Regions: North Slave Region
Tags: physical sciences, geology, diamond exploration, seismic survey
| Principal Investigator: | Snyder, David B (11) |
| Licence Number: | 14208 |
| Organization: | Natural Resources Canada |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2007
2003
2000
1999
|
| Issued: | Jul 25, 2007 |
| Project Team: | Valerie Jackson (researcher, Northwest Territories Geoscience Office), Isa Asudeh (researcher, Natural Resources Canada) |
Objective(s): The objective of this ongoing study is to investigate the structure and composition of the Earth's crust and mantle to depths of 0-300 km from sites in the Lac de Gras region. The researchers seek methods to characterize diamond reservoirs in order to make diamond exploration more efficient and low impact.
Project Description: The objective of this ongoing study is to investigate the structure and composition of the Earth's crust and mantle to depths of 0-300 km from sites in the Lac de Gras region. The researchers seek methods to characterize diamond reservoirs in order to make diamond exploration more efficient and low impact. This research will lead 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. Recordings of the arrival of earthquake waves provide the highest resolution and lowest impact way of imaging structures deep in the Earth. In past years, a total of 22 remote seismic stations were installed. Equipment was moved to each site by helicopter from staging areas at Ekati and Snap Lake mine sites. Each station consists of a sensor buried <1 m in gravel, a satellite dish, solar panels and battery/electronics boxes. Seismic waves from earthquakes around the globe are recorded by the sensor and transmitted to the University of Western Ontario using the satellite telemetry link (same as TV signals). During summer, 2007, one station will be added and others removed and holes filled. Communication of results from this study will be delivered via presentations at the Yellowknife Geoscience Forum and papers publication in relevant journals. NT Geoscience Office staff will take the lead in communicating the results of the study. Fieldwork will be conducted from July 25 to September 30, 2007 at Castor Lake (64.42873 N, 116.01890 W); Gameti airport (64.11672N, 117.31425 W); ILKN (64.224N, 115.129W), and an unnamed place at 64deg 17'N, 118deg 17'W.
