Fermeuse Formation

Fermeuse Formation
Stratigraphic range: Ediacaran

PreꞒ

Ꞓ

O

S

D

C

P

T

J

K

Pg

N
Fermeuse Formation; Stratigraphic range: Ediacaran PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N
	Beds of the Fermeuse Formation near Ferryland, NL; note Aspidella discs
Type	Formation
Unit of	St John's Group
Underlies	Renews Head Formation
Overlies	Trepassey Formation
Location
Region	Newfoundland and Labrador
Country	Canada
	; Occurrence of Fermeuse formation in southeast Newfoundland

The Fermeuse Formation is a fossil-bearing Ediacaran geologic formation in Newfoundland.

Palaeobiological community[]

1-2 centimetre-wide Aspidella discs (and some smaller mm-sized individuals) on a bedding surface of the Fermeuse Formation near Ferryland, Newfoundland

On Avalon Peninsula^[1] there is low diversity, and includes rare trace fossils, Palaeopascichnus,^[3] and Aspidella discs, sometimes in great concentrations.^[4]

On Bonavista Peninsula there is higher diversity, including more fronds (rangeomorphs) and better preserved than on Avalon Peninsula.^[1]

Depositional environment[]

On Bonavista Peninsula the depositional environment was a slope and outer shelf–below photic zone Turbidites probably were the dominant sediment transporters.^[4]

It is predominantly silts and sands, in contrast to underlying Trepassey Formation, which is mostly dark grey shales. There is a coarsening up sequence throughout the two formations, such that the top of the Fermeuse is predominantly sandstones.^[4]

On Avalon Peninsula there were much shallower waters, particularly than in underlying Mistaken Point Formation and Trepassey Formation.^[1] It is indicated by sandy channel fills, slumping, occasional silts.^[1] There is a possible delta front and shallow slope setting.^[1]