NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Tags: physical sciences, geological mapping, geology, protected area, national parks, glaciation

Objective(s): The need for a detailed map of the surficial geology of Tuktut Nogait National Park and for a thorough study of its glacial history was first recognized in 1992, following a survey of the natural resources of the park. Areas of terrain that bear a strong imprint of glaciations and others that are typical of non-glaciated landscapes are both spectacular from a tourism point of view and of great scientific interest. The park is located near the limit of the vast ice sheet that once covered the whole continent, and parts of it may have been free of ice during the last ice age, thus preserving old sediments from the destructive action of glaciers. However, no detailed study has ever been undertaken to establish the exact nature of the probable ice-free zone.

Project Description: Field work will consist of helicopter traverses run from two base camps, with stops at points of interest previously identified from air photos, and detailed traverses conducted from fly camps lasting from 4-6 days. Fly camps will be run by a two-man crew, positioned by helicopter, who will operate up to 10-15 km from the camp. Most field observations will be directed at identifying and counting boulders carried away from their source areas by glaciers. Soil sampling will be limited to about 60 sites to establish the main characteristics of sediments. Samples will consist of 1-2 kg of soil. Fossil wood has been found at one location in the park. This site at Little Hornady Lake will be revisited to attempt to locate the precise source of the wood, which is presently unknown. Glacial and non-glacial landforms will be described and photographed. Additionally, ice buried in the soil (which many scientists believe is fossil ice that has survived since the last glaciation) will be sampled using simple hand tools or a small hand-held drill.