Lawrence Aspler, Ph.D.
Last updated on December 7, 2023Science Editor
Lawrence critically reviews, edits, and manages the flow of BCGS publications.
Education
McGill (B.Sc., 1976)
Carleton University (Ph.D., 1985)
Expertise
As a basin analyst, Larry led regional mapping studies to establish the poorly known geological evolution and mineral endowment of sedimentary and volcanic terranes in the Northwest Territories and south-central Nunavut. He has also studied engineering problems in an Arctic community caused by decay of ice-rich permafrost, investigated the long-distance atmospheric transport of heavy metals into the Arctic, and examined how land-use practices in the American Midwest contribute to flood disasters. Larry is a critical reviewer for several international journals and has taught at Carleton University, State University of New York (Potsdam), and Grinnell College, offering courses in sedimentology, structural geology, Earth systems science, natural hazards and disasters, Precambrian geology, glaciology and glacial geology, and field geology.
Publications
2005
Davis, W.J., Rainbird, R.H., Aspler, L.B., and Chiarenzelli, J.R., 2005. Detrital zircon geochronology of the Paleoproterozoic Hurwitz and Kiyuk groups, western Churchill Province, Nunavut. Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 2005-F1, 15 p.
2004
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J.R., and Cousens, B.L., 2004. Fluvial, lacustrine, and volcanic sedimentation in the Angikuni sub-basin, and initiation of ~ 1.84-1.79 Ga Baker Lake Basin, western Churchill Province, Nunavut, Canada. Precambrian Research, 129, pp. 225-250.
Cousens, B.L., Chiarenzelli, J.R., and Aspler, L.B., 2004. An unusual Paleoproterozoic magmatic event, the ultrapotassic Christopher Island Formation, Baker Lake Group, Nunavut, Canada: Archean mantle metasomatism and Paleoproterozoic mantle reactivation. In: Eriksson, P., Altermann, W., Nelson, D., Mueller, W., Catuneanu, O., and Strand, K., (Eds.) The Precambrian Earth: tempos and events. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 183-200.
Cousens, B.L., Aspler, L.B., and Chiarenzelli, J.R., 2004. Dual sources of ensimatic magmas, Hearne domain, western Churchill Province, Nunavut, Canada: Neorchean “infant arc” processes? Precambrian Research, Volume 134, Number1-2, pp. 169-188.
Donaldson, J.A., Aspler, L.B., and Chiarenzelli, J.R., 2004. Sedimentary structures: an essential key for interpreting the Precambrian rock record. In: Eriksson, P., Altermann, W., Nelson, D., Mueller, W., Catuneanu, O., and Strand, K., (Eds.) The Precambrian Earth: tempos and events. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 602-612.
Hanmer, S., Sandeman, H.A., Davis, W.J., Aspler, L.B., Rainbird, R.H., Ryan, J.J., Relf, C., and Peterson, T.D., 2004. Neoarchean tectonic setting of the Central Hearne supracrustal belt, western Churchill Province, Nunavut, Canada. Precambrian Research, Volume 134, Number 1-2, pp. 63-83.
Rainbird, R.H., Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J. R., and Mustard, P.S. (editors) 2004. Some Advances in the Study of Proterozoic Sedimentary Basins of North America. Precambrian Geology Special Issue, 129 p.
2003
Aspler, L.B., Pilkington, M., and Miles, W.F., 2003. Interpretations of Precambrian basement based on recent aeromagnetic data, Mackenzie Valley NWT. Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 2003-C2, 11 p.
Rainbird, R.H., Hadlari, T., Aspler, L.B., Donaldson, J.A., LeCheminant, A.N., and Peterson, T.D. 2003. Sequence stratigraphy and evolution of the Paleoproterozoic intracontinental Baker Lake and Thelon basins, western Churchill Province, Nunavut, Canada. Precambrian Research, Volume 125, pp. 21-53.
2002
Aspler, L.B., and Chiarenzelli, J. R., 2002. Mixed siliciclastic-carbonate ramp sedimentation in a rejuvenated Paleoproterozoic intracratonic basin: upper Hurwitz Group, Nunavut, Canada. In: Altermann, W. and Corcoran, P. (Eds.), Precambrian Sedimentary Environments: a Modern Approach to Ancient Depositional Systems. International Association of Sedimentologists Special Publication, Volume 33, pp. 293-321.
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J.R., and McNicoll, V.J., 2002. Basement-cover infolding and thick-skinned thrusting in Hearne domain, Nunavut, Canada: Paleoproterozoic intracratonic response to Trans-Hudson orogen. Precambrian Research, Volume 116, pp. 331-354.
