THE U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

Ut AL"SI<" 

PROGRAMS 

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 804-A 
a-3 Anchorage Daily News Saturday June 2, 1979 metro I s

Scientists predict major Alaska qua

By LAURIE MCGINLEY Our Washington bureau 

W ASHJNGTON - Alaska's next 

large and potentially destructive 

earthquake is likely to occur within 

the next two to four decades in the 

southern Yakataga region, government and Colwnbia University scientists predicted Friday. 

The Cape Yakataga region, 

about 150 miles southeast of Valdez 

on the Gull of Alaska, probably will 

be hit by an earthquake measuring 

eight or more on the Richter scale, 

according to experts. Damaging 

tremors could affect a 30,000 

square mile area. 

The scientists say an earthquake 

is likely because the region lies on 

a !SO-mile-long, 100-mile-wide 

"seismic gap" - an area along a major fault where no strain-relieving quakes have taken place in 

recent years. 

Government scientists said they 

are studying whether an earthquake at Yakataga would threaten 

the oil pipeline facilities at Valdez. 

"The Trans-Alaska Pipeline is 

designed to withstand an earthquake of 8.5 on the Richter Scale," 

said Alyeska spokesman Sam Akin. 

"The pipeline and other oil-containing structures should be able to withstand 8.5." 

Akin admits that damage could 

occur due to a major quake, but said "it wouldn 'I fracture the line 

or cause any major spill." 

Yet a quake in the area, which 

is located so close to Valdez, could 

well damage Valdez. According 

to Professor Neil Davis of the 

University of Alaska's Geophysical 

Institute, a tsunami, or sea wave, 

could be generated if the quake 

was located off-shore. 

Akin, however, said that the 

wave that destroyed Valdez in the 

1964 quake was caused by a mudslide near to town, and that probably a much larger quake than that 

of 1964 would be required to generate another serious wave. 

What about damage to Anchorage? "It would depend upon both 

the quake's depth and location," 

said Davis, "but it could be potentially damaging." 

Yet Davis said that a major 

earthquake is not the only way to relieve the stress building up in the 

Cape Yakataga region. This stress 

could be released by a large quake, 

~ tOO ';' ''~~ 

This map released by the U.S. Geological survey office 

shows the area in which a major earthquake is expected in 

the next few decades. 

a series of smaller quakes, or by a 

process known as creeping, where 

the rock would bend but no quake 

would occur. 

However, it is considered Wllikely there could be any danger to 

Anchorage, 230 miles to the west. 

Anchorage was hit by a disasterous 

earthquake in 1964 which measured 

8.5 on the Richter scale. 

Since 1899, when the last large 

earthquake occurred at Yakataga, 

about 16 feet of strain has accwnulated, according to the United 

States Geological Survey (USGS) 

and university scientists. 

The strain has built up along the 

fault as two large plates - or 

chunks - of the earth's surface 

converge and collide with each 

other. The plates have been pressuring each other at a rate of two 

inches per year, the USGS said. 

USGS Director William Menard 

said it was impossible to pinpoint 

precisely when the quake will take 

place, but predicted it could occur 

anytime and is most likely within 

the next 20 to 40 yt'ars. 

The area has been targeted for 

special study by the USGS and the 

Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Colwnbia University. 

Menard said such a study would be 

useful in ''predicting when and 

where quakes will occur in Alaska 

and elsewhere." 

Besides a major quake at Yakataga, the scientists said there were 

three other less likely possibilities 

for relieving the tension: 

• A slow fault creep could take 

place, eliminating a significant 

part of the strain. 

• The strain could continue to 

accwnulate for · another century or 

m

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THE U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

1979 PROGRAMS 

Edited by Katherine M. Reed 

Office of the Director 

Anchorage, Alaska 

Technical assistance by 

Robert F. Gilmore 

Linda- Lee Harris 

Lisa D. Tennison 

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 804-A 

1979 
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

CECIL D. ANDRUS, Secretary 

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

H. WILLIAM MENARD, Director 

r·ree on djlplic.ltion to br<~nch of Distribution, U.S. Geolouical Survey, 1200 South Eads Street, Arlington, VA Ui!UZ 

and Public Inquiries Office, SOH Second Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501 
CONTENTS 

Page 

THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY IN ALASKA . . . . . • . . . . • • • . • • • • . • • • • • • . • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . 1 

1979- The Centennial Year................................................................ 1 

Organization of the Geological Survey..................................................... 3 

OFFICE OF NATIONAL PETROLEUM RESERVE IN ALASKA • . • • • • • . • . . • . • • • • • • • • • . . • • • • • • • • . • . • • • • • . 5 

Projects of the Office of National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska............................ 6 

LAND INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS OFFICE • • . . . • . • • • • . • • • . • . • . • • • . • • • . . • . • • • • . • • • . . . • • • . • • . . • • 11 

EROS program.............................................................................. 11 

Geography program......................................................................... 11 

Projects of the Land Information and Analysis Office...................................... 12 

Northern reqion...................................................................... 12 

TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING , • • • • • • • • • • • • . • . • • • . • • • • • . . • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • . • • . . . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . . . 15 

Projects of the Topographic Division...................................................... 18 

Northern region...................................................................... 18 

West-central region.................................................................. 18 

Southwestern 19 

Southern region...................................................................... 19 

ENERGY, MINERALS, GEOLOGIC HAZARDS, AND GEOLOGIC RESEARCH .••••••...•••••••••• • • • • • • L3 

Alaska Mineral Resources Appraisal program................................................ 23 

Arctic Environmental Studies program...................................................... 24 

