NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Tags: physical sciences, water quality, diamond exploration, kimberlite

Objective(s): To study the potential source of kimberlite (diamond) indicator minerals, and to improve understanding of the geological history of Banks Island, and how this relates to off-shore geology and regional hydrocarbon systems.

Project Description: This research seeks to resolve the nature and potential source of kimberlite (diamond) indicator minerals, and to improve understanding of the geological history of Banks Island, and how this relates to off-shore geology and regional hydrocarbon systems. For the kimberlite (diamond) indicator mineral study, the research team will take up to 100 small (10-20 kg) samples of stream sediments and various surface glacial deposits using hand shovels and sieves in areas where Industry has previously identified kimberlite indicator minerals, and in other areas that are important to understanding their potential source and movement. These samples will then be shipped south to commercial labs for processing and analysis. Sampling of exposed sections (rock, sediment and ice) will also help to understand these different potential sources of diamond indicator minerals. The two former lakes (now submerged by the sea) off of Sachs Harbour that have previously been identified as having the production of gas will be revisited. Using the winter ice cover as a coring platform, the research team will drill holes in the center of each basin so that they can take measurements of water chemistry (temperature, conductivity, pH) and collect water samples from various depths for detailed chemical and gas analysis. The research team will also install a year-long monitoring system in each of the two basins - this involves lowering a rope with a weight attached to its bottom to the base of each basin (12 and 16 m deep) that has 10 small (20 cm long) sealed data loggers attached to it, suspended by a float (below the maximum depth of winter ice). These data loggers are able to record daily to hourly changes in water chemistry, and when retrieved in one year, will allow the research team to understand how coastal erosion and flooding of former lake basins creates the unusual conditions that exist in these basins today, including the production of gas bubbles. Other sites where gas bubbles have been reported in lakes on Banks Island will be visited, and if possible samples of the gas will be collected into small (200 ml) bottles for isotopic analysis - this should tell the team how the gas is being produced, and where it has been sourced from. Studies of the geological history will require study and measurement of exposed sections of rock, collection of small (fist-sized) samples for lab analysis including possible dating, and the identification of fossil plant (pollen) and other remains (foraminfera) to determine environments in which the rocks formed. The research team have begun consultation with the two closest communities, including a visit and consultation with Sachs Harbour. The research team plan to continue the engagement activities throughout the duration of this project and are hoping to make a return visit to the community of Sachs Harbour. Local wildlife monitors will help make the connection with the communities and their involvement in the research activities. Updates of each season's activities will be provided to the communities, and copies of all publications and presentations will be provided to them. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 1, 2016 to July 31, 2016.