NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Tags: physical sciences, geochemistry, volcanic rocks, tectonic evolution, geochronology

Objective(s): 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).

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No.4696. 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. The results of this study will be published through a series of Yukon Geological Survey articles which are available to the public free of charge and through three or four peer-reviewed journals that will be published in geology-themed journals. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from May 7, 2021 to December 31, 2021.