NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: physical sciences, hydrology, environmental change, geography, rock chemistry

Objective(s): To better understand the physical, chemical, and biological controls of the Rapid Creek Formation by collecting and analyzing samples (through fieldwork) and developing a new sequence stratigraphic framework for the purpose of uncovering its potential and enabling the identification of similar deposits more readily elsewhere.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No.5577. The objective of this project is to better understand the physical, chemical, and biological controls of the Rapid Creek Formation by collecting and analyzing samples (through fieldwork) and developing a new sequence stratigraphic framework for the purpose of uncovering its potential and enabling the identification of similar deposits more readily elsewhere. The proposed research aims to determine the origin of the Rapid Creek Formation by investigating the physical and chemical environments using a combination of geological and geochemical tools. Geological methods include descriptions and measurements of proportions of different rock samples collected during fieldwork and assembling these to determine a sedimentary model. Geochemical methods will determine the chemical composition of the rocks and associated minerals through a commercial laboratory analyses of the collected rock samples. Consultation is on-going. Letters have been sent the Inuvialuit Land Administration (ILA), Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC), Aklavik Community Corporation (ACC), and Aklavik Hunters’ and Trappers’ Committee (AHTC). Meetings with the aforementioned groups initial community engagement visit to Aklavik happened at the end of February, 2023 to get feedback on the proposed fieldwork and research. The principal investigator presented notional ideas about the proposed research and sought guidance and recommendations from the community and representatives. An Aklavik-based Inuvialuit wildlife monitor and student field assistant were recommended and will be hired. These individuals will accompany us for the duration of the field program and will help us communicate the research back to the communities. Shortly after completing the field season, the above-mentioned groups will be provided with an outline of what research activities were completed, and details of the samples collected. A follow-up engagement visit with the communities will occur in the January-March 2024 period, providing them with an account of activities-to-date and results. Hard copies and electronic copies of all presentations and publications stemming from this research will be provided to the ILA, IRC, ACC, and AHTC. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 12, 2023 to July 20, 2023.