NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Gwich'in Settlement Area, Sahtu Settlement Area

Tags: physical sciences, geology, permafrost, geophysics

Objective(s): This study will test whether the shallow geophysics techniques of Ground Penetrating Radar and Ohm Mapper Resistivity Logging, in combination with seismic shothole drillersÆ logs, can be used to resolve the nature and extent of the surficial geology cover and permafrost characteristics in two areas of recent seismic exploration.

Project Description: This licence was issued for the scientific research application No. 935. This study will test whether the shallow geophysics techniques of Ground Penetrating Radar and Ohm Mapper Resistivity Logging, in combination with seismic shothole drillers’ logs, can be used to resolve the nature and extent of the surficial geology cover and permafrost characteristics in two areas of recent seismic exploration. This study will involve three people, using two skidoos to tow an array of geophysical sensors across the snow cover along recent seismic cutlines. No new disturbances will be created; indeed it is critical that this work take place in the winter within three years of a seismic line being cut, in order to avoid damage to the towed sensors by vegetation regrowth. The geophysical sensors being employed here (Ground Penetrating Radar, and Inductively-Coupled Resistivity Logging (Ohm Mapper)) use simple radio-waves and electrical impulses that are transmitted through the snow cover and into the ground and then reflected back to receivers towed in the same equipment array. Access to the field areas will be by ski-equipped Twin Otter and ski-doo. Data collection in the field is entirely digital and will be stored on computers. The study being proposed is a new test of methodologies. If it can be shown to work, than future research activities could include training of personnel from organizations such as the Sahtu GIS office, wherein, the techniques could be utilized by Aboriginal groups as part of regional infrastructure and natural resource development assessments. Interim (April) and summary field reports (December) will be issued to the surrounding communities of Fort Good Hope, Colville Lake and Tsiigehtchic. They will also be provided with copies of all conference poster presentations and abstracts throughout the life of this project. Print and/or digital copies of data or results presented in any Geological Survey of Canada publication from this project will be provided to these communities, and are otherwise freely downloadable to any other interested party. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted in the Little Chicago and Lac Deb Bois field areas from 1-Mar-2009 to 18-Mar-2009.