Aspler, L.B., Cousens, B.L., and Chiarenzelli, J.R., 2002. Griffin gabbro sills (2.11 Ga), Hurwitz Basin, Nunavut, Canada: long-distance intracratonic transport of mafic magmas in western Churchill Province crust. Precambrian Research, Volume 117, pp. 269-294.
Berman, R.G., Davis, W.J., Aspler, L.B., and Chiarenzelli, J.R., 2002. SHRIMP U-Pb ages of multiple metamorphic events in the Angikuni Lake area, western Churchill Province, Nunavut. Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 2002-F3, 11 p.
Rainbird, R.H., Davis, W.J., Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J.R., and Ryan, J.J., 2002. Detrital zircon geochronology of enigmatic Neoarchean-Paleoproterozoic sedimentary rocks of the central Western Churchill Province. Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 2002-F5, 10 p.
2001
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J.R., Cousens, B.L., McNicoll, V.J., and Davis, W.J., 2001. Paleoproterozoic intracratonic basin processes, from breakup of Kenorland to assembly of Laurentia: Hurwitz Basin, Nunavut, Canada. Sedimentary Geology, Volume 141-142, pp. 287-318.
Chiarenzelli, J.R., Aspler, L.B., Dunn, C., Cousens, B.R., Ozarko, D., and Powis, K. 2001. Multi-element and rare earth element composition of lichens, mosses, and vascular plants from the central barrenlands, Nunavut, Canada. Applied Geochemistry, Volume 16, pp. 245-270.
Cousens, B.L., Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J.R., Donaldson, J.A., Sandeman, H., Peterson, T.L., and LeCheminant, A.N., 2001. Enriched Archean lithospheric mantle beneath Western Churchill Province tapped during Paleoproterozoic orogenesis. Geology, Volume 29, pp. 827-830.
Eriksson, P.G., Catuneanu, O., Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J.R., and Martins-Neto, M.A., 2001 (editors). The influence of magmatism, tectonics, sea level change and palaeo-climate on Precambrian basin evolution: change over time. Special Issue, Volume 141-142, Sedimentary Geology, 525 p.
Eriksson, P.G., Martins-Neto, M.A., Nelson, D.R., Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J.R., Catuneanu, O., Sarkar, S., Altermann, W., and Rautenbach, C.J. de W., 2001. An introduction to Precambrian basins: their characteristics and genesis. Sedimentary Geology, Volume 141-142, pp. 1-35.
2000
Aspler, L.B., 2000. Geology of the Sealhole and Fitzpatrick lakes area, Nunavut. Geological Survey of Canada Open File Map 3753, 1:50,000 scale.
Aspler, L.B., Armitage, A.E., Ryan, J.J., Hauseux, M., Surmacz, S., and Harvey, B.J.A., 2000. Precambrian Geology, Victory and Mackenzie lakes, Nunavut Territory and significance of “Mackenzie Lake metasediments” (Paleoproterozoic Hurwitz Group). Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 2000-C10, 10 p.
Aspler, L.B., Armitage, A.E., Hauseux, M., and Surmacz, S., 2000. Precambrian Geology, Victory and Mackenzie lakes, Nunavut, Geological Survey of Canada Open File Map 3752, 1:50,000 scale.
Aspler, L.B., Höefer, C., and Harvey, B.J.A., 2000. Geology of the Henik, Montgomery and Hurwitz groups, Sealhole and Fitzpatrick lakes area, Nunavut Territory: Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 2000-C 12, 12 p.
1999
Aspler, L.B., Barham, B.A., and Chiarenzelli, J. R., 1999. Results of integrated geological and aeromagnetic mapping, and recent exploration, Henik and Hurwitz groups, Noomut River, Northwest Territories (Nunavut). Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 1999-C, pp. 157-168.
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J.R., and Cousens, B.L., 1999. Geology of northern Angikuni Lake, Nunavut. Geological Survey of Canada Open File Map 3781, 1:50,000 scale.
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J.R., and Barham, B.A, 1999. Geology of the Noomut River area, Nunavut. Geological Survey of Canada Open File Map 3760, 1:50,000 scale.
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J. R., Cousens, B.L., and Valentino, D., 1999. Precambrian geology, northern Angikuni Lake, and a transect across the Snowbird tectonic zone, western Angikuni Lake, Northwest Territories (Nunavut). Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 1999-C, pp. 107-118.
