During this time, the Earth looked very different, and many new types of plants and animals were starting to appear.
Why is it Important?
The Bjorne Formation is important for a few reasons:
- Energy Resources: The southern part of this rock formation, especially around Melville Island, holds petroleum reserves. Petroleum is a natural resource that includes oil and natural gas. These are important energy sources that we use for fuel and to make many products. Scientists have confirmed that there are oil and gas deposits throughout this rock basin.
- Geological Study: By studying the Bjorne Formation, scientists can learn a lot about Earth's history. They can understand what the environment was like millions of years ago and how different rock layers formed over time.
What Layers are Around It?
Geological formations often sit on top of or below other formations. The Bjorne Formation:
- Sits underneath the Murray Harbour Formation.
- Sits on top of the Blind Fiord, Lindstrom, and Trold Fiord Formations.
This layering helps geologists understand the sequence of events that happened in Earth's past.
