Tags: physical sciences, geology, fossils, paleontology, stratigraphy
| Principal Investigator: | Pratt, Brian R. (7) |
| Licence Number: | 15145 |
| Organization: | University of Saskatchewan |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2012
2002
2000
1998
|
| Issued: | Aug 24, 2012 |
| Project Team: | Prof. Brian Pratt, Mr. Julien Kimmig, Mr. Christopher West |
Objective(s): To understand from the fossil composition, the ecology of the ancient sea floor as well as make accurate temporal correlation and comparison with other regions of North America and worldwide.
Project Description: The principal investigator has been working off and on for many years on the stratigraphy and paleontology of Cambrian strata of the Mackenzie Mountains. This is a critical region of North America because the record of sedimentation on the flank of the continent as it was over half a billion years ago is particularly extensive with little interruption. At the section of interest the lower part of the middle Cambrian consists of a mixed succession of shale’s and fine-grained limestone’s. The fossil composition will enable the research team to understand the ecology of the ancient sea floor at the time, as well as make accurate temporal correlation and comparison with other regions of North America and worldwide. Standard geological measuring up a mountainside using a meter stick making visual observations and collecting samples. Important horizons will be excavated somewhat more deeply by means of the geological hammer and pry bar. Laboratory study will include x-ray diffraction, optical petrography, back-scatter scanning electron microscopy, mechanical and chemical fossil preparation, and synchrotron x-ray fluorescence. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from August 24, 2012 to August 31, 2012.
