We derived the three-dimensional (x, y, z and n) data used to model the distribution of sandiness from the calculated, average sand value of 25 m thick slice intervals in boreholes completed in the Paskapoo Formation. The Sunchild aquifer was subjectively defined based on the three-dimensional renderings of >55% sand isovalues using Voxler ™ model-viewing software. The decision on how to assign a top to the three-dimensional body was based on the maximum height above the base of the Paskapoo Formation that a sand body extended above the muddy Lacombe aquitard. The height above the base of the Paskapoo Formation was later transformed into elevations in metres above sea level. Refer to Alberta Geological Survey Bulletin 66 for more descriptions regarding methodology.
Because the Sunchild aquifer is the uppermost, regionally extensive aquifer system in the Paskapoo Formation, the elevation and structural top of the uppermost sand bodies that make up the aquifer are represented by the bedrock topographic surface. We generated the isopach values by subtracting the top of the Sunchild aquifer from the top of the Lacombe aquitard.