North Slope Petroleum program............................................................. 24 

Marine Geology program.................................................................... 24 

Earthquake Hazards Reduction program...................................................... 25 

Projects of the Geologic Division......................................................... 27 

Statewide............................................................................ 27 

Northern region...................................................................... 33 

West-central region.................................................................. 39 

East-central region.................................................................. 39 

Southern region...................................................................... 41 

Southwestern region.................................................................. 45 

Southeastern 47 

Southwestern and Southern regions.................................................... 51 

Offshore region...................................................................... 53 

WATER RESOURCES INVESTIGATIONS . • • . • . . . • . • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • . . . . • • • • • • • . • • • . • • • • . • • • • • 57 

Collection of Basic Records program...... .•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••••• 57 

National Stream Quality Accounting Network................................................ 57 

National Water Data Exchange.............................................................. 58 

Projects of the Water Resources Division.................................................. 59 

Statewide............................................................................ 59 

Northern region...................................................................... 62 

East-central region.................................................................. 67 

Southern region...................................................................... 68 

Southwestern region.................................................................. 69 

Southeastern 69 

RESOURCE EVALUATION AND LEASE REGULATION • • . . . • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • . • . • • • • • • • . • • • • . • . • • .. . • 73 

Projects of the Conservation Division..................................................... 75 

Northern region...................................................................... 75 

West-central region.................................................................. 79 

West-central, Southern, and Southwestern regions..................................... 79 

Southwestern region.................................................................. 79 

SUPPORTING DIVISIONS AND SERVICES .••••••••••••.•••. ••..•..•.•••.•. • ..•••••••••••.. •• • • • • • • 81 

Publications Division..................................................................... 81 

Administrative Division................................................................... 82 

Alaska Core Library....................................................................... 83 

Technical Data Unit....................................................................... 83 

iii 
Figure 1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

16. 

17. 

18. 

19. 

20. 

21. 

22. 

ILLUSTRATIONS 

Chart showing organization of the U.S. Geological Survey as it pertains to Alaska. 

Map show exploration wells on National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska •••••••••••••••• Map showing Topographic mapping activities in Alaska for 1979 ••••••••••••••••••••• Map showing status of Level III Alaska Mineral Resources Assessment Program 

(AMRAP} January 1, 1979 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Map showing statewide Geologic activities in Alaska •••••••••.••••••••••••••••••••• Map showing Geologic activities in northern Alaska •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Map showing Geologic activities in east-central and southern Alaska •••••.••••••••• Map showing eastern Gulf of Alaska sei srni city study area ......................... . Map showing location of high-gain seismographs operating in USGS seismic network 

during 1978 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Map showing Geologic activities in southwestern and southern Alaska ••••••••••••••• Map showing Geologic activities in southeastern Alaska •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Map showing offshore Geologic activities in Alaska, Marine Geology Program ........ Map showing location of surface-water data stations ••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••• Map showing location of ground-water observation wells in Alaska •••••••••••••••••• Map showing area of arctic water resources and environmental studies (shaded 

a rea) ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Map showing northern Alaska showing National Petroleum Reserve and Umiat •••••••••• Map showing Water Resources projects in east-central and southern Alaska •••••••••• Map showing hydrologic assessment area in southwestern Alaska ••••••••••••••••••••• Map showing location of Keta River basin in southeast Alaska •••••••••••••••••••••• Map showing location of proposed oil and gas Outer Continental Shelf lease tracts. 

Map showing Conservation activities in northern Alaska ••••••••••••.••••••••••••••• Map showing Conservation activities in west-central, southern, and southwestern 

Alaska ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 

TABLES 

Table la. Exploration wells drilled by the Navy between 1975 and 1977 and wells drilled in Fiscal Year 1978 and planned for Fiscal Year 1979 by the Geological 

Page 

4 

7 

16, 

26 

28 

32 

38 

44 

44 

46 

48 

~2 

bU 

61 

63 

b4 

66 

7U 

71 

76 

77 

78 

Survey........................................................................... 8 

lb. Barrow gas wells drilled by the Navy and the Geological Survey.................... 9 

2. Tentative proposed Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing schedule........... 76 

3. Alphabetical listing of project chiefs with associated personnel and 

description of type of work and area............................................. 84 

4. Agencies currently cooperating in Geological Survey projects...................... 93 

iv 

17 
PREFACE 

Alaska is at once the largest, the least populated, the least explored, and the least developed 

State in the Nation. More than half of the Nation's 600 million acres of Outer Continental Shelf lies 

off Alaska's coast, and nearly half of the remaining 762 million acres of Federal land are within its 

borders. Its resources of all kinds present an opportunity to demonstrate how the needs of both 

conservation and development can be met for the benfit of the American people. 

This circular describes the 1979 programs of the United States Geological Survey in Alaska. The 

mission of the Geological Survey is to identify the Nation's land, water, energy, and mineral resources; 

to classify federally owned mineral lands and water-power sites; to resolve the exploration and development of energy and natural resources on Federal and Indian lands; and to explore and appraise the 

petroleum potential of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. 

A companion circular, 804-B, presents summaries of significant accomplishments of the Survey's 

topical and field investigations in Alaska during 1978. Among the disciplines included are regional 

geology, economic geology, stratigraphy, paleontology, hydrology, marine geology, and engineering and 

environmental geology. 

v 

THE U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

~ AL"SI<" 

1979 -THE CENTENNIAL YEAR 

In the period of western expansion following the Civil War, the Federal Government came to recognize the vast extent of the Nation's public domain and the need for evaluating it in a systematic manner. Thus, on March 3, 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes signed an act creating within the 

Department of the Interior a unique agency: THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 

From the outset, the Survey was an organization of scientist explorers who probed the farthest 

reaches of the wilderness, piecing together geology, defining landforms, and translating topography into 

accurate maps. The Survey • s men hauled their instruments to the tops of mountains and 1 abored over complex geologic panoramas whose beauty often transcended their documentary purpose. 

