NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Tags: physical sciences, geology, sedimentology, fossils, paleontology

Objective(s): To collect sediment samples that will provide ages of the sediment in the Beaufort Formation on Prince Patrick Island; and, to collect samples of fossil material (wood, plants, bone) to produce climate reconstructions for the Pliocene.

Project Description: Our main goals of this research project are: 1.) to collect sediment samples that will be used to provide ages of the sediment in the Beaufort Formation on Prince Patrick Island; and, 2.) to collect samples of fossil material (wood, plants, bone) that can be analyzed to produce climate reconstructions for the Pliocene. The research team will travel to approximately 5-6 site locations. The team are specifically looking for terraces that can be sampled for sedimentary units along the side. The research team will dig down until a clean section is obtained and will collect approximately 5 samples (2 kg each) of sand from regular intervals down those sections. If subfossil wood is found approximately 6 pieces from each site will be collected. Wood is sampled by wrapping the end of the stump in newspaper and duct tape. Once wrapped a saw will be used to slice off a small (5 cm wide) piece off the end. The remaining piece of wood will be left at the site. If fossil leaves are found the team will collect 4-5 individual leaves in film canisters and leave all other leaves at the site. If fossil bone material is found the team will carefully wrap the pieces and place it in a container for transport to the Canadian Museum of Nature. All fossil material will be archived at the Canadian Museum of Nature, upon the completion of our study. Copies of all academic reports, papers and/or student thesis generated using the samples collected will be provided to libraries and institutes in the Northwest Territories. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from August 1, 2016 to August 8, 2016.