NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Tags: physical sciences, geology, sedimentary rocks

Objective(s): To examine sedimentary rocks in the area of interest in order to develop an understanding of the geological processes that formed the area.

Project Description: The goal is to examine sedimentary rocks in the area of interest in order to develop an understanding of the geological processes that formed the area. The research team hope to acquire a better understanding of the events hundreds of millions of years ago that laid down the sediments, lithified them, uplifted and deformed them. Of particular interest are the processes of sedimentation across the ancient zone where a marine shelf of carbonate reefs deepened into a marine basin, from Cambrian to Devonian time (520 to 380 million years ago). Project geologist and one student will drive from Yellowknife, leaving the truck at the Macmillan Pass airstrip or thereabouts. The team will use a helicopter to move with a small amount of gear to the first camp location. For 4-7 days the team will walk out of that camp to take detailed measurements of a nearby section of rock, from Cambrian to Devonian in age. Then the helicopter will come back and move the team to camp 2, where the same type of work will be done. If there is time, the team will move to a third camp. The final move will be back to Mac Pass to start the drive home. A number of small (fist-size) pieces of rock will be taken from each section to determine their chemical composition, and to make thin slices that can be examined under a microscope. Project is designed and managed by northern residents (Yellowknifers). Maps and reports will be published by Northwest Territories Geological Survey (NTGS). All NTGS publications are downloadable free of charge from the website. Information is also disseminated through the Aurora Research Institute research-license process. Presentations will be made at the annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum, and can be given to specific groups on request. Visits to interested communities can be organized if requested. NTGS project geologists are happy to answer questions in the office, over the phone, and via email. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 10, 2018 to July 20, 2018.