The Survey's first leaders were men as much at home beside wilderness campfires as in the parlors 

of Washington. Clarence King, the first director, was a multifaceted scientist, author, raconteur, and 

administrator who, at the age of 25, had convinced Congress to establish the first geological exploration of the 40th Parallel. He was succeeded by John Wesley Powell, a self-taught naturalist and Union 

Army Major whose loss of a foreann at Shiloh had not prevented him from carrying out a daring 

exploration of the Grand Canyon in 1869. Powell, director from 1881 to 1894, was simultaneously the 

Director of the Smithsonian's Bureau of American Ethnology. Men like King, Powell, and their colleagues 

established the Survey's traditions: scholar·ship, integrity, freedom. 

The Geological Survey began work in Alaska in 1889 when I. c. Russell explored and surveyed the 

Alaska-Canada boundary and later described the geology of the St. Elias Mountains. Geologist Frank c. 

Schrader explored and mapped the Chandalar and Koyukuk Rivers in 1899, and E. de K. Leffingwell first 

went to Alaska in 1906 to begin mapping the north coast of Alaska. Place names like the Brooks Range, 

Mount Spurr, the Bagley Ice Field, Lake Schrader, the Philip Smith Mountains, and Russell Fiord were named for these and other Survey explorers. 

In its centennial year, the Survey Alaskan programs described in this circular reflect in modern 

context the 1879 goals of systematically evaluating the natural resources. But now, 100 years later, we as a Nation find ourselves in different circumstances. We have begun to realize the need for environmental concern and the need to preserve our wilderness heritage. At the same time, we face shortages in 

vital energy and mineral resources. Alaska, more than any State, sharply presents the contrast between 

the modern constraints posed by environmental conservation and the need to explore and develop the 

Nation's resources as we did 100 years ago. 

Highlights of major accomplishments of the u.s. Geological Survey in Alaska reflect the history of 

Alaska, as well as the changing needs of our Nation: 

• Early Survey exploration by Dall, Russell, Spurr, Muldrow, and others between 1889 and 1915 

defined the broad geographic features and the important mountain ranges and drainage areas of 

Alaska. First determinations have been followed by continuous refinement of the geologic and 

hydrologic framework and topography in Alaska. 

1 
• Formal mineral exploration and study by the Survey in Alaska began in 1895 when Congress 

appropriated $5,000 for the study of coal and gold resources. Alaska work increased in intensity after the discovery of gold in the Klondike in 1898. The Division of Alaska Mineral 

Resources was organized in 1904 under the direction of Alfred H. Brooks with a fulltime staff 

of 12 people. In that year Brooks published the first of a series of annual bulletins on the 

mineral resources of Alaska. In recent times the Survey, using the knowledge gained from 85 

years of mineral exploration and study in Alaska, has provided information on which to base 

Alaskan land management decisions by Native, State, and Federal interests. 

e The Survey has provided 1 :250,000-scale topographic quadrangle maps for all of Alaska and 

continues to revise and update these and larger scale maps of the State. The first photoali dade, American tril ens aerial mapping camera, and transforming printer were developed 

before World War I by J. W. Bagley and F. H. Moffit, members of the Survey engaged in Alaskan 

work. 

• The Survey started systematic measurements of the flow of Alaskan streams during the summer of 

1906. A report on 11 The Water Supply of Nome Region 11 was published by J. C. Hoyt and F. F. 

Henshaw in that year to aid in providing water for placer mining. Since that time the 

Geological Survey has continuously collected hydrologic data and, in so doing, has provided 

increasingly precise hydrologic information on Alaska. 

• The Survey has given vital assistance to the exploration for oil, gas, and coal in Alaska. 

Early Survey studies outlined coal deposits and potential petroleum basins in Alaska; for 

example, in 1905 G. C. Martin published Bulletin 250, 11The Petroleum Fields of the Pacific 

Coast of Alaska... In the 1920's Survey geologists provided preliminary geologic information 

for the then newly defined Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4 in northwest Alaska. In the late 

1940's, working with the Navy, the Survey provided detailed framework studies of the geology 

of the North Slope of Alaska. This information provided a starting point for oil company exploration that eventially led to the discovery of the Nation's largest oil and gas field at 

Prudhoe Bay. At present, the Survey is actively engaged in exploratory drilling in the 

Petroleum Reserve. It is also preparing for an oil and gas lease sale in the Beaufort Sea, 

located north of the Reserve, and for future sales in other areas of the Outer Continental 

Shelf. 

• During World War II the Survey provided, through its Branch of Military Geology, interdisciplinary earth science information for the construction of the Alaska Highway and military 

bases and in so doing pioneered in the study of permafrost and environmental geology in 

Alaska. In the late 1960's Arthur H. Lachenbruch, in a landmark analysis of the effects of a 

hot pipeline laid in permafrost terraine, pointed to the basic engineering problems related to 

the construction and operation of the trans-Alaska pipeline. As a result, between 1968 and 

1975 the Survey provided data and assisted in engineering geology and hydrology studies 

related to the construction of the Alyeska pipeline. Today it is providing data that will 

assist in the selection of a route for the proposed natural-gas pipeline through northern 

Alaska. 

