A Detailed Study of Pictou Group Rocks at Cape John, Nova Scotia

Abstract

The Pictou Group of Northern Nova Scotia has to date received relatively little study. Several authors have studied these rocks in context with other groups in the area and as part of regional basinal studies.

This study looks at a small (310 m) section of Pictou Group rocks which are well exposed and easily accessible at Cape John, Nova Scotia. Detailed attention is paid to lithology, relative position in the sequence, fossils, relative thickness and paleocurrents.

Results of the study favour a meandering fluvial model of deposition of these rocks. Paleocurrent and mineralogical data suggest a source area to the north, south or east and provide finer resolution of the geomorphology of the depositional basin.

Variations from the classical meandering fluvial model are seen in the section and are discussed as to their implications regarding the environment and basin of deposition.

Keywords: Pages: Supervisor: Martin Gibling