Taxonomic and Biostratigraphic Studies of Silurian (about 400,000,000 years ago) Graptolites (extinct organisms) and Radiolaria (micro-organisms) of Central Arctic Islands.

Regions: Qikiqtaaluk Region, Kivalliq Region, Nunavut

Tags: physical sciences, fossils, rock, geological history, biostratigraphy, graptolites

Principal Investigator: Lenz, Alfred C. (16)
Licence Number: 12704
Organization: University of Western Ontario
Licensed Year(s): 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988
Issued: Jan 01, 1994
Project Team: E. MacDonald, J. Shaw, H. Shaw

Objective(s): To identify the graptolites for the purpose of biostratigraphy (the use of fossils to divide the rock units into small subdivisions in order to better understand the geological history of the Arctic); and to evaluate the biostratigraphic potential of Silurian radiolaria as a tool for fine time division of the rocks of the region.

Project Description: The researchers will collect samples of shales and limestone at regular intervals (usually about every 1 metre or less). Samples of rock of up to 1-2 kg are collected from each horizon. Samples will be bagged and shipped back to the university for further study. This study will help researchers better understand the geological history of the Arctic.