This is a 1000 m cell-sized raster grid dataset of the top of the sandstone of the Haynes member of the Paskapoo Formation. We mapped the sandstone using 3-D geostatistical modelling algorithms from data derived from sand calculations of 25 m thick slice intervals of the Paskapoo Formation. We selected the >55% sand isovalue to define sandstone, based on the results of mini-models that show vertical hydraulic connections being established if sand abundance is 55% or greater. This grid represents the upper surface of that three-dimensional body defined by the >55% sand threshold value. Alberta Geological Survey Bulletin 66 provides a detailed description of how the unit was defined. The dataset is in ESRI ASCII grid format.

This is a 1000 m cell-sized raster dataset of the upper surface of the Lacombe Member aquitard, modelled from the >65% silt and clay point data derived by depth-slice analysis of well-log data. Alberta Geological Survey Bulletin 66 provides details on this grid dataset. The dataset is in ESRI ASCII grid format.

This dataset represents the topography of the top of the Paskapoo Formation, which is also the bedrock topography in the western part of Alberta. We clipped the surface from Alberta Geological Survey's Bedrock Topography of Alberta grid using the areal extent of the Paskapoo Formation shown on Alberta Geological Survey Map 236, Geological Map of Alberta. The dataset is in ESRI ASCII grid format

Sand bodies within the Sunchild aquifer subcrop over most of its extent, and because overlying Neogene sediment is relatively thin in the western part of the Paskapoo Formation, the unit expresses itself as the present-day topography. Constructing the Sunchild aquifer-thickness map was somewhat problematic because of the difficulty of mapping the step-like distribution and connection of sand bodies that, in places, are laterally adjacent to muddy intervals. The resultant isopach was generated by subtracting the Lacombe Member surface from the Sunchild surface to yield an approximation of Sunchild aquifer thickness. The Sunchild aquifer thickens from less than 50 m in the east to more than 300 m to the west. The apparent great thickness (about 600 to 700 m) of aquifer along the deformation edge southwest of Drayton Valley is interpreted as an area of stacked, coarse fluvial deposits extending from the base of the Paskapoo Formation almost to surface.

This GIS dataset illustrates the areal extent (surface and subsurface) of the Sunchild aquifer. It is in ESRI shapefile format.

This dataset maps the thickness of the Lacombe aquitard as defined by outputs of a 3-D model of sandiness in the Paskapoo Formation. The Lacombe aquitard consists of >65% non-sandy material in stacked, 25 m thick slices above the base of the Paskapoo Formation.

This digital dataset represents the modelled outputs of the three-dimensional distribution of sandiness in the Paskapoo Formation, Alberta, Canada. Sand-abundance values were determined from log analysis of water-well lithologs and petroleum exploration downhole-geophysical logs, specifically gamma-ray logs. We derived the sandiness values by calculating the average sandiness in 25 m thick slices above the base of the Paskapoo Formation in a borehole and by assigning the average value (P50) to the midpoint of each slice interval. Alberta Geological Survey Bulletin 66 provides detailed descriptions of the methodology. We tested the borehole sand-abundance values in a 3-D variogram prior to kriging in a regular block model consisting of cells with dimensions of 1000 m on the x and y planes and 25 m in the z (elevation) direction. Values of modelled sandiness range from 0 (absence of sand) to 1 (100% sand) and are assigned elevations based on two datums: 1) a stratigraphic level corresponding to the height of the midpoint of each respective 25 m thick slice interval above the base of Paskapoo Formation, and 2) the elevation of the midpoint of the slice above sea level. Importing the modelled results of sandiness into model viewing software, such as Voxler, permits the user to generate three-dimensional isovalue plots illustrating the differences in distribution and geometry of aquifers as different cutoff or threshold criteria are applied. The dataset also enables one to delineate the regional lithostratigraphic units nested within stratigraphically complex rock formations.

The dataset includes subsurface stratigraphic picks for the top of the Foremost Formation (Belly River Group) in the Alberta Plains (Townships 1 to 52, Ranges 1W4 to 5W5) made from downhole wireline geophysical well logs. The top of the Foremost was picked at the base of a continuous sandstone or siltstone bed (low-gamma-ray) of variable thickness overlying the Taber coal zone. Well data were screened to detect errors resulting from deviated wells, as well as incorrect ground and kelly bushing elevation data. We used statistical methods to identify local and regional statistical outliers, which were examined individually.

This GIS dataset is part of a digital compilation of the bedrock geology of Alberta. It is one of the datasets used to produce Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) Map 600. This dataset contains polygons of Canadian Shield mylonite zones (identified as either high-grade mylonite or low-grade mylonite). It also contains a polygon representing the Monarch Fault Zone in the southern Alberta Plains. The mylonite zones are modified after AGS Map 537 and the data source for the Monarch Fault Zone is Geological Survey of Canada Map 20-1967. The data were created in geodatabase format and output for public distribution in shapefile format. AGS Open File Report 2013-02 presents additional information on data sources related to this dataset.

This is a raster dataset of the thickness of the Paskapoo Formation. It is a derived dataset created by the subtraction of the base of the Paskapoo Formation from the top of the formation, which in the western part of Alberta is also the bedrock topography. The gridded isopach data cover only the undeformed part of the Paskapoo Formation that extends west to the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains. The isopach data do not include those parts of the formation affected by tectonic folding or thrusting. The dataset is in ESRI ASCII grid format.