1998
Aspler, L.B., and Chiarenzelli, J. R., 1998. Two Neoarchean supercontinents? evidence from the Paleoproterozoic. Sedimentary Geology, Volume 120, pp. 75-104.
Aspler, L.B., and Chiarenzelli, J. R., 1998. Precambrian glacial deposits. In: Introduction, Precambrian Clastic Sedimentary Systems. Sedimentary Geology, Volume 120, pp. 34-40.
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J.R., Powis, K., and Cousens, B., 1998. Geology of southern Angikuni Lake area, District of Keewatin, Northwest Territories. Geological Survey of Canada Open File Map 3608, scale 1:50,000.
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J. R., Powis, K., and Cousens, B.L., 1998. Progress report: Precambrian Geology of the Angikuni Lake area, District of Keewatin, NWT. Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 1998-C, pp. 55-66.
Chiarenzelli, J.R., Aspler, L.B., and Villeneuve, M., 1998. Early Proterozoic evolution of the Saskatchewan Craton and its allochthonous cover, Trans-Hudson orogen. Journal of Geology, Volume 106, pp. 247-267.
Eriksson, P.G., Condie, K.C., Tirsgaard, H., Mueller, W.U., Altermann, W., Miall, A.D., Aspler, L.B., Catuneanu, O., and Chiarenzelli, J.R., 1998. Precambrian clastic sedimentation systems. Sedimentary Geology, Volume 120, pp. 5-53.
1997
Aspler, L.B., and Chiarenzelli, J.R., 1997. Initiation of ca 2.45-2.1 Ga intracratonic basin sedimentation of the Hurwitz Group, Keewatin Hinterland, Northwest Territories, Canada. Precambrian Research, Volume 81, pp. 265-297.
Aspler, L.B., and Chiarenzelli, J.R., 1997. Archean and Proterozoic geology of the North Henik Lake area, District of Keewatin, Northwest Territories. Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 1997-C, pp. 145-155.
Aspler, L.B., and Chiarenzelli, J.R., 1997. A preliminary transect across east-central Angikuni Lake, District of Keewatin, Northwest Territories. Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 1997-C, pp. 133-143.
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J.R., and Cousens, B., 1997. Geology of the Oftedal Lake area, District of Keewatin, Northwest Territories. Geological Survey of Canada Open File Map 3538, 1:50,000 scale.
Chiarenzelli, J. R., Aspler, L.B., Ozarko, D.L., Hall, G.E.M., Powis, K.B., and Donaldson, J.A., 1997. Heavy metals in lichens, southern District of Keewatin, Northwest Territories, Canada. Chemosphere, Volume 35, pp. 1329-1341.
1996
Aspler, L.B., and Chiarenzelli, J. R., 1996. Stratigraphy, sedimentology and physical volcanology of the Henik Group, central Ennadai-Rankin greenstone belt, Northwest Territories, Canada: Late Archean paleogeography of the Hearne Province and tectonic implications. Precambrian Research, Volume 77, pp. 59-89.
Aspler, L.B., and Chiarenzelli, J.R., 1996. Relationships between the Montgomery Lake and Hurwitz groups, southern District of Keewatin NWT and stratigraphic revision of the lower Hurwitz Group. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, Volume 33, pp. 1243-1255.
1994
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J.R., and Bursey, T.L., 1994. Ripple marks in quartz arenites of the Hurwitz Group, Northwest Territories, Canada: evidence for sedimentation in a vast, Early Proterozoic, shallow, fresh-water lake. Journal of Sedimentary Research, Volume 64A, pp. 282-298.
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J. R., Ozarko, D.L., and Powis, K.B, 1994. Geology of Archean and Proterozoic supracrustal rocks in the Otter and Ducker lakes area, southern District of Keewatin, Northwest Territories. Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 1994-C, pp. 165-174.
van Breemen, O., and Aspler, L.B., 1994. Detrital zircon ages from Nonacho Basin, western Rae Province, Northwest Territories. Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 1994-F, pp. 49-59.
1993
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J.R., and Bursey, T.L., 1993. Geology of Archean and Proterozoic supracrustal rocks in the Padlei belt, District of Keewatin. Geological Survey of Canada Paper 93-1C, pp. 147-158.
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J.R., and Bursey, T.L., 1993. Geological map of the Padlei belt. Geological Survey of Canada Open File Map 2567, 1:50,000 scale.
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J. R., Ozarko, D.L., and Powis, K. B. 1993. Geological map of the Otter-Ducker lakes area, District of Keewatin, Northwest Territories. Geological Survey of Canada Open File Map 2766, 1:50,000 scale.
