Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2004
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Geology and Geography
Committee Chair
Richard Smosna.
Abstract
A field analysis of Middle Pennsylvanian strata (Kanawhat Formation and Allegheny Formation) in central West Virginia was performed to test two depositional models, coastal plain and fluvial-deltaic. Sedimentary descriptions form the basis for two levels of interpretations, where the first goal is to interpret the depositional settings of individual architectural elements within the section. The second task was to place the compiled interpretations into the previously established regional stratigraphic framework. At Birch River, the Kanawha Formation is composed of both estuarine and alluvial facies. The estuarine facies include, estuary margin, estuarine channels, and estuarine lagoon. Alluvial facies make up the remainder of the Kanawha Formation and include, meandering stream, crevasse, floodplain, swamp, freshwater lakes, and levees. Alluvial deposits including those of meandering stream, channel-fill, floodplain, and swamp facies dominate the Allegheny Formation. This study supports the coastal-plain regional stratigraphic framework over the fluvial-deltaic stratigraphic framework.
Recommended Citation
Rutland, Jeffrey R., "Depositional environments comprising the Birch River section (Middle Pennsylvanian), Powell Mountain, Nicholas County, West Virginia" (2004). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 1995.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1995