NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: South Slave Region

Tags: physical sciences, rock chemistry, tectonics, heat

Objective(s): To determine the largest possible contribution of mantle-derived heat sources, establish a modern structural and tectono-metamorphic framework, and evaluate evidence for mantle-derived heat input.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No.5403. This research will be guided by three objectives: 1) determine the largest possible contribution of mantle-derived heat sources; 2) establish a modern structural and tectono-metamorphic framework; and 3) evaluate evidence for mantle-derived heat input. Studies will involve field observations and targeted small-volume rock sampling followed by collection of micro-analytical chemical, isotopic, age and structural data. Methods will include whole rock geochemistry, petrologic modelling and detailed pressure-temperature-time-deformation path construction, in situ age and trace-element analyses (U-Pb zircon, monazite, titanite, rutile; Lu-Hf garnet; Ar-Ar & Rb-Sr mica), and kinematic and rheologic analyses of shear zones. Mantle isotopic signatures and associated heat contributions will also be directly tested through age and trace-element data (zircon, garnet, rutile) and by using isotopic data (zircon Hf) from currently unstudied mafic xenoliths within Taltson plutons. Prior to each field season (2-4 weeks of work in the summer) the principal investigator will reach out to NWT stakeholders and organization to inform them of the exact locations and intentions. Every November, the research group will travel to the Yellowknife Geoscience Forum, where the group will communicate the results and activities in plain language to the public. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from April 28, 2023 to August 16, 2023.