Northern Mackenzie Corridor Project

This recently completed project is an integrated study covering a large area of the lower Mackenzie River Valley and adjoining areas. Physiographic provinces covered include the Peel Plain and Plateau, Anderson Plain, Colville Hills, Franklin Mountains, Mackenzie Plain, and Great Bear Plain (see map of extents). Data sets included in the study include HRAM magnetics data, regional gravity and magnetics, seismic structure maps, surface and subsurface geology maps, and topographic data. Extensive use of existing publications was made in order to develop the geologic models.

The study highlights the role of Proterozoic structures in the development of Phanerozoic sedimentation patterns and structural reactivation. Large-scale basement rift structures are evident in the potential field data, and correlate with structures observed in the seismic data. Reactivation of these rift structures during the Paleozoic led to development of arches and basins, controlling the distribution of carbonate platforms and clastic sequences in the area. Later reactivation, and inversion, of fault structures during the formation of the Franklin and Mackenzie Mountain belts led to the creation of many structural closures in the Phanerozoic strata. Faults identified using this integrated approach have been ranked according to the confidence rating assigned to the structure.

A list of project deliverables is available by clicking here. 

Example 1 – Structures associated with the Mackenzie Rift Basin.
Example 2 – Magnetic signature of outcropping carbonates in the Paleozoic sedimentary section.
Example 3 – Basement reactivation controlling Proterozoic stratigraghy and Phanerozoic structure.
Example 4 – Regional carbonate platform development above basement basins and arches.

 

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