Quantifying the inboard transfer of deformation in the Northern Canadian Cordillera

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The long-term vision of the proposed research program is to understand the mechanisms that shape landscapes and advance knowledge of the interaction between processes in the earth and the atmosphere. Toward the achievement of this vision a set of research objectives are formulated and specific projects are designed that all center in the Northern Canadian Cordillera (NCC). The quantification of timing and spatial distribution of Cordilleran topography is relevant for our understanding of the evolution of climate patterns that affect the entirety of Canada. The NCC is an excellent natural laboratory to investigate these interacting tectonic-climate-landscape processes because of: 1) the long history of plate tectonic activities that resulted in the continental growth of western Canada, 2) the high northern latitude where climate variations have a stronger effect on surface processes by glacial erosion, and 3) the present-day seismicity that shows tectonic forces are transferred far into the continent. The short-term objectives of the research program aim to use a variety of dating and modeling techniques to identify the spatial variations of rock thermal histories across major geologic structures and tectonic units that are located between the Pacific Ocean and the Canadian Shield. The data will be integrated with other datasets on crustal deformation provided by geologic and geophysical observations and geomorphic analysis. The data acquired through the proposed activities will build the foundation for a deformation- and landscape-evolution model, which will ensure to achieve the long-term objective of the program. The scientific approach of the research program is designed to provide excellent opportunities for HQP training in a multi-disciplinary and diverse research environment that will include collaborations among research groups at the University of Calgary, scientists from government agencies and industry, and international collaborators. HQP training will include various field-, laboratory- and modeling skills, the responsible conduct of scientific research, and effective dissemination of research results. The expected significance of the proposed program lies in the improved understanding of the geologic processes that resulted in the current distribution of ore and mineral deposits, conventional and geothermal energy resources, and zones of seismic hazards in western Canada. The landscape evolution model will provide important boundary constrains for climate models of North America.