Integrated Geoscience Studies of the Mackenzie Delta and Nearby Coastal Environments
Principal Investigator: Wright, Fred J (3)
Licence Number: 13573
Organization: Geological Survey of Canada
Licensed Year(s): 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2004
Issued: Mar 16, 2004
Project Team: Mark Nixon

Objective(s): The area of study is adjacent to proposed oil and gas production areas, and areas of active exploration, and straddles proposed pipeline routes across Richards Island. The region exhibits an exceptional degree of spatial and temporal variability with respect to i) local permafrost conditions and associated geotechnical properties of earth materials, ii) the frequency and duration of active geomorphic processes, and iii) the vulnerability of terrain to surface disturbance. This pilot study will address identified gaps in knowledge critical for assessing the impacts of regional oil and gas development in the vicinity of the Mackenzie Delta and Richards Island, with respect to exploration and drilling activities, well-head and production facilities, and the routing of proposed feeder lines and major transmission pipelines. As part of an integrated, multidisciplinary approach, scientists from Geological Survey of Canada will characterize the influence of stream channels and lakes on the local geothermal regime, and assess onshore terrain stability as conditioned by the geotechnical and geothermal properties of permafrost affected sediments.