• Earthquake studies in Alaska by the Survey have provided information for sound engineering 

practice and have as a goal the achievement of capability to predict earthquakes. The first 

Alaskan earthquake study was R. S. Tarr's description of the 1899 earthquake at Yakutat, and 

George Pl afker described the tectonic framework of the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964. At 

present the Survey conducts a large earthquake hazards program in Alaska. 

2 
ORGANIZATION OF THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

The Director of the U.S. Geological Survey is responsible for the direction and supervision of the 

activities of the Geological Survey. He is represented in Alaska by an assistant who is resposible for 

overall coordination of Survey activities in the State. The Office of the Assistant to the Director is 

in Anchorage. 

The operational work of the Survey is accomplished by four divisions and two offices. The 

function and purpose of each of these is described briefly below. The relation of the operational and 

supporting divisions, and offices is shown in figure 1. 

• THE TOPOGRAPHIC DIVIS! ON is charged with the execution of surveys and the preparation of maps, 

charts, and bulletins pertaining to the delineation of the physical features of land areas in 

the United States, its outlying areas, and Antartica. 

• THE GEOLOGIC DIVISION studies include geologic and geophysical mapping to establish the com- position and structure of rocks beneath the surface of the land and the outer continental 

shelves; research into geologic principles and processes to provide guidance for significant 

geologic interpretations, including specialized research in geochemistry, geophysics, and 

paleontology; development of new exploration techniques; and collation and synthesis of 

geologic knowledge of mineral and mineral fuels resources. 

• THE WATER RESOURCES DIVIS! ON investigates the occurrence, quantity, qua 1 ity, di stri but ion, and 

movement of surface and underground water that comprises the Nation's water resources. 

• THE CONSERVATION DIVISION examines and classifies Federal lands in the United States as to 

their mineral character, water-power and water-storage values, supervises technical operations 

under oil and gas and other mineral leases on Federal, outer continental shelf, Indian and 

Naval petroleum reserve lands, and maintains accounts of related production and royalty 

accruals. 

e Within the Director's Office, THE OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL PETROLEUM RESERVE IN ALASKA {ONPRA) 

has been established to evaluate the resources of the 37,000-square-mile National Petroleum 

Reserve in Alaska {NPRA) located in northwestern Alaska. 

e The OFFICE OF LAND INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS (LIA), also part of the Director's Office,has been 

organized to develop multidisciplinary land-resources and environmental impact programs of the 

Survey. 

3 
~ 

TOPOGRAPHIC DIVISION 

R. B. SOUTHARD-CHIEF 

Reston, Va. 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL 

MAPPING CENTER 

A.E.LETEY-CHIEF 

Denver, Co. 

RESIDENT CARTOGRAPHER 

T. TAYLOR 

Anchorage, Ak. 

T. p .MILLER- I GEOLOGIST IN CHARGE 

Anchorage, Ak. 

r MINERAL RESOURCES 

ALASKAN GEOLOGY BRANCH 

A. T.OVENSHINECHIEF 

Menlo Park, Ca. 

OFFICE OF NATIONAL 

PETROLEUM RESERVE-ALASKA 

GEORGE GRYC-CHIEF 

Anchorage, Ak. 

GEOLOGIC DIVISION 

D. L, PECK-CHIEF 

Reston, Va. 

WESTERN REGION 

J. I.ZIONYREGIONAL GEOLOGIST 

Menlo Park, Ca. 

MARINE GEOLOGY 

PACIFIC-ARCTIC 

BRANCH 

E. CLIFTON-CHIEF Menlo Park, Ca. 

I 

EARTHQUAKE 

HAZARDS 

R.A.PAGECOORDINATOR 

Menlo Park, Ca. 

U.S.GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

DIRECTOR 

H.W.MENARD 

Reston, Va. 

ALASKA MINERALS ARCTIC NORTH SLOPE ANCHORAGE SUBDISTRICT RESOURCES ENVIRONMENTAL PETROLEUM PROGRAM 

APPRAISAL PROGRAM STUDIES PROGRAM I H.C.BERG O.J.FERRIANS K.J.BIRD R. S.GEORGE-CHIEF 

Menlo Park, Ca. Menlo Park, Ca. Menlo Park, Ca. Anchorage, Ak. 

LAND INFORMATION AND 

ANALYSIS OFFICE 

JAMES R. BALSLEY -CHIEF 

Reston, Va. 

WATER RESOURCES DIVISION 

O.M.HACKETT-ACTING CHIEF 

Reston, Va. 

WESTERN REG ION 

W.H.ROBINSONREGIONAL HYDROLOGIST 

Menlo Park, Ca. 

ALASKA DISTRICT 

H.HULSING-CHIEF 

Anchorage, Ak. 

FAIRBANKS SUBDISTRICT 

B. PARKS-CHIEF 

Fairbanks, Ak. 

I U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

SPECIAL ASSISTANT 

FOR ALASKA 

W. W. BARNWELL-Anchorage, Ak. 

JUNEAU SUBDISTRICT 

V. K. BERWICK-CHIEF 

Juneau, Ak. 

CONSERVATION DIVISION 

D. E. KASH-CHIEF 

Reston, Va. 

WESTERN REGION 

J.DRAGONETTICONSERVATION MANAGER 

Menlo Park, Ca. 

ALASKA AREA 

J. JONES-ASSISTANT 

CONSERVATION MANAGER 

Anchorage, Ak. 

ALASKA AREA ALASKA AREA 

GEOLOGIST OIL AND GAS 

SUPERVISOR 

R.H.MC MULLIN 

Anchorage, Ak. R.A.SMITH 

Anchorage, Ak. 

