The tectonic evolution of the Arctic and how the Arctic Ocean formed is highly debated and remains one of the major unsolved tectonic problems on Earth today. One approach to solving this problem is to determine how the continental blocks now surrounding the Arctic Ocean fit together in the past. By determining the age and origin of the sedimentary rocks forming Brooks Range, researchers get a piece of the puzzle that can help us understand the evolution of the Arctic.
The expedition is conducted together with researchers from Stanford University. The researchers will fly to two lakes where they will spend two weeks collecting geological samples from strategically selected rock units. In this Arctic environment, the tree line is low and the bedrock is exposed on the mountain ridges.
Principal investigator
Emelie Axelsson
Department of Geological Sciences, Stockholm University