NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Sahtu Settlement Area

Tags: geology, hydrocarbon exploration

Objective(s): To improve the public understanding of bedrock geology of the Colville Hills region, including folding and faulting, stratigraphic relationships, tectonic history, and petroleum generation.

Project Description: The objective of this research is to improve the public understanding of bedrock geology of the Colville Hills region, including folding and faulting, stratigraphic relationships, tectonic history, and petroleum generation. This objective includes sharing geoscience information with all interested parties through the production of bedrock geology maps and reports on petroleum potential. This work will be an examination of bedrock outcrops within the Colville Hills study area. All work is done by small crews (2-3 people) working mainly on foot. Helicopters are used to set out crews, pick them up, and ferry them between outcrop sites. This work is mainly visual examination, description, measurement, and photography of outcrops. GPS units will locate the position of the outcrops on maps. Data resulting from the examination of outcrops will be used to plot maps and diagrams showing how rock units are distributed throughout the study area. Small rock samples are taken from some outcrops, using hammers and chisels. Most are fist-sized but some are the size of one or two loaves of bread. Samples are studied in the laboratory to help understand the ages of the rock units and what rock units might contain oil and gas underground. Information from this research will be of interest to Sahtu communities and organizations, and to others (e.g., people interested in the local environment, petroleum exploration companies, researchers, land-use planners), and can assist in encouraging socially and environmentally responsible resource development. This work may help local communities and organizations 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. When feasible, accommodation, meals, and transportation will be obtained from local suppliers. Provisions will be purchased from local stores where available. The project may be able to hire local residents or students to work with field parties as assistants or wildlife monitors for either of the planned summer field seasons (2015, 2016). This will provide an opportunity to share knowledge of the local geology and mapping techniques. Knowledge sharing could be enhanced with local school presentations. All reports and maps prepared by our research team will be made publicly available for free download on NRCan's GeoGratis website: http://geogratis.gc.ca. In addition, members of the research team plan to make presentations at the annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum. Relevant reports and maps can also be mailed to the communities if they'd like printed copies. Community presentations could be arranged in response to local interest. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 14, 2015 to August 12, 2015.