Figure 1.--0rganization of the U.S.Geological Survey as it pertains to Alaska. 
OFFICE OF NATIONAL PETROLEUM RESERVE IN ALASKA 

On April 5, 1976, the U.S. Congress passed the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act. The Naval 

Petroleum Reserve No. 4 was redesignated in the act as the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA), 

and jurisdiction was transferred from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of the Interior. The 

reserve is located in northwestern Alaska and contains about 23 million acres. It is roughly the size 

of Indiana. (See fig. 2.) 

The U.S. Geological Survey through the Office of National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (ONPRA) 

assumed management of the exploration program formerly conducted by the Navy on June 1, 1977. Husky Oil 

NPR Operations, Inc. was selected to continue as the prime contractor for all phases of the exploration 

program. 

At the time of the transfer, the Survey assumed responsibility for the following specific tasks: 

(1) Explore and evaluate the petroleum potential of the NPRA by means of geological and 

geophysical investigations and by drilling, in order to build an information base to 

assist Congress in determining the best use of the land within the Reserve. 

(2) Continue to develop and produce natural gas from the South Barrow Gas Field, or other 

fields as may be necessary, to supply gas at reasonable and equitable rates to the Native 

village of Barrow and other communities and installations at or near Point Barrow, and to 

installations of the Federal Government in the vicinity of Barrow. 

(3) Continue environmental rehabilitation in areas of the Reserve disturbed by previous 

exploration and construction activities. 

The first complete year of Survey activities on NPRA was Fiscal Year (FY) 1978. In addition to the 

work completed in that year (tables 1a and b), preparations were made for FY 1979 activities. 

The exploration program in FY 1979 includes continued work on three deep wells (deeper than 14,000 

feet) begun in FY 1978. The projected depths of those wells required construction and drilling programs 

which could not be completed during a single winter season. In mid-May 1979, one of these, the Inigok 

Test Well No. 1, was plugged and abandoned at a total depth of 20,102 feet. Drilling at a second deep 

well, Tunalik Test Well No.1, was at 12,557 feet on May 25, 1979. The third well, the lkpikpuk Test 

Well No. 1, was suspended at 14,210 feet. Drilling will be resumed on this well in winter 1979-80. 

Three medium-depth wells (3,000 to 14,000 feet) were completed on the coastal plain during the 

winter of FY 1979. One of these, South Meade, was spudded in 1978, suspended for the summer, and 

reentered and completed this past winter. Two other wells, Peard and East Simpson, were spudded and 

completed during the winter drilling season. A fourth medium-depth well, J. W. Dalton, was spudded on 

May 7 and was drilling ahead at 7,534 feet on May 25, 1979. The well is scheduled for summer drilling 

and completion prior to the end of the fiscal year. 

Two additional FY 1979 deep wells, Lisburne and Seabee, will be located in the foothills region in 

the southern part of the Reserve. These had not been spudded as of May 1979, but wi 11 be drilled as 

part of the FY 1979 program; completion of the wells is scheduled in FY 1980. These wells are planned 

for year-round drilling, similar to that at Inigok and Tunalik. At the end of the 1979 program year, 19 

exploration wells will have been completed or drilling will be in progress. 

Final reports will be made available only through the Environmental Data and Information Service, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Boulder, Colorado, 80303; (303) 499-1000x6338. Core 

chips and ditch cuttings are provided by the Department of Natural Resources, Alaska Division of Oil and 

Gas Conservation, 3001 Porcupine Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99501. 

The NPRA exploration program requires many technical background studies and activities in addition 

to the drilling and seismic operations carried out by the prime contractor, Husky Oil NPR Operations, 

Inc. These studies, primarily by the Geologic Division, are described in this circular as part of each 

operating division's program in the northern region of the State. 

For additional information about the ONPRA activities, contact: 

George Gryc, Chief, ONPRA; or Max Brewer, Chief, Operation Office, ONPRA 

2525 C Street, Suite 400 

Anchorage, Alaska 99503 

Tel. (907) 276-7422 

5 

ONP~ 
PROJECTS OF THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL PETROLEUM RESERVE 

IN ALASKA 

Project Title: Geophysical Exploration of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA} 

Project Chief: John K. Kienzle 

Pro1ect Objectives: To acquire and interpret common depth point (COP} seismic and gravity data for use 

in ocating dnlllng sites for exploratory wells and to aid in assessing the hydrocarbon potential of 

the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. 

Project Status: Through Husky Oil NPR Operations, Inc., the contractor to the Office of National 

Petroleum Reserve in Alaska {ONPRA}, and Geophysical Service, Inc. (GSI}, a subcontractor to Husky Oil, 

approximately 1,600 miles of COP seismic and gravity data will be acquired in NPRA in 1979. The seismic 

data will be collected by three GSI crews--one dynamite crew in the coastal area and two crews (one 

dynamite and one vibroseis) in the foothills. The gravity and seismic data will be processed by GSI and 

interpreted by Tetra Tech, a subcontractor to Husky Oil, and by ONPRA. With the completion of the 1979 

fieldwork, approximately 11,000 miles of COP seismic and gravity data will have been collected in NPRA 

since 1972. 

Project location is shown in figure 2. 

* * * 

Project Title: National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA) Data Open-file 

Project Chief: Robert D. Carter 

Project Objectives: To inventory, organize, and make available to the public, through the National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA}, all geological and geophysical data generated in the 

petroleum exploration of the NPRA by the U.S. Navy and by the Office of National Petroleum Reserve in 

Alaska. 

Project Status: All well and basic geophysical data generated in NPRA prior to June 1, 1977, have been 

released and are available through NOAA. An interpretive seismic report on the above data and all the 

1978 well information are presently being prepared by NOAA for release in the near future. 

Project location is shown in figure 2. 

* * * 

Project Title: Development and Operation of Gas Fields in the Barrow Area 

Project Chiefs: Robert J. Lantz and Robert D. Carter 

Project Objectives: To explore the Barrow area by geologic and geophysical methods, including drilling 

wells, 1n order to determine the presence of natural gas, to determine the gas reservoirs of known or 

newly discovered fields, and to develop and maintain such fields. These activities are undertaken in 

order to continue a supply of gas at reasonable and equitable rates to the people of the Barrow area. 

Project Status: One exploratory well (dry) and two development gas wells have been drilled in the east 

Barrow area. A gas transmission line is being laid to connect the east Barrow area with the present 

production in the south Barrow field. Geologic and seismic exploration has indicated several additional 

possible gas-bearing structures. 

Project location is shown in figure 2. 

* * * 

6 
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162" 160" 158a 

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EXPLANATION 

0 WELL LOCATION 

{> SUSPENDED DRilliNG 

..q..oRYHOL[ 

i:)- CASII'Ell 

e DI LII'Ell 

* DISTILLAH * SUSPE NO[DGASII'ELL 

o13 NUMBER IS MAP Nliiii8ER AND CORRESPONDS TO NUMBER ON TABlE 1 

U•iat-¢--•1 WEltS WITH NAMES WERE DRILLED PRIOR TO 1915 

----- BOUNDARl Of NATIONH PETROLEUM RESERVE - ALASKA 

0 10 20 JO 40 50 111 iles 

0 10 10 30 40 50 11 1\DIII!Iers 

\54" 152" 

Figure 2 .--Exploration wells on National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. 

ISO" 

,. 

10' 

69' 

68' 

0 

z 

., 

:tl 

)> 
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~ 

Table 1a. Exploration wells drilled by the Navy between 1975 and 1977 and wells drilled in 

Fiscal Year 1978 and planned for Fiscal Year 1979 by the Geological Survey. (See fig. 2.) 

Map Date Date Total Deepest Horizon 

Number Name Location Spudded Completed Depth Attained Remarks 

Cape Halkett 18 mi ESE of 3/24/75 5/23/75 9,900 ft Argillite basement Dry; !Jlugyed and abandoned 

No. 1 Lonely (Devonian or older) 

2 East Teshekpuk 25 mi S of 3/12/76 5/11/76 10,644 ft Granite basement Dry; plugged and abandoned 

No. 1 Lonely 

3 So. Harrison Bay 50 mi SE of 11/21/76 l/27 /77 11,290 ft Lisburne Group Poor oil shows; plugged and 

No. 1 Barrow (Mississippian) abandoned 

4 Atigaru Point 44 mi SE of l/12/77 3/10/77 11,535 ft Argillite basement Poor oil shows; !Jlugged and 

No. 1 Lonely (Devonian or older) abandoned 

5 West Fish Creek 51 mi SE of 2/14/77 4/21/77 11,427 ft Kayak Shale Poor oil shows; pluggea and 

No. 1 Lonely (Mississippian) abandoned 

6 So. Simpson 41 mi WSE of 3/9/77 4/18/77 8,805 ft Argillite basement Gas shows; plugged and 

No. 1 Lonely (Devonian or older) abandoned 

Q) 7 W.T. Foran 23 mi ESE of 3/7/77 4/16/77 8,864 ft Argillite basement Oil and gas shows; plugged No. 1 Lonely (Devonian or older) and abandoned 

8 Drew Point Test 14 mi W of l/13/78 3/13/78 7,946 ft Argillite basement Poor oil and gas shows; plugged 

Well No. 1 Lonely (Devonian or older) and abandoned 

9 No. Kilikpuk Test 37 mi SE of 2/27/78 4/14/78 7,395 ft Kingak Sha 1 e Poor oil and gas shows; !Jlugged Well No. 1 Lonely (Jurassic) and abandoned 

10 So. Meade Test 45 mi S of 2/8/78 1/21/78 9,945 ft Argi 11 i te ba serne nt Poor gas shows; plugged and 

Well No. 1 Barrow (11/29/78} (Devonian or older) and abandoned 

reentered 

11 Kugrua Test Well 67 mi SW of 2/13/78 5/30/78 12,588 ft Lisburne Group Poor gas shows; plugged Well No. 1 Barrow (Mississi!Jpian) and abandoned 

12 Inigok Test Well 60 mi S of 6/7/78 5/22/19 20,102 ft Kekiktuk Fonnation Plugged and abandoned 

No. 1 Lonely (Mississippian) 

13 Tunalik Test Well 22 mi SE of 11/1/18 21,000 ft Argillite basement Gas shows; holding at 1£,557 ft; 

No. 1 Icy Cape (projected) (projected) running casiny, b/b/7Y 

14 Peard Test Well 25 mi NE of 1/27/79 11/13/79 10,225 ft Argillite basement Trace of oil and yas shows; 

No. 1 Wainwright (Devonian or older) plugged and abandoned 
Table la. Ex~loration wells--Continued 

15 Ikpikpuk Test 42 mi SW of 11/29/78 15,200 ft Argillite basement Suspended at 14,~lu ft until 

Well No. 1 Lonely (projected) (projected) winter of 1979-bU 

16 East Simpson Test 33 mi W of 2/20/79 4/10/79 7,739 ft Argillite basement Poor oil show; plugged and 

Well No. 1. Lonely abandoned 

17 J.W. Dalton Test 3 mi E of 5/8/79 8,570 ft Argillite basement Drilling at 7,o55 ft on Well No. 1 Lonely (projected) (projected) 6/5/7Y 

18 Lisburne Test 110 mi SW of planned 15,000 ft Lisburne-Endicott 

Well No. 1 Umiat 6/10/79 {projected) Group (projected) 

19 Seabee Test 1 mi Nl~ of planned 15,000 ft Basal Cretaceous 

Well No. 1 Umiat 6/20/79 (projected) (projected) 

Table lb. Barrow gas wells recently drilled by the Navy and the Geological Survey. {See fig. 2.) 

