Module 1 — Understanding Groundwater
7
Geology and Groundwater Supplies in Alberta
Alberta is divided into four main geological areas: the interior plains, mountains, foothills
and the crystalline shield of northeastern Alberta.
The same factors that affect water quality also affect the quantity of water available. The
following table shows the high variability in potential yield of water, given the soil and rock
formations found in the four geological areas. The mountains and foothills are grouped together
in this chart.
Source: Alberta Research Council —
General Review of Geology As It Relates to Groundwater in Alberta.
Soil and Rock
Formations
Interior Plains
Mountains and
Foothills
Crystalline Shield of
N.E. Alberta
Shales
<1 to 20 gpm
(
if fractured)
<1 to 20 gpm
(
if fractured)
<1 gpm
Sandstones
1-500
gpm
1
to 100 gpm
<1 gpm
Siltstones
<1-5 gpm
<1-5 gpm
Not present
Coal
Dry - 30 gpm
Dry - 30 gpm
Not present
Limestones
Dry - 30,000 gpm
at points of discharge
(
springs)
Dry - 30,000 gpm
at points of discharge
(
springs)
Not present
Dolomites
Dry - 50 gpm
northeastern plains
Dry - 15,000 gpm
at points of discharge
(
springs)
Not present
Evaporites - Gypsum
-
Halite
-
Anhydrite
Dry
Dry
Not present
Crystalline Rocks
Present only in
extremely limited
areas
Variable yield
About 5 gpm
Sand and Gravel
<1 - 500 gpm locally
in some buried
channels
<1 - 500 gpm
Up to 100 gpm locally
Clays
<1
<1
<1