GSC undertakes mapping of Lake Ontario floor

The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) has undertaken a late-summer mapping of geological conditions in Lake Ontario.

The survey is being conducted by a team from the GSC’s Atlantic Geoscience Centre in Dartmouth, N.S., led by Mike Lewis.

The survey, being conducted on the coast guard vessel Griffon, employs techniques routinely used for coastal and offshore surveys, such as sidescan sonar and acoustic profiling systems. These tools use sound waves to scan the lake floor and penetrate into the lake sediments.

The Griffon will follow a precisely planned and executed survey grid, with positioning and navigation controlled by satellite, to ensure systematic coverage. The plans for the survey have been reviewed by both Canadian and U.S. environmental agencies.

This scientific research will provide data for 3-dimensional reconstruction of the lake floor and near-surface sediments. The geological survey will use the record contained in the sediments below the floor of the lake to identify evidence of recent climatic changes and to describe the history of lake floor development.

Partial funding for this project has been provided by the Atomic Energy Control Board, with assistance and support from Ontario Hydro.