Quaternary Domains in the South Athabasca Oil Sands (SAOS) Region (GIS data, polygon features)

This dataset contains a polygon layer depicting domains of similar sediment thicknesses and Pliocene to Quaternary stratigraphy in the South Athabasca Oil Sands (SAOS) region of northeastern Alberta. The region is characterized by deep paleovalleys, some of which contain fluvial sediments that were deposited prior to glaciation (Empress Formation Unit 1). Blockage of those valleys by glacier advance resulted in the formation of glacial lakes and deposition of fine sediment (Empress Formation Unit 2). These deposits are overlain by glaciofluvial sediments  likely associated with glacial advance into the area (Empress Formation Unit 3). Empress Formation deposits are overlain by formations primarily composed of till (Bronson Lake, Bonnyville, Marie Creek, Grand Centre formations), and formations containing predominantly fluvial sediments (Muriel Lake, Ethel Lake, and Marie Creek formations) with aquifer characteristics. These formations vary in thickness and are not present everywhere in the region; the domains highlight areas of similar near-surface geology.