North American Earth Science Megaproject Continuum, Part 1: LITHOPROBE (1984‐2005)

Abstract

North American Earth sciences have benefitted from the exceptional output and community-building that resulted from the Canadian LITHOPROBE (1984 to 2005) and U.S. EarthScope (2004 to 2020; see Part 2) programs. LITHOPROBE is an internationally acclaimed research project that was established to study the development of the North American continent from the Paleoarchean to the present and to investigate the varied and complex processes involved in that development. The studies had scientific, economic and social benefits (Clowes 2010). Collaborative, multidisciplinary research was the key to LITHOPROBE’s scientific and related successes. Ten study areas, or transects, across Canada focused on tectonic regions that addressed globally significant processes (Fig. 1). Each transect involved a multidisciplinary team of scientists; more than 1500 publications were generated. LITHOPROBE demonstrated the applicability of the high resolution seismic reflection technique to base metal and uranium exploration. In cratonic areas, LITHOPROBE seismic and MT studies provided new information relevant to exploration for diamonds and understanding of the geology and tectonic environments within which kimberlite intrusions occur. On the west coast, LITHOPROBE studies provided data and a framework for better understanding the mega-thrust earthquake hazard in the region. LITHOPROBE established an effective public outreach strategy.