Sedimentology of glaciated basins

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Deciphering the sedimentary record left by ice ages is economically important to Canada. Industry needs interdisciplinary geoscience professionals trained in glacial sedimentology because large areas of the country are covered by glacial debris left by recent ice ages. These complex deposits host significant groundwater aquifers; their scientific study using computer models can predict the impact of climate change and urban development on water resources and assists planning for future generations. The application of new chemical techniques, involving geochemical 'finger printing' of organic matter in glacial deposits is a key opportunity to simplify the stratigraphic complexities of thick glacial sediment covers for hydrogeologists; information also needed by mineral exploration geologists working across the Canadian Shield. Ancient Late Paleozoic glacial rocks (350 to 250 million years old) contain oil and gas in basins scattered by plate tectonics across a wide area of SE Asia. Their study yields fundamental paleoenvironmental data regarding the tectonic and climatic evolution of SE Asia and the type of rocks that hydrocarbons are found in. Older Neoproterozoic glaciated basins (c.750 to 580 million years old) suggest catastrophic cooling of the planet where thick ice covered the tropics, biologic activity and normal sedimentary processes ceased, and oceans were iced-over ('Snowball Earth'). This bold model challenges us to re examine these rocks and identify the extent of floating ice on climate and changes in sea level that record the growth and decay of ice sheets.