Magnetotelluric survey in northern British Columbia and the Yukon
Principal Investigator: Jones, Alan (4)
Licence Number: 13079
Organization: Geological Survey of Canada
Licensed Year(s): 1999
Issued: Aug 17, 1999
Project Team: Dr. Ian Ferguson, Dr. Jaunijo Ledo

Objective(s): The objective of the study is to investigate the structure and composition of the earth's crust and upper mantle to depths greater than 60 km in northern BC, the NWT and the Yukon. This work is part of the Slave Northern Cordillera Lithospheric Evolution (SNORCLE) component of the national LITHOPROBE Program, which is aimed at understanding the tectonic evolution of the North American continent. Such better understanding will lead for example to improved mineral exploration strategies, improved estimates of damaging large earthquakes, and a superior framework for handling Canada's natural resource potential over the next decade.

Project Description: The objective of the study is to investigate the structure and composition of the earth's crust and upper mantle to depths greater than 60 km in northern British Columbia, NWT and BC. At eight locations along NWT hwy. 7, sensors will be lowered into small (1 m long x 25 cm wide x 25cm deep) holes dug in the ground . These sensors will measure the time variations of the Earth's natural electrical field and record these variations. The recordings at each site will take 1-8 days after which all equipment will be removed and the holes backfilled. All work will be done along or very close to the highway. No disruption of traffic will occur.