Research Portal

Geoscience » Source Rock & Depositional Environment

Mid Cretaceous Sand Supply to Offshore SW Nova Scotia: Tectonic Diversion of Labrador Rivers during Naskapi Member Deposition

September 2015 – September 2017

This study tests the hypothesis that tectonic diversion of Labrador rivers during the Aptian resulted in sand supply through the Bay of Fundy to the Shelburne sub-basin, allowing shales to accumulate farther east in the Scotian Basin.

Going with the Flow: Advancement of Drifting Platforms for use in Tidal Energy Site Assessment & Environmental Monitoring

April 2015 – August 2017

This research project aimed to apply a simple and low cost philosophy to ocean observation by developing an inexpensive low-profile surface drifter for use in initial assessment of potential tidal energy development opportunities.  The project addressed limitations in the existing drifter design

Geoscience » Source Rock & Depositional Environment

Source Rock and Geochemistry of the Central Atlantic Margins

September 2014 – August 2017

This project evaluates known, probable and possible source rocks in the Nova Scotia shelf and deep water offshore areas with an emphasis On the Triassic– Jurassic time interval.

Geoscience » Tectonics and Crustal Structure

Extensional Tectonics across the Northern Nova Scotia Margin from Ocean Bottom Seismic Data

May 2015 – April 2017

This project analyzes two wide-angle refraction/reflection ocean-bottom seismometer profiles recently collected offshore north-central Nova Scotia.

Turbulent Scale and Wake Modeling on a Horizontal Axis Turbine

January – April 2015

This project aimed to accurately simulate turbulent flow over a scaled horizontal axis tidal turbine to resolve turbulence in the near and far field regions.

Value Proposition for Tidal Energy Development in Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada and Canada

January 2014 – April 2015

This study shows there is substantial potential economic opportunity in building a tidal energy industry in Canada. It indicates that tidal energy could reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and create a new industry offering significant socio-economic benefits.

Geoscience » Seismic & Marine Sound

Establishment of Baseline Biological Data on Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) Offshore Cape Breton for Future Assessment of Potential Impacts of Seismic Noise on Snow Crab

April 2012 – February 2015

The study investigates the impact of sound energy generated by acoustic/seismic arrays on snow crabs.

Geoscience » Play Fairway Analyses Atlases 2010–Present

SW Nova Scotia Expansion Atlas (2015)

January 2015

This project is an expansion of the 2011 Play Fairway Analysis to the western border of the Nova Scotia marine shelf. This expansion corresponds to the Georges Bank zone and surrounding area extending from the Yarmouth Arch to the Shelburne Sub-basin.

Seasonal Erodibility of Sediment in the Upper Bay of Fundy

February 2012 – January 2015

This project developed methods for studying sedimentation to the macro-tidal flats of the upper Bay of Fundy. The researchers looked at seasonal variation in the erodibility of sediments in tidal creeks and flats using a Gust Erosion Chamber and repeated grain size surveys.

Observations of Marine Mammals in Petit Passage and Grand Passage, Nova Scotia and Adjacent Waters in the Eastern Bay of Fundy to Assess Species Composition, Distribution, Number and Seasonality.

June – December 2014

This research project implemented a common mobile tool, database, and alert system for recording and acting on marine life sightings, while engaging coastal communities in protection of the marine environment and using crowd-sourcing to collect data for scientific research.