NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Tags: physical sciences, geology, natural resources, rock

Objective(s): To increase the geoscience knowledge of the NWT, particularly around Norman Wells and Tulita, and in the surrounding mountains; to provide public geoscience information to all stakeholders through the production of bedrock geology maps and related reports on petroleum potential, and to encourage new and more effective exploration for oil and gas that will lead to socially and environmentally responsible resource development.

Project Description: The goals of this research project are to increase the geoscience knowledge of the NWT, particularly around Norman Wells and Tulita, and in the surrounding mountains, to provide public geoscience information to all stakeholders through the production of bedrock geology maps and related reports on petroleum potential, and to encourage new and more effective exploration for oil and gas that will lead to socially and environmentally responsible resource development. All field work is done by small crews working mainly on foot. Helicopters will set out crews, pick them up, and ferry them between rock outcrops. The work will consist of examination, description, measurement, and photography of outcrops. Rock samples (most the size of a fist, less commonly the size of 1-2 loaves of bread) will be taken from some outcrops. Sampling is done with hammers and chisels. Samples will be studied to learn the ages of rock units and what rock units might be important for oil & gas exploration. Data will be used to learn how rock units extend across the study area. Information from these studies will be of interest to various stakeholders (e.g., people interested in the local environment, petroleum exploration companies, researchers, land-use planners), and can assist in making informed land-use decisions. This work may help stakeholders, including local communities, to understand what areas are promising or not for oil and gas exploration. It will not necessarily lead to new exploration or economic development in the area but it can help communities understand their land’s resource potential and develop it wisely. Copies of maps and reports arising from this research will be available for free download at the Natural Resources Canada “Geopub” website at http://geopub.nrcan.gc.ca/index_e.php, or through the Northwest Territories Geoscience Office at http://www.nwtgeoscience.ca/services/gateway_help.html. GSC reports and maps also can be provided directly to local communities. Following each field season, a plain-language summary of the season's work will be provided to local communities. Visits to interested communities to present the progress of the research to schools and/or community groups can be arranged. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 17, 2012 to July 30, 2012.