Geological factors in the development of streams and their whitewater reaches on the Precambrian Shield, northern Saskatchewan
Date
1978-01-01
Authors
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ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The Precambrian Shield of northern Saskatchewan comprises
(a) the 'pre-Athabascan' Archean and Proterozoic rocks of the Kazan
Upland and (b) the Athabasca Formation, a sandstone of Late Proterozoic
age, of the Athabasca Plain. These two major physiographic units differ
substantially in lithology, structure, and topography. Analysis of
topographic maps and airphotos shows a close relationship between
stream trends, stream magnitudes, lithology, and structure. An
interdependence also exists between the geology, the geomorphology,
and the occurrence of waterfalls and rapids.
The present major drainage patterns on the Shield,
particularly that of the Churchill River and other large streams
flowing from the west to the northeast, developed during Late Cretaceous
and Tertiary time.
Lakes cover 35 to 40 per cent of the Kazan Upland whereas
lakes comprise only 15 to 20 per cent of the Athabasca Plain. Their
size and outline can be related to the underlying bedrock geology.
Drainage density is greater on the Athabasca Plain than on
the Kazan Upland. The drainage pattern on the Athabasca Plain exhibits
a roughly radial arrangement of commonly meandering streams which only
in a few areas appear to be structurally controlled. Streams on the
Kazan Upland, where northeast-southwest structural trends dominate,
exhibit a poorly developed trellis pattern.
Classifications of streams according to their associated rock
types and lithological-structural characteristics make it possible to
correlate stream trends and lengths with various geologic factors.
Mapping the structural trends illustrates the drainage patterns and their
dependence on geologic structure. The Churchill River, which flows
across the prevailing structural trend, consists of a series of
irregularly shaped lakes interconnected by short reaches of fast water.
The largest number of whitewater occurrences is on the 'pre-Athabascan'
and Proterozoic rocks of the Kazan Upland, with the highest concentrations
of whitewater associated with rivers flowing across the general trend.
Complex, composite lithologic contacts and fractures are the dominant
types of geologic control on the occurrence of whitewater.
Streams and reaches of whitewater are most effectively studied
by detailed observation of individual occurrences rather than a
statistical analysis of aggregated data. The interdependence between
geology, stream trends, and whitewater is of more than purely scientific
interest as the knowledge of it is useful for planning optimal use of
the land.
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Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Geological Sciences
Program
Geological Sciences