NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Sahtu Settlement Area, Dehcho Region

Tags: physical sciences, geology, glaciology, radiocarbon dating

Objective(s): To investigate the architecture of Pleistocene deltas on the Mackenzie River tributaries, search evidence of high-magnitude discharge events, and collect samples for absolute dating.

Project Description: The objective of this project is to investigate the architecture of Pleistocene deltas on the Mackenzie River tributaries, search evidence of high-magnitude discharge events, and collect samples for absolute dating. The research team will investigate the stratigraphic description of sedimentary sections in the river banks cutting through the Pleistocene deltas. Collection of samples are for radiocarbon dating (used on preserved organic material) and optically stimulated dating (used on sand). The research team will collect small samples at different levels (about 1 litre of sediment) that the team will process in the lab to identify plant fossils for potential radiocarbon dating. There will be no in situ testing or significant impact from this work. The samples will be collected with hand shovels and trowels in order to ensure contaminant free sampling of the materials. These radiocarbon dates will allow the research team to establish the timing and distribution of glacial lakes (lakes impounded by the Laurentide Ice Sheet to the east). This work builds on work last summer focused on collecting boulders for dating the retreat of the ice sheets. This research will lead to better knowledge about the natural history of the region at the time prior to and around the first human settlement in the area. Copies of all research resulting from this project will be supplied to the Aurora Research Institute and to communities as Aurora thinks appropriate. A public presentation could be arranged if there is interest from any of the concerned communities. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from August 30, 2017 to October 5, 2017.