Quaternary geology of the Zama City area, northwestern Alberta

Geologic studies in the Moody Creek (84M/02) map area were undertaken to map surficial geology, establish glacial history, and classify materials geotechnically. Surficial geology mapping was completed in 2006. The stratigraphy is represented by 6 units: glaciolacustrine; till; englacial/subglacial gravels; retreat glaciolacustrine; readvance till; alluvium; and peat. The Laurentide Ice Sheet advanced over shale be drock and glaciolacustrine sediments, resulting in clay-silt tills with high plasticities. During the last glacial maximum, ice flow was west-southwestward, and during deglaciation ice flow was westward. During deglaciation, regional drainage was blocked by the retreating ice margin, forming Glacial Lake Hay. Glaciolacustrine sediments occur below 410 m, and shorelines occur at 340 m. Iceberg scours are observed between 340 and 400 m. A late glacial readvance covered most of the area flooded by Glacial Lake Hay. Aggregate is in short supply, and the sole active pit in the study area exploits sub-till gravel.