Ice-flow studies in Boothia mainland (NTS 57A and 57B), Kitikmeot region, Nunavut

Mapping surficial macroforms and glacial striations in the Boothia Mainland area of central Nunavut has unveiled a complex, four phase ice flow history. From oldest to youngest, the ice flow history consists of: Phase 1 to the north, Phase 2 to the northeast, Phase 3 to the east, and Phase 4 to the north. Glacial transport studies established by petrographic counts of erratics indicate that all four phases had an influence on dispersal trails from up-ice bedrock sources. Erratics of Paleoproterozoic orthoquartzite were particularly useful to illustrate a palimpsest-shaped dispersion train, wherein orthoquartzite eratics were carried more than 175 km from source. These dispersal train studies are vital for mineral exploration programs utilizing kimberlite indicator minerals, kimberlite debris, or till geochemistry in this region.