Palaeocurrent and palaeohydrologic analysis of some vertical profiles through a Cretaceous braided stream deposit, Banks Island, Arctic Canada

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Abstract
A study of directional variability has been carried out on five vertical profiles containing a total of approximately 195 superimposed planar crossbed sets. The latter are interpreted as the deposits of braid bars. Detailed measurements on one set revealed within‐set variance of 93. Within river tract, between‐bar variance was obtained by calculating a ten‐point moving average for each profile, and subtracting the actual azimuth at each point from the moving average value. Variance at this level is 980, which compares closely with data obtained from modern braided streams. Variability in the moving average azimuth is interpreted as the result of meander migration in the entire channel system. Sinuosity can be estimated from this variability, using a geometrical approximation. It ranges from 1.03 to 1.13.Changes in stream competency with time are indicated by vertical changes in directional variance and set thickness. When accompanied by changes in mean azimuth, as in one of the present five profiles, the data suggest successive deposition by two distinct stream systems.A Markov chain analysis of the data sequence indicates a weak memory effect. Short sequences of bar deposits were formed by streams which varied little in orientation, and these are separated from one another by sequences showing random directional fluctuation.The hydrology of the Isachsen rivers was investigated using Schumm's (1968a, b, 1969, 1972) empirical relationships for modern rivers. Owing to inherent uncertainties in these relationships and a wide margin of error in the input data (principally associated with estimates of depth and width of the Isachsen streams), the results have a validity only at the order‐of‐magnitude level. Individual Isachsen rivers are estimated to have had drainage areas of between 5000 and 30,000 km2; this information is of use in reconstructions of palaeogeography and tectonic history.