Southern Mackenzie Surficial Mapping

Regions: Dehcho Region, North Slave Region, South Slave Region

Tags: physical sciences, geology, glaciology

Principal Investigator: Paulen, Roger C. (3)
Licence Number: 16482
Organization: Geological Survey of Canada
Licensed Year(s): 2019 2018 2017
Issued: Jan 25, 2019

Objective(s): To create a map of surface material distribution and thickness, how these materials were deposited by glaciers, and where the bedrock outcrops.

Project Description: Activities in the study are focused on making a map of the surface sediments. The map will help to understand surface material distribution and thickness, how these materials were deposited by glaciers, and where the bedrock outcrops. Soil samples will be collected across the study area. The mineralogical and geochemical analyses of these samples will help to understand where the materials were derived from and if there is any mineral potential in the underlying bedrock. The surficial team composed of approximatively 6 people will collect sediment samples and fist sized rock samples. Pick up and all terrain vehicles (ATVs) will be used by the crews and occasionally, helicopters will be used to access the outcrop sites. Samples will be studied in the laboratory to update information on the overall geological context and to produce the surficial geology maps, and better understand where the surface materials were derived from and if there is any mineral potential in the region. Data from these samples can also be used for existing infrastructure support and future land-use planning. Information from this research will be of interest to communities and organizations, and to others (e.g., people interested in the local environment, exploration companies, researchers, land-use planners), and can assist socially and environmentally responsible resource development. This work may help local communities and organizations to understand what areas are promising or not for minerals exploration. It will not necessarily lead to new exploration or economic development in the area but it can help communities understand their land’s resource potential and develop it wisely. An activity report is planned for publication within 3 months of fieldwork and provided to local communities in follow up on engagement commitments. Detailed results and data will later be published as publicly available maps, reports, and scientific journal papers. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from August 18, 2019 to August 27, 2019.