Tags: physical sciences, geology, rock, acasta gneiss, isotopes
| Principal Investigator: | Belosevic, Mike (2) |
| Licence Number: | 15711 |
| Organization: | University of Alberta, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2016
2015
|
| Issued: | Jul 14, 2015 |
| Project Team: | Dr. Larry Heaman, Dr. Graham Pearson |
Objective(s): To collect samples from the expanded Acasta Gneiss Complex (AGC) study area; to perform field mapping and general exploration of the expanded study area; and to perform age dating and isotopic analysis of the collected samples along with whole-rock geochemistry to compare data with those in the extensively studied AGC body adjacent to the Acasta River.
Project Description: This study is designed to encompass the following goals: 1) Collect samples from the expanded Acasta Gneiss Complex (AGC) study area; 2) Perform field mapping and general exploration of the expanded study area; 3) Perform age dating and isotopic analysis of the collected samples along with whole-rock geochemistry to compare data with those in the extensively studied AGC body adjacent to the Acasta River. The initial stages of the study will make use of various field geology techniques. Using air photos and previously completed geological maps to guide the research team, the study area will be examined compiling field relationships between rock units and complete higher resolution maps of the area. A number of geological samples will be taken from select units, which will be analyzed in our labs at the University of Alberta. The samples will be analyzed using a combination of scientific equipment such as the Ion Microprobe, the Inductively coupled mass spectrometer, and the Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer. This equipment is used to analyze isotopic compositions of the samples. The compiled data will be used to determine absolute ages of the samples along with valuable geochemical data that can be used to examine early continental crust development. Copies of the publications resulting from the Master’s Thesis/Study will be submitted to the Northwest Territories Geoscience Office (NTGO). The results from this study may also be presented at the Northwest Territories Geoscience Forum. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 13, 2015 to August 20, 2015.
