Western Imperial Formation

Regions: Sahtu Settlement Area

Tags: physical sciences, geology, fossils, paleontology, petrology, rock

Principal Investigator: Rose, Rachael (1)
Licence Number: 14951
Organization: University of Calgary
Licensed Year(s): 2011
Issued: Jul 22, 2011
Project Team: Rachael Rose (Graduate Student, University of Calgary), Steve Hubbard (Supervisor, University of Calgary), Thomas Hadlari (Co-supervisor, Geological Survey of Canada), Thomas Proks (Assistant, Geological Survey of Canada), Kaitlyn Breker (Assistant, Geological Survey of Canada)

Objective(s): To record the succession of rocks that are seen at these locations and collect some samples for further analysis.

Project Description: The objective of this study is to record the succession of rocks and collect some samples for further analysis. The researchers would take pictures of the rocks at the locations in order to support the interpretations made. From these observations, interpretations on the Devonian environment can be made. Rock succession and features within the rocks will be recorded in a notebook and the corresponding pictures will be written down in the notebook as well. Samples will be taken on occasion using a rock hammer or picking rocks up off the ground that have fallen from their original place. No power tools will be used. Most samples will be no larger than hand-sized and will be used for chemical analysis and age dating, in the lab in Calgary, and trace fossil analysis. Trace fossil analysis is looking at what remains of activities of organisms, such as people leaving a footprint in the sand and it being preserved as the remnants of people walking. Samples collected will be taken back to Norman Wells. Helicopters will be used for our fieldwork. The wildlife monitors will have the opportunity to learn about the rocks around the area. Results will be communicated through sending reports to any interested organizations, completing a Current Research Article through the Geological Survey of Canada (which is publicly available), and presenting findings at the Yellowknife Geoscience convention. Any organizations interested in copies of the thesis may contact the researchers for a copy. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 27, 2011 to August 15, 2011.