Energy, Mines, and Resources

Geology in the Yukon

Yukon Geological Survey

The Yukon Geological Survey (YGS) which was established in April 2003 has the primary responsibility for geoscience work in the territory. YGS collects, compiles and communicates information on the geology and earth resources of Yukon. Clients include industry, the general public, federal and territorial government departments, first nation governments and land use planning commissions.

Geology Initiatives

 

North Yukon

The Yukon Government and the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) cooperated on two high-resolution aeromagnetic surveys in the Peel Plateau, Bonnet Plume Basin and Eagle Plain areas. More than 62,000 line-km were flown at 800-metre spacing. Visit http://gdcinfo.agg.nrcan.gc.ca for more information.

Southeast Yukon

The GSC-led Central Foreland NATMAP project in southeast Yukon, southwest N.W.T. and northeast B.C. involved geological mapping and detailed thematic studies (stratigraphy and biostratigraphy, petroleum source-rock potential and mineral deposit studies) carried out in collaboration with the British Columbia Geological Survey, YGS, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), the Government of the Northwest Territories, and 12 universities. Field work concluded in 2002; publication of research is ongoing. For more information, go to http://nrcan.gc.ca/gsc/calgary/natmap/cf/index_e.html.

Eagle Plain

The GSC (Dr. L.S. Lane), with financial support from the Yukon Government, is reviewing and integrating surface bedrock geology with subsurface seismic lines and well data for Eagle Plain. Stratigraphy and structure are being compiled as major parts of this project. The report will consist of bedrock geology maps and selected geology vertical cross and long sections with accompanying report.

Peel Plateau

A collaborative study with partners from the N.W.T. Geoscience Office (NTGO), GSC, YGS, industry representatives and university affiliates, called Regional Geoscience Studies and Petroleum Potential, Peel Plateau and Plain, Northwest Territories and Yukon, is currently underway in the Peel Region. Research for this project includes thematic studies of stratigraphy and sedimentology, geochemistry and petroleum systems, geophysics, outreach and petroleum resource assessment. Field work commenced in 2006 and will continue in 2007. The study is expected to conclude in 2009 with various publications being released over the lifespan of the project, including open files and reports. For more information, go to www.nwtgeoscience.ca/petroleum/PeelPlateau.html.

Whitehorse Trough

The GSC and YGS are also in the process of updating the resource assessment for the Whitehorse Trough. It includes a 170-kilometre-long seismic survey across the northern end of the Trough, regional bedrock mapping and thematic studies (including stratigraphy, sedimentology, structure, maturation and petroleum source rock potential).

Other

The Yukon Government is partnering in two other important GSC initiatives. The first is the Northern Basins Initiative which involves the compilation and geo-referencing of geoscience in the Yukon, N.W.T. and Nunavut. This database will eventually be available on the Internet. The second major project, Mackenzie Corridor: Access to Northern Resources, will provide multi-thematic geoscience and petroleum potential maps. This project also involves the critical component of community outreach, helping northerners access the information they need to deal with development issues.

Contact Information

  • For more information, or to submit comments and suggestions on this section, contact:
    Yukon Geological Survey
    Phone: 867.667.8508 or toll free: 1.800.661.0408 ext. 8508
  • For Yukon geological maps, reports and databases, please contact:
    Geoscience Information and Sales
    c/o Whitehorse Mining Recorder
    Phone: 867.667.5200 Fax: 867.667.5150
  • For access to Yukon well cores and related data at the Geological Survey of Canada (Calgary), please contact:
    Richard Fontaine - Head, Core and Sample Library Geological Survey of Canada (Calgary)
    Phone: 403.292.7057 Fax: 403.292.5377
  • For Yukon geoscience publications at the Geological Survey of Canada (Calgary) Bookstore, please contact:
    Suzanne Twelker – A/Head, Publications, Sales and Promotions Geological Survey of Canada (Calgary)
    Phone: 403.292.7030 Fax: 403.299.3542

Northern Investment Opportunity Table of Contents