Stratigraphic relationships of the Middle Devonian Elk Point Group, Saskatchewan Sub-basin

The spatial distribution and stratigraphic relationships between different lithologic units of the Winnipegosis carbonate-Prairie Evaporite succession in the Saskatchewan Sub-basin were analyzed based on detailed core logging (130 wells), thin section examination (60 samples), construction of cross sections (4) and isopach maps (13). The distribution patterns of the lithologic units are variable in different parts of the sub-basin. The thickness of the organic-rich laminae of the Brightholme Member is closely related to the topography of the Lower Winnipegosis platform. The spatial distribution of the Ratner Formation, Whitkow Anhydrite, Shell Lake Member, Prairie Evaporite and Esterhazy Member is closely related to the spatial distribution of the Winnipegosis reef mounds in the sub-basin. The Esterhazy Member commonly occurs where the Brightholme Member does not exist or is less than one metre in thickness.; The Shell Lake Member is not continuous across the sub-basin as interpreted in the existing literature but terminates against the fully developed Winnipegosis reef mounds. The Shell Lake Member is distinct based on the petrography, depositional features and bounding lithologic units from the anhydrite/carbonate found in the upper parts of the higher Winnipegosis reef mounds.; This study suggests that the development of different lithologic units of the Winnpegosis carbonate-Prairie Evaporite succession in the Saskatchewan Sub-basin occurred in multiple stages in response to fluctuation of relative sea level in the open ocean north of the Presquile Barrier Reef. These stages can be correlated with the development of different lithologic units of the Keg River carbonate-Muskeg evaporite succession in the Northern Alberta Sub-basin.*; *This dissertation is a compound document (contains both a paper copy and a CD as part of the dissertation).