Paleozoic rift history of western Laurentia as recorded in Yukon-NWT-Alaska
Principal Investigator: Cobbett, Rose (2)
Licence Number: 16574
Organization: Memorial University
Licensed Year(s): 2019
Issued: Jun 20, 2019
Project Team: Rose, Stephen Piercey, Maurice Colpron

Objective(s): To characterize volcanic rocks in order to better understand the environment that they were formed.

Project Description: The objective is to use geochemistry (composition of rocks) and geochronology (dating of rocks) to characterize volcanic rocks in order to better understand the environment that they were formed in and in turn learn about the tectonic history of western North America through Paleozoic time (~541 - 252 Million years). Results will be published in a series of Yukon Geological Survey publications, several peer-reviewed journal articles and a dissertation at the end of the project. Detailed geology maps will be constructed at each area of interest by observing bedrock exposures. These maps will help understand the environment of emplacement of volcanic rocks. Fist sized samples of volcanic rocks will be collected and analyzed to determine their mineral and trace-element compositions. Larger samples, up to 3-4 fists, of volcanic and sedimentary rocks will be collected to determine the absolute ages of rocks. Together these data will allow determination of source of magma and tectonic setting during emplacement of the igneous rocks and the depositional environment of associated sedimentary rocks. Results of this study can be integrated into the broad understanding of the geologic history of the Northwest Territories. Results will also be published through a series of Yukon Geological Survey articles which are available to the public free of charge. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from June 30, 2019 to August 11, 2019.