Project Title: Geological Study of the Queen Maud Block, Nunavut
Researcher’s Name and Affiliation: Dr. Thomas Chacko
Dept. Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
University of Alberta - Edmonton, Alberta
Timeframe: Fieldwork: 3 days sometime in late July or early August, 2010
Lab work–U. Alberta: Sept. 2010 -Dec. 2011
Project Location: Kitikmeot Region, Nunavut
Project Description
We propose to examine the bedrock geology of the Queen Maud block, a large
but little studied block of continental crust in the northwestern part of the Canadian
Shield. Through a combination of field observations on individual rock outcrops and
detailed laboratory work on samples collected in the fieldwork, we will attempt to
decipher the geological history of this crustal block. Specifically, we will: 1) determine
the mineralogy and chemical composition of the collected rock samples and 2) determine
their age using isotopic techniques. The ultimate objective of the project is to develop a
comprehensive model for the geological evolution of the western Canadian Shield.
The proposed fieldwork involves making a 3-day, helicopter-supported, transect
along the south coast of the Queen Maud Gulf (between N67°47.726’, W98°39.780’ and
N67°54.493’, W102°57.383’). The study will focus on rock outcrops immediately on the
Queen Maud coast as these provide the best lichen-free rock exposures. We will be based
in Cambridge Bay during the fieldwork and travel each day from Cambridge Bay to the
transect area. The fieldwork, which will be conducted by my student, Daniel Tersmette,
and myself, will involve being set-down at individual rock outcroppings along the coast,
where we will document the geology and collect rock samples. A total of 18-21 rock
outcroppings will be investigated across the ~ 190 km transect area during the three days
of fieldwork. We will collect a total of 50 to 60, 1 to 10 kilogram rock samples during
the fieldwork. This will be done using only a geological rock hammer and thus there will
be no permanent environmental impact to the field sites. Laboratory data on the collected
samples will be acquired by Mr. Tersmette as part of his Master of Science thesis
research at the University of Alberta. Both the thesis and any resulting scientific journal
publications arising from this research will be made available to the Canada-Nunavut
Geoscience Office and any other community or regional organizations requesting this
information.