Project Objectives

The field-based studies outlined here were undertaken to upgrade existing government bedrock and surficial geology maps, to allow integration of the geology of this part of the Slave Province with the entire craton, to examine the geophysical and geochemical characteristics of this part of the Slave crust and mantle, and to evaluate the possible relationship between these characteristics and the presence of diamondiferous kimberlites.

The project consisted of 5 integrated components:

• a bedrock geology component, which included stratigraphic and structural analysis, geochronology, and igneous and metamorphic petrology;
• a surficial geology component, designed to provide a basic framework from which to interpret till sample data;
• a regional isotopic study of late Archean granitoids to determine the nature of the lower crust in the southeastern part of the Slave craton;
• a teleseismic survey to image upper mantle reflectors below the southeastern part of the craton; and
• magnetotelluric experiments designed to delineate the extent of a lithospheric mantle conductor.