BURIED PROTEROZOIC FOREDEEP UNDER THE WESTERN CANADA SEDIMENTARY BASIN

Electromagnetic studies of the Precambrian basement beneath the Wester n Canada Sedimentary Basin in Alberta indicate a narrow linear conduct ivity anomaly spatially correlated with a strong positive magnetic fea ture, the Red Deer high, The conductor is located below sedimentary co ver near the top of the crystalline basement and has limited depth ext ent, We propose that this anomalous feature represents graphitic metas edimentary racks in the euxinic-flysch facies of a Proterozoic foredee p sequence, The strong magnetic anomaly results from an associated iro n formation deposited on the outer ramp of the foredeep. This model ex plains the geophysical anomalies, has analogues on the exposed shield, and is consistent with the timing, deformation history, and known geo logy of the Precambrian basement.