NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Sahtu Settlement Area

Tags: physical sciences, geology, sedimentology, sediment, rock outcrops

Objective(s): Detailed three-dimensional analysis of the shape and orientation of fluvial sand bodies in the Neoproterozoic sandstones of the Katherine Group in the Mackenzie Mountains, south of Norman Wells, and west of Tulita, will lead to a better understanding of how river systems worked before the advent of land plants. The areas selected are ideal of this type of study as individual beds can be traced for several kilometres along the margins of valleys and in cliff faces.

Project Description: During the summer of 1997, the researchers will visit several cliff exposures of sandstone in the Mackenzie Mountains in the Carcajou Canyon (NTS 96D) and Wrigley Lake (NTS 95M) map areas, south of Norman Wells and west of Tulita, in order to obtain information on the shape of structures preserved in sandstones deposited by ancient rivers. By determining the geometry of these sandstone bodies it may be possible to determine the shape and size of rivers which drained much of Canada, well before the presence of the first land plants. Research in the mountains will be carried out by the researcher and one student, from a small camp moved into place by helicopter out of Norman Wells. Four sites will be examined in the vicinity of Carcajou River and Keel River, and on the west side of Tsezotene range and east of Dall Lake. Data will be collected by direct measurement of physical features using tape and compass methods. Small samples of rock will be collected for further analysis using a geological hammer. The project will have no environmental impact. Copies of all papers produced in this study will be sent to the local communities