NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: South Slave Region

Tags: physical sciences, geological mapping, sediment, bedrock, tectonic history

Objective(s): To conduct targeted bedrock mapping and supporting analytical work to improve our understanding of the tectonic framework of the East Arm basin.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No.5175. The main research objective of this project is to conduct targeted bedrock mapping and supporting analytical work to improve our understanding of the tectonic framework of the East Arm basin. The research team aims to document the timing of crystallization and metamorphism of the basement rocks onto which the East Arm basin sediments were deposited and to characterize the structural evolution of the uppermost strata in the East Arm basin. The goal is to provide an improved understanding of the tectonic history of the basin and the surrounding basement rocks. The research team will spend a total of 8 weeks in the field in four different camps. Floatplanes will be used for camp moves and inflatable zodiac boats will be used to access areas of interest from camp. For three days, the research team will have a helicopter in the camp that will allow the team to work at sites that cannot be reached in one workday by boat and walking. The team will examine rocks along shorelines and conduct foot traverses inland. Observations (e.g., rock lithology, structural measurement, alteration type) will be recorded in handheld devices and fist-size samples of rock will be collected for laboratory analyses. The samples are cut in the Northwest Territories Geological Survey (NTGS) warehouse and sent to various laboratories in Canada to identify their mineralogy, geochemistry, as well as ages of crystallization, deposition, and metamorphism. With the data, the team will produce geological maps and cross-sections and write reports that include field observations and interpretations. All data are available to the public once compiles and released on the NTGS website. Groups with interests in the study 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. Visits to communities are organized upon request. Geological maps, cross-sections and reports will be produced from the data collected in the field and will be available to the public once released on the NTGS website. Presentations are given regularly at local meetings and conferences, and can be given to a specific group upon request. Northwest Territories 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 June 13, 2022 to August 06, 2022