Glacial Erosion of Bedrock and Ice Flow History in the Kivalliq Region, Nunavut, Canada

Authors: Isabelle McMartin and Penny J. Henderson, Geological Survey of Canada

Introduction

As part of the Western Churchill NATMAP Program, regional mapping of ice-flow indicators on bedrock has been completed in the Kivalliq Region, Nunavut, by the Geological Survey of Canada. The work was initiated to provide ice flow indicator maps (8 sheets, 1:250 000), based on systematic mapping of glacial striations and other ice-inscribed small-scale features on outcrops. The interpreted ice flow maps are being compiled and will be released as paper and digital products. The work contributes to (1) improve our understanding of the glacial history in an area of complex ice flow and thick drift, (2) modeling the inception, growth and disintegration of the Keewatin Sector of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, and (3) mineral exploration through modeling glacial dispersal.