Aspler, L.B., Chiarenzelli, J. R., Ozarko, D.L., and Powis, K. B., 1993. Geological map of the Watterson Lake area, District of Keewatin, Northwest Territories. Geological Survey of Canada Open File Map 2767, 1:50,000 scale.
1992
Aspler, L.B., Bursey, T.L., and LeCheminant, A. N., 1992. Geology of the Henik, Montgomery Lake, and Hurwitz groups in the Bray-Montgomery Lakes and northeastern Ameto Lake (Noomut River) areas, southern District of Keewatin. Geological Survey of Canada Paper 92-1C, pp. 157-170.
1991
Aspler, L.B., 1991. Geological maps of the Bray Lake-Montgomery Lake and Noomut River areas, District of Keewatin, NWT. Geological Survey of Canada Open File Map 2428, 1:50,000 scale.
1990
Aspler, L.B., 1990. Economic significance of hot spring cherts: the Hawk Hill Member (Early Proterozoic Hurwitz Group), District of Keewatin. NWT Geology Division, Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Yellowknife, Open File, 1990-22, 67 p.
Aspler, L.B., and Bursey, T.L., 1990. Stratigraphy, sedimentation, dome and basin basement-cover infolding and implications for gold in the Hurwitz Group, Hawk Hill-Griffin-Mountain Lakes area, District of Keewatin. Geological Survey of Canada Paper 90-1C, pp. 219-230.
1989
Aspler, L. B., 1989. Geology of the Hawk Hill-Griffin-Mountain Lakes area, District of Keewatin. NWT Geology Division, Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Yellowknife, Open File Map EGS 1989-22, 1:50,000 scale.
Aspler, L.B., 1989. Analysis of gossans, exploration guides and economic evaluation, Poorfish-Windy Thrust-Fold Belt, Ennadai Lake area, District of Keewatin. NWT Geology Division, Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Yellowknife, Open File, EGS 1989-4, 43 p.
Aspler, L.B., Bursey, T.L., and Miller, A.R., 1989. Sedimentology, structure and economic geology of the Poorfish-Windy thrust-fold belt, Ennadai Lake area, District of Keewatin, and the shelf to foreland transition in the foreland of Trans Hudson Orogen. Geological Survey of Canada Paper 89-1C, pp. 143-155.
1988
Aspler, L.B., 1988. Stratigraphy and structure of Tent Outlier, Nonacho Basin, District of Mackenzie. Contributions to the Geology of the Northwest Territories, Volume 3, pp. 1-12.
Aspler, L.B., 1988. Geology of the Poorfish-Windy Thrust-Fold belt, Ennadai Lake area, District of Keewatin. NWT Geology Division, Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Yellowknife, Open File Map EGS 1988-9, 1:125,000 scale.
1987
Aspler, L.B., 1987. Geology of Tent Outlier: Nonacho Basin. NWT Geology Division, Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Yellowknife, Open File Map EGS 1987-2, 1:50,000 scale.
1986
Aspler, L.B., and Donaldson, J.A., 1986. Penecontemporaneous sandstone dykes in Nonacho Basin (Early Proterozoic) NWT: horizontal injection in vertical tabular fissures. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, Volume 23, pp. 827-838.
Aspler, L.B., and Donaldson, J.A., 1986. Paleoclimatology of Nonacho Basin (Early Proterozoic) Northwest Territories Canada. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology and Palaeoecology, Volume 56, pp. 17-34.
1985
Aspler, L.B., 1985. Geological maps of Nonacho Basin. NWT Geology Division, Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Yellowknife, Open File Map 1985-7, 1:125,000 scale.
Aspler, L.B., and Donaldson, J.A., 1985. Nonacho Basin (Early Proterozoic) Northwest Territories, Canada: sedimentation and deformation in a strike-slip setting. In: Biddle K.T., and Christie-Blick, N., (Eds.), Strike-Slip Deformation, Sedimentation and Basin Formation. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Special Publication, Volume 37, pp. 193-210.
1978
Aspler, L.B., 1978. Surficial geology and permafrost, Yellowknife, NWT. NWT Geology Division, Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Yellowknife, Open File Map 1978-11, 1:20,000 scale.
Aspler, L.B., 1978. Surficial geology, permafrost and related engineering problems, Yellowknife, NWT. In Mineral Industry Report 1976, Northwest Territories. Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada EGS 1978-11, pp. 119-135. (Reprinted in Field Guide to Yellowknife Mining District, Geological Association of Canada, Mineral Deposits Division, 1987; pp. 137-154).