Project title: Geothermal Resource Potential of Resolute BayApplicant: Stephen Grasby, Research Scientist, Geological Survey of CanadaBackground, research questions and objectivesGeothermal resources could provide significant benefit to northern communities. For instance, some have estimated that geothermal heating in greenhouses at Resolute Bay can yield fresh produce with an average cost that is 50% lower than having to ship them to the community, supporting food security and nutrition. In 2018 Qulliq Energy conducted a prefeasibility study of geothermal energy in Nunavut, results of which highlighted the community of Resolute Bay, on Cornwallis Island, as one of three areas of interest worthy of further investigation. Following the initial study, Qulliq Energy contracted geophysical surveys by University of Alberta (magnetotelluric/ gravity) around the town of Resolute Bay in 2022/23 to identify potential subsurface reservoirs. Interpretation of these geophysical results requires geoscience knowledge on physical/geochemical properties of rock units in the subsurface. The community of Resolute Bay is underlain by over 4 km of sedimentary rocks. Previous work suggests that a rock units known as the Eleanor Bay Formation, > 3 km deep, could potentially form a geothermal reservoir. Knowledge of the rock properties is limited, however, and there are only two old petroleum wells drilled on the island with subsurface data. To understand the reservoir rocks that currently lie >3 km depth below Resolute Bay, we can examine them where they are exposed, in a geological feature known as the Central Dome, in the centre of Cornwallis Island. Rocks of the Eleanor Bay Formation are well exposed along river channels in the Central Dome but remain poorly described. A second location is a site at Lyall River on Devon Island. To assess the total potential energy production from a rock unit, several physical properties are required to develop models for both heat conduction (heat transfer to the fluid) as well as hydrogeologic (water movement through the rock mass). Basic examination of the rock outcrops are required to understand lateral and vertical heterogeneities of these properties. Equally important is characterisation of rocks that form seals above the reservoir, which limit upward movement of reinjected fluids (i.e. leakage to surface). All of these properties are currently unknown for the units of interest. Study of the two research sites would allow characterisation of both the rock units that could form productive reservoirs of geothermal fluids in the subsurface, as well as cap rocks that would form seals.Where, when, and how long is the field researchWe wish to conduct focused field work by establishing small 6 person tent camps for the first 2 weeks in July, 2025, including a wildlife monitor hired from Resolute Bay. Small individual tents will be used, one per person, plus an additional cooking/eating tent. All materials and food will be brought in and removed at the end. No fuel caches are required. The field team will have appropriate safety training including wildlife awareness. All efforts will be made to minimize wildlife encounters.Methods Access to the field site will be by helicopter from Resolute Bay and then by foot while on site. Measurements will be made by handheld devices and small hand size rock samples will also be collected for detailed study in laboratories. These will be curated and stored at the Geological Survey of Canada in Calgary. No more than 100 kg of rocks in total will be collected. There will be no collection of fossils. Sharing of Results All results and data will be made publicly available through online publication of Geological Survey of Canada Open File reports. Results will also be used in scientific publications. After completion of study, the lead researcher will travel to Resolute Bay and Iqaluit to make in person presentations of results. The timing will be determined through consultation as to when is best (e.g. to link to any planned science events).