This digital dataset represents the modelled outputs of the three-dimensional distribution of sandiness in the Paskapoo Formation, Alberta, Canada. Sand-abundance values were determined from log analysis of water-well lithologs and petroleum exploration downhole-geophysical logs, specifically gamma-ray logs. We derived the sandiness values by calculating the average sandiness in 25 m thick slices above the base of the Paskapoo Formation in a borehole and by assigning the average value (P50) to the midpoint of each slice interval. Alberta Geological Survey Bulletin 66 provides detailed descriptions of the methodology. We tested the borehole sand-abundance values in a 3-D variogram prior to kriging in a regular block model consisting of cells with dimensions of 1000 m on the x and y planes and 25 m in the z (elevation) direction. Values of modelled sandiness range from 0 (absence of sand) to 1 (100% sand) and are assigned elevations based on two datums: 1) a stratigraphic level corresponding to the height of the midpoint of each respective 25 m thick slice interval above the base of Paskapoo Formation, and 2) the elevation of the midpoint of the slice above sea level. Importing the modelled results of sandiness into model viewing software, such as Voxler, permits the user to generate three-dimensional isovalue plots illustrating the differences in distribution and geometry of aquifers as different cutoff or threshold criteria are applied. The dataset also enables one to delineate the regional lithostratigraphic units nested within stratigraphically complex rock formations.

The base of the Paskapoo Formation is unconformable with the underlying Scollard Formation. Alberta Geological Survey differentiates the Paskapoo Formation from the underlying Scollard Formation by the first thick sandstone above the uppermost coal seam of the Ardley coal zone. We defined 'thick sandstone' to be 5 m or more thick. This dataset contains the gridded results of the structural surface of the base of the Paskapoo Formation modelled from stratigraphic picks of the >5 m sand above the Scollard Formation coal from oil and gas industry gamma-ray logs. We modelled only the undeformed part of the Paskapoo Formation, which lies east of the Rocky Mountains deformation belt. Because of uncertainty in defining the Paskapoo-Scollard contact, we selected the P20 (20th percentile or low estimate) modelled surface of those data, which is about 5 m deeper than the P50 or median estimated surface. Subsequent boundaries of slices were constructed parallel to this surface, recognizing that, locally, the base of the Paskapoo Formation has an undulating to incised erosional contact with the underlying Scollard Formation. The model illustrates an elongated, concave surface with a central region plunging westwards towards the Alberta syncline and elevated limbs to the northwest and southeast.