(Q 20 So. Barrow Sec. 14, T22N, 2/10/74 3/6/74 2,350 ft Argi 11 i te basement Completed as gas producer 

No. 11 Rl8W (Devonian or older) 

21 So. Barrow Sec. 23, T22N, 3/10/74 3/6/74 2,285 ft Argillite basement Suspended as maryi nal gas well 

No. 12 Rl7W (Devonian or older) 

22 Iko Bay* Sec. 16, T21N, 1/2/75 3/8/75 2, 731 ft Argillite basement Marginal gas well 

Rl6W (Devonian or older) 

23 So. Barrow Sec. 14, T22N, 12/17/76 1/16/77 2,535 ft Argillite basement Shows of gas; sus~ended as No. 13 Rl8W (Devonian or older) maryi nal ~as well 

24 So. Barrow Sec. 25, T22N, 1/28/77 3/3/77 2,257 ft Sag River Sand Suspended; completed as No. 14 R17W (Triassic) gas well on 3J~J7Y 

25 So. Barrow Sec. 1, T22N, l/28/77 2/18/78 2,400 ft Argillite basement Dry; plugged and abandoned 

No. 16 R18W (Devonian or older) 

26 So. Barrow Sec. 30, T22N, 3/2/78 4/13/78 2,382 ft Argillite basen~nt Suspended; edge well; completed 

No. 17 R16W {Devonian or older) as marginal gas well on 3/~o/7':J 

27 So. Barrow Sec. 14, T22N, 4/17/78 5/17/78 2,300 ft Argillite basement Sus~ended; com~leted as No. 19 R17W (Devonian or older) gas well on 2/16/79. 

*Iko Bay well was drilled approximately 20 miles southeast of Barrow to locate a new gas field to supplement the gas supply for ~arrow. 

0 

z 

., 

~ 

LAND INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS OFFICE 

The Land Information and Analysis (LIA) Office manages interdisciplinary land-resources and 

environmental impact programs of the Survey. The programs are directly concerned with the technologies 

and methodologies of collecting, describing, communicating, and applying earth-sciences information to 

resources management. The principal program elements of the LIA Office include the Earth Resources 

Observation System (EROS), Geography, Earth Sciences Applications, Resource and Land Investigations, and 

Environmental Impact Analysis. The Earth Sciences Applications and Resource and Land Investigations 

programs are not currently active in Alaska. 

EROS PROGRAM 

The EROS (Earth Resources Observation Systems) Program was established by the U.S. Department of 

the Interior in 1977 to assist in realizing the practical benefits in earth-resource and environment 

inventory and monitoring that can be obtai ned by use of photography and other remotely sensed data 

acquired by aircraft and spacecraft, particularly the Landsat satellite. The EROS Data Center in Sioux 

Falls, South Dakota 57198, is responsible for distributing Landsat imagery, computer compatible tapes, 

and other forms of remotely sensed data to users throughout the world. The center also develops techniques to assist in applying remote sensing to various kinds of resource problems and helps users apply 

these programs. Inquiries on specific problems or other matters, including future training opportunities, may be addressed to the Branch of Applications at the Data Center; the telephone number is 

( 605) 594-6511. 

Since late November 1974, an EROS Applications Assistance Facility has been in operation in Alaska 

to improve the availability of technical assistance to Alaskan users. This facility is located at the 

Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, Fairbanks 99702. Both manual and digital interpretation 

equipment, including a color additive viewer and minicomputer enhancer, are available. In addition, 

files are maintained of selected Landsat images, NASA and other aerial photographs, and other remotely 

sensed data for Alaska. For information concerning the Fairbanks facility, contact Katherine Martz at 

(907) 479-7487. 

A Landsat browse file is available for public inspection at Public Inquiries Office of the Survey, 

Room 108, Skyline Building, 508 Second Avenue, Anchorage 99501. 

GEOGRAPHY PROGRAM 

The Geography Program links and integrates social science information and techniques of geographic 

analysis with earth science information and activities of the Geological Survey. Specifically, the program is responsible for: (a) developing and maintaining a data base on current land use and land cover 

nationwide, with map and statistical output formats; (b) establishing standards and providing technical 

assistance to users; (c) developing new procedures for acquiring and processing remotely sensed data on 

land use and land cover; and (d) performing analyses involving these land use data. Efforts are underway to develop techniques for producing land use and land cover maps from Landsat computer-compatible 

tape digital data; sites of typical land use and cover are identified in the field and then spectrally 

and geographically related to the Landsat data. The classification system used was developed in conjunction with other Federal and State agencies. (For more information, see U.S. Geological Survey 

Professional Paper 964.) A Geographical Information Retreival and Analysis System (GIRAS) has been 

developed and is being applied to the data taken from the maps produced under the Geography Program. 

(See U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1059 for an explanation of the process.) 

For information on the Geography Program and its application in Alaska, contact: 

James R. Anderson, Chief, Geography Program 

U.S. Geological Survey 

12201 Sunrise Drive Tel. (703) 860-6344 

National Center 

Reston, VA 22092 

11 

LIA 
LIA 

PROJECTS OF THE LAND INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS OFFICE 

NORTHERN REGION 

Project Tit 1 e: 

Project Chief: 

Vegetation Mapping of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Using Landsat Digital 

Data 

Leonard Gaydos 

(Land Information and Analysis Office, Geography Program) 

Project Objectives: To map vegetation within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska {NPRA) using 

Landsat multispectral scanner digital data after defining a classification system appropriate to the 

region and attainable with Landsat data. Fieldwork is designed to define and verify the classes. 

Project Status: The mapping phase of the project is now complete. Fieldwork was carried out during the summers of 1977 and 1978 primarily by L.A. Morrissey and R.A. Ennis. Production of the color-coded 

vegetation map produced from a mosaic of ten Landsat screens is being handled by J.R. Wray in Reston. 

It will be published in late 1979 or early 1980 with a table of vegetation classes by township and a report of activities. 

Project location is shown in figure 2. 

* * * 

Project Title: Environmental Assessment {Geology) of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska 

Project Chief: Warren Yeend 

(Land Information and Analysis Office, Environmental Impact Analysis Program) 

Project Objectives: To gather data to permit compilation of the geologic sections of the Environmental 

Impact Assessment [105(b) study] of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA), with particular 

emphasis on the effects of petroleum development. 

Project Status: The first draft of the report manuscript is being completed. 

Project location is shown in figure 2. 

* * * 

12 

TOPOGRAPHIC 

TOPOGRAPHIC DIVISION IN ALASKA 

0 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN 

MAPPING CENTER 

DENVER, COLORADO 

For further information, contact the offices listed below. 

Anchorage, Alaska 

Thomas E. Taylor 

Denver, Colorado 

A 1 bert L. Letey 

Reston, Virginia 

Rupert B. Southard 

Resident Cartographer Tel. (907) 271-4148 

Topographic Division, Room 210, 218 E Street 

Anchorage, Alaska 99501 

Chief, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center TeT. (303) 234-2351 

Topographic Division, Bldg. 25, Box 25046-

Denver Federal Center, MS 510 

Lakewood, Colorado 80225 

Chief, Topographic Division Tel. (703) 860-6231 

12201 Sunrise Valley Drive 

National Center, Reston, VA 22092 
TOPOGRAPHIC 

TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING 

The preparation of maps for the National Mapping Program is the chief task of the Topographic 

Division. Photographic and field plotting methods are used to prepare these maps to rigid national 

standards. Maps are constantly being revised, but the needs of the map users determine the rate of map 

revision and publication. The maps series of the program include the quadrangle maps and other maps for 

special purposes. In addition, the National Cartographic Information Center (NCIC) in Reston, Virginia, 

provides information on maps, charts, and photographs; it can tell a customer what data are available 

and how to obtain them. 

The Alaskan mapping program operations are primarily the responsibility of the Chief, Rocky 

Mountain Mapping Center, in Denver, Colorado. The resident cartographer in Alaska is the Topographic 

Division's representative. His office is located in Anchorage. This office gathers and maintains files on cartographic material used in mapping, and maintenance or revision of existing mapping. In addition 

to assigned responsibilities, assistance in obtaining National Cartographic Information Center (NCIC) 

cartographic materials, EROS (satellite) photographic products, geodetic control, and base-map material 

is available to the public through this office. 

Topographic mapping at a scale of 1:63,360 (1 inch = 1 mile) has been completed for more than S5 

percent of Alaska. The remainder of the State mapping at this scale is in various stages of production, 

and advance copy is available for some areas. Field operations are scheduled during the summer of 1979 

to provide control for completion of map coverage at 1:63,360 and 1:50,000 metric scale. 

Alaska is covered by 1:250,000-scale (1 inch = about 4 miles) mapping. This consists of 153 

quadrangles, 14 of which are in the provisional Alaska Reconnaissance Series. Three of these, Goodnews 

[Bay], Bethel, and Russian Mission, will be published early in FY 1980 and will reflect the better source material resulting from new 1:63,360-scale mapping. Many maps of this series are available in 

shaded relief editions. 

Fifty-seven 1:25,000 quadrangles of the new metric scale series for Alaska are in various stages of 

production. These provide coverage of Cordova, Valdez, Whittier, Seward, and Anchorage. Advance 

material is available for all of the Anchorage area; these maps should be published in 1980. 

The Division also prepares indexes by State showing the topographic maps that have been published. 

The Alaska index is available free from the Survey's Public Inquiries Office, 108 Skyline Building, 508 

Second Avenue, in Anchorage. In addition, a periodic index of publication status is also available 

free. For detailed information on revisions or current mapping status of specific areas, contact the 

resident cartographer's office. 

The Topographic Division will continue a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Land Management 

(BLM) to establish geodetic control in support of the cadastral surveying program for Alaska land 

selections. During the summer of 1979, field parties will establish approximately 63 positions using 

Doppler satellite and conventional electronic traverse methods. 

The Division also continues its supportive role in the State-Federal 3-year interagency program to 

obtain uniform high-altitude photography coverage for the entire State. Plans for the estab 1 i shment of a NCIC terminal affiliate in Alaska are actively being pursued by the Division. A location should be 

selected by mid-1979. 

15 
TOPOGRAPHIC 

~~----------~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-j 

66" 

I 

I 

~·L~ 

/ 

Figure 3.--Topographic mapping activities in Alaska for 1979. 

16 

! 

172" 17 

154" 
150' 

c 

p 

J 

ov Tf/Piall 15 mif!UU (1 :6~1 ,860) Qu.adrafl{lle Laf/(IUt