Paleo Karst Assessment 

The Challenge?

Identify sites that may contain paleo resources. Undertake environmental monitoring of research activities within sensitive cave and karst environments. Then, survey the many cave sites during sampling.

The Crux?

Most of the sites are extremely remote. You will need to haul heavy, specialised equipment deep into the backcountry for sampling.

Northern Vancouver Island is home to many unique cave systems. It is of national significance in terms of karst development. University of Victoria took on an ambitious research project: to get a clearer understanding of what Northern Vancouver Island’s paleo environment looks like.

We provided karst consultation by the way of identifying several potential sites containing paleo resources. We assisted in coring at lake and bog sites, which was used in paleo environmental research. As well, we assisted in the collection of field samples throughout the life of the project.

After initial mapping and reporting on potential sites, we undertook the environmental monitoring for the project. This involved observing research activities taking place within sensitive cave and karst environments to minimise impact. We provided specialised local knowledge of Northern Vancouver Island’s karst environments that aided in finding and researching their significance.

Location:
Northern Vancouver Island

Date:
2017 – 2019

Client:
University of Victoria

Scope:
• Karst Assessment
• Resource Consulting