This report, based on the field work carried out in 1976, presents surface and subsurface data and interpretations for the thick Mesozoic rock succession of the Lougheed Island area and describes their stratigraphy in relation to the succession at King Christian Island and Sabine Peninsula.
Fourteen chapters discuss regional stratigraphy by time intervals from Precambrian to Quaternary, while other chapters describe the geography, geomorphology, tectonics, geophysical characteristics, and resources of the region. A summary chapter includes geologic maps, structural cross-sections, a geotectonic correlation chart, a gravity map, and a location map for exploration wells in the Arctic Islands and northern Greenland. A wealth of additional information is contained on the nine accompanying plates.
Since the search for hydrocarbon resources in the Arctic started in the 1930's the exploration activity has expanded into many of the Arctic regions, and several of the Arctic sedimentary basins have proven to be important sources of hydrocarbon. Nevertheless, the Arctic continental margins and adjacent onshore areas are still largely unexplored in the context of petroleum, and are therefore considered to be one of the few regions in the world where significant undiscovered sources of hydrocarbon may exist. The aim of the book is to give an updated overview of the geology of the Arctic sedimentary basins and their petroleum potential. Although the different basins vary significantly as regards sedimentary fill and tectonic evolution, many of the basins share some of the characteristics needed to become prolific oil and gas provinces. The book contains 45 extensively illustrated articles. It starts with papers on the Mesozoic source rocks, and oceanic natural gas clatrates in the Arctic, respectively. Then follow articles on the regional and petroleum geology of the main regions; Greenland, North American Arctic, Soviet Arctic and the Barents Sea. Particular emphasis is placed on the Barents Sea. The two last chapters comprise articles on salt dynamics and methods. The book closes with a paper on international law in the Arctic. This volume will be of interest to both students and professional earth scientists/petroleum explorationists working in the northern latitudes. It will allow the readers to stay abreast of the development in this climatic region of the world.
The primary role of the Survey, founded in 1842, continues to be to provide an overview of all facets of Canadian geology as a basis for national policy, for planning by government and industry, and for public information. This volume contains summary reports of research on the Canadian Shield, one of four regional study areas of the Survey.
