Natural Resource Canada 2D High-Resolution Seismic Surveys at Mallik and Niglintgak
Principal Investigator: Bellefleur, Gilles (1)
Licence Number: 13942
Organization: Geological Survey of Canada
Licensed Year(s): 2006
Issued: Feb 17, 2006
Project Team: Brian Roberts (Scientist, Geologicla Survey of Canada), Michael Riedel (Scientist, Geological Survey of Canada), Tom Brent (Scientist, Geological Survey of Canada)

Project Description: The Mackenzie River Delta hosts several accumulations of gas hydrates, a possible energy resource present in the form of an ice-like crystalline solid composed of water molecules surrounding natural gas. The Niglintgak and Mallik sites have been the subjects of several research programs, some of which included successful drilling of gas hydrate layers between 900m and 1100m depths. This project is intended to further increase knowledge on the formation and distribution of gas hydrates within the geological framework, and is part of a Natural Resources Canada programme, “Gas hydrates – Fuel of the future?”. A total of six high-resolution 2D seismic reflection profiles on Niglintgak and Richards Islands will be acquired. Five of these profiles will be located at Mallik and one will be located near the Niglintgak anchor field for a total length of 23km of linear seismic data entirely located on Federal land. The main objective of the project is to study the structure of the geological formations down to a depth of 1km. In doing so, the researchers hope to assess the potential influence of the geology on the formation and distribution of gas hydrate layers found at these sites, and understand the nature of the permafrost layer above the gas hydrates. No camps will be set up on the Mallik or Niglintgak sites. Camp Farewell will be used as base camp, and the seismic crew and scientific staff will commute between the campe and Mallik and Niglintgak on a daily basis using an ice road that will be built between the two sites. The route will follow an existing channel (Harry Channel and Middle Channel) and will be built and maintained by the seismic contractor or sub-contractor working for the seismic contractor. Seismic data acquisition will take approximately twelve days (this includes a contingency of two days for bad weather) and will be done by a local seismic contractor. Two scientists from the Geological Survey of Canada will also participate in the data acquisition. One low-ground pressure track-mounted vibroseis truck will be used as a seismic source during the data acquisition. The vibroseis truck and all other equipment for seismic data acquisition (recording unit and pick-up trucks with seismic sensors and cables) will be brought to the research sites on the ice road. The study will be conducted from March 24 to April 15, 2006 at Mallik (69° 28’ 134° 40’) and Niglintgak (135° 22’ 69 ° 19’).