Unit Name: Ospika Formation
Unit Type: Lithostratigraphic
Rank: Formation
Status: Formal
Usage: Currently in use
Age Interval: Silurian (443.7 - 416 ma)
Province/Territory: British Columbia

Originator: Pyle and Barnes, 2000

Type Locality:
Pyle and Barnes (2000) designated the type section for the Ospika Formation at 57° 26'N, 124° 35'W.

Distribution:
The Ospika Formation is a recessive package which is widely distributed in the Ware, Halfway River, Kechika and McDame map areas (Pyle and Barnes, 2000).

Locality Data:
Thickness(m): Typical 455.

Lithology:
The Formation is defined as a succession of largely black organic-rich shale and brown- to orange-weathering shale, minor thin-bedded limestone, dolostone and siltstone, and quartzite in the upper member.

Relationship:
The Ospika Formation is one of three formations of the Road River Group and has been divided into four members: Finbow Shale Member, Chesterfield Member, Finlay Limestone Member and Cloudmaker Member (Pyle and Barnes, 2000).

History:
The Formation has formerly been referred to as the "Ordovician Road River Group" by Ferri et al. (1995).

References:
Ferri, F., Nelson, J. and Rees, C. 1995. Geology and mineralization of the Gataga River area, northern Rocky Mountains (94L/7, 8, 9 and 10); B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Geological Fieldwork 1994, Paper 1995-1, p. 277-295.
Pyle, L.J. and Barnes, C.R. 2000. Upper Cambrian to Lower Silurian stratigraphic framework of platform-to-basin facies, northeast British Columbia; Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology, v. 48, p. 123-149.

Source: GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF CANADA
Contributor: M. T. Adamson
Entry Reviewed: Yes
Name Set: Lithostratigraphic Lexicon
LastChange: 16 Jan 2009