NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Sahtu Settlement Area, Dehcho Region

Tags: physical sciences, geology, climate change, fossils, paleoclimatology, environmental change, ancient sea levels, dolomite

Objective(s): The research team will study the rocks of the Keele Formation, which is best exposed in the Mackenzie Mountains. The Keele Formation is made up of dolostone (a type of rock similar to limestone) deposited in an ancient ocean between the two greatest glacial periods in Earth's history. The research team will study this Formation, in an attempt to determine the climatic conditions present during its deposition. The dolostones may also contain fossil records of the oldest animals known to science. Analysis of the individual grains of sediment that make up the Keele dolostone, and comparisons with other dolostones of known origin, will allow the team to determine if the Keele Formation was deposited under similar conditions. The objective of the proposed research project is to uncover more important information about climate, sea level, and other environmental factors in the NWT, as they were in ancient times. These studies are important, because understanding past environmental change helps us gain a better understanding of present conditions, and may allow us to predict future global change.

Project Description: The research team will be flown from Norman Wells to the base camp at Moose Horn River by helicopter. Moves to fly camps (Stoneknife River and Black Wolf Creek) will also be made by helicopter. The camp will consist of one sleeping tent per team member and one cooking tent. The research team will walk to data collection sites on foot. Data collection will consist of measuring rocks with a ruler, taking photographs, and collecting up to 50 small (fist-sized) pieces with a hammer. The research team will be in the field from 14 July to August 6, 2001. All garbage will be packed out, and all human waste buried.