Base de données de recherche des TNO

étiquettes: physical sciences, geology, sediment transport, mineralogy, mineral deposit, glacial history

Objectif(s): To improve understanding of transportation and deposition of heavy minerals in surficial materials.

Description du projet: The objective of this study is to improve understanding of transportation and deposition of heavy minerals in surficial materials (till and esker systems). The study area is approximately 60 x 100 km, is located east of Thaydene Nene National Park, and adjacent to the Quaternary ice divide. Work on the ground, over a 2 week period, will involve sample collection of surficial materials in order to understand and delineate the heavy mineral dispersal patterns. Sampling will involve acquiring surficial material from approximately 100 shallow pits typically associated with mud boils and esker ridges. The pits will be dug using a hand shovel. All pits will be filled in and leveled after sample collection with little to no impact on the surface terrain. The diamond mines of Canada were discovered through heavy mineral prospecting methods. Improving the understanding of how these minerals are concentrated and transported by glacial systems is the key to successful mineral exploration. This research project will provide new insight into the transport of heavy minerals in an area bounded to the west by the potential Thaydene Nene National park and to the east by the Thelon River. Results will be communicated through a series of science posters and publication through the Geological Survey of Canada Open File system. These reports will also be sent to the community of Lútse`lk'é. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 15, 2012 to July 27, 2012.