NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Tags: physical sciences, geology, bedrock

Objective(s): To examine sedimentary and volcanic rocks that were deposited on an old craton, in a basin that formed during the collision of two cratons.

Project Description: This project will examine sedimentary and volcanic rocks that were deposited on an old craton, in a basin that formed during the collision of two cratons. The research team aim to document which cratons were responsible for the basin’s formation and at what time they collided. The research team will spend 20 days in the field using mainly a boat and a helicopter to access areas of interest. The team will examine the rocks along shorelines and conduct foot traverses inland. The team will also require 3-4 days of helicopter support to access key areas and mineral occurrences not accessible by boat. Observations will be recorded and fist-size samples of rock will be collected for laboratory analyses. The samples are cut and sent to various laboratories to identify their mineralogy, geochemistry, and ages of crystallization, deposition and metamorphism. With the data, the team produce geological maps and cross-sections, and write reports that include our field observations and interpretations. All data collected are available to the public once compiled and released on the NTGS website. The project is being designed and managed by northern residents based in the community of Yellowknife. The senior crew members are Yellowknife residents. The students are currently enrolled in a university degree and were born and raised in Yellowknife. Training northern geology students is one of the top priorities. Groups with interests in the study area are kept informed on proposed field work, goals, and outcomes of the study. Groups with interests in the study area are kept informed on proposed field work, goals, and outcomes of the study. Information about this project is disseminated through the Aurora Research Institute science-license process. Visit to communities are organized upon request. Maps and reports are provided to interest groups, and are available without charge to the public from our Northwest Territories Geological Survey website. Presentations are given regularly at local meetings and conferences, and can be given to a specific group upon request. Geological Survey employees are always available to discuss ongoing geology work with anyone who is interested. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from August 27, 2018 to August 22, 2018.