The Centre for Cold Ocean Resources Engineering undertook to analyze cores collected by Canterra Energy Ltd. The seabed sampling program was conducted off southeast Baffin Island during October 1981, and in the summer of 1982. The samples were collected on exploration leases in water depths down to 450 m (1,500 ft) using both a piston and a gravity corer. Core recovery was variable, and core ranged from 15 to 100 cm (6 to 39 in.). Additional samples and data also collected included surface sediment grabs, bottom photographs, sidescan, bathymetry, HUNTEC DTS, and airgun geophysical data.

Two mosaics were compiled from the sidescan data, one at about 350 m (1,150 ft) and the other at about 275 m (900 ft). Both areas show evidence of numerous linear and curvilinear iceberg scours, which are of subdued relief in the deeper site. The deepest iceberg scour is about 4.2 m (14 ft) at the 275 m (900 ft) site. Sidescan sonar records from the 1982 survey indicate that scours are to be found down to depths of 500 m (1,650 ft). Iceberg scours from the 350 m (1,150 ft) site and deeper are considered to be relict.

The cores were visually examined, X-rayed, and logged. The sediments were relatively stiff sandy, silty clays associated with pebbles and granules randomnly distributed along the length of the core; these pebbles are probably iceberg debris and their provenance is being determined. Some of the cores have a 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in.) thick band of fine sand, generally about 15 cm (6 in.) below the top of the core. Sediments on either side are very fine silty clays. Micropaleontological analysis using foraminifera from the cores reveal three biostratigraphical zones. From the bottom upwards they record a progressive change from deep to shallower to deep-water conditions, the latter reflecting the modern environment.

Full results of the core analysis, sediment distribution, geotechnical properties and sea level changes, and a comparison with earlier studies are presented in the paper.

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