The final year of the Nechako NATMAP project to study the geology of central British Columbia was used to research information collected in the field & laboratory, and to compile & document the study results. This article includes a review of upcoming publications & other products, by type of product: maps, journal articles, conference presentations, and computer products, as well as ongoing research on petrology, palaeontology, terrane characterization, tectonics & structure, and Quaternary geology.

This paper presents a determination of the evolution characteristics of a set of shale pore-structure components (storage porosity, connecting porosity, flow path size, and flow path density) with compaction. The pore-structure component data are derived from bulk petrophysical data (permeability, porosity, and formation factor as a function of increased pressure) reported for seven shale & mudstone samples. Basic pore-structure models and theory are also presented.

Initial assessment and visual communication of the salient features of large sets of geochronological age data are commonly achieved with binned frequency histograms or probability density distributions. This paper describes the mathematical basis of traditional binned frequency histograms and probability density distributions, then compares & contrasts the advantages & limitations of both methods for displaying absolute age data. Important points related to the use of these diagrams as the principal means of communication of such data are noted.

A distinctive group of giant quartz veins characterizes the Great Bear magmatic zone east of Great Bear Lake, Northwest Territories. They are topographically conspicuous, have attracted attention from mineral prospectors, and contain occurrences of uranium, copper sulphides, and other minerals. This paper presents results of the first study of fluid inclusions from giant quartz veins in this zone. Samples were studied from the Crowfoot and Ted uranium occurrences. It begins with descriptions of the regional geological setting, the quartz veins and associated stockworks, and the two occurrences studied. It then describes the fluid inclusion study methodology, petrographic observations, and temperature & salinity determinations of the fluid inclusion samples. The results are discussed with respect to the multi-stage developmental history of the quartz veins.