Ground ice conditions near Rea Point and on Sabine Peninsula, eastern Melville Island

Abstract

Using data obtained in the winter of 1981–1982 from trench excavations in the vicinity of Rea Point, volumetric ice contents with depth have been calculated for Paleozoic age (Weatherall, Griper Bay, and Hecla Bay formations) and Quaternary age (alluvium and deltaic sands) sediments. In addition, borehole data from Sabine Peninsula and observations from the Panarctic Sherard Bay exploratory wellsite sump in the late winter of 1982–1983 enable similar values to be calculated for Mesozoic age (Christopher Formation) sediments. Although these data are believed typical of large areas of eastern Melville Island, they are only first estimates, since considerable site-specific variability may be present. Shale of the Christopher Formation possesses the highest ice content, typically between 30 and 70% by volume throughout the profile. Weatherall and Griper Bay siltstones and sandstones also contain locally significant ice contents (50–70%) at depths of 0.5–1.5 m. Pore and segregated ice are the dominant ice types. Ice-wedge ice is a relatively insignificant component of total ice content in any of the sediments examined.