Challenges and Rewards of Fieldwork in Frontier Hydrocarbon Provinces – An Example from the Canadian High Arctic

Fieldwork in frontier hydrocarbon basins can generate detailed datasets in a relatively limited time frame. These data can be of great value to explorationists, where the alternative (a geophysical survey) is costly and can take years to bear fruit. In addition, in the field it is possible to examine the sub-seismic complexities of structural and stratigraphic relationships. Frontier fieldwork often involves travel to remote and isolated locations and requires a special type of field geologist to work in small, self-sufficient teams for prolonged periods of time, in what can be harsh conditions. Challenges range from the acquisition of the necessary permissions and licenses, to the charging of electronic equipment in the field, such as safety equipment (e.g. radio, satellite telephones) and digital data capture devices (e.g. Trimble). Field teams need to have good logistical support, be well-located with viable water sources and be in close proximity to the stratigraphic succession under investigation.

Digital data capture and the real-time visualisation of field data within a GIS framework has revolutionised the way we record and display data, but not the data collection methods. Experience has shown that it is the ability to charge and carry the digital devices that can be the limiting factors in remote environments.

CASP fieldwork in the Canadian Arctic has focused on the Late Paleozoic-Mesozoic succession of the Sverdrup Basin and the overlying Paleogene strata. The seven expeditions to date have involved multidisciplinary teams measuring stratigraphic sections and structural transects, sampling and the collection of a wide variety of data (e.g. lithological, palaeocurrent and structural data). These data build into the regional geological framework, laying the foundations for subsequent analytical programmes: integrated biostratigraphy (macropaleontology, micropaleontology and palynology), geochronology and sediment provenance analysis. These multidisciplinary studies ultimately help to constrain paleogeographic and plate tectonic models and therefore, provide vital geological context for those exploring for hydrocarbons in the Sverdrup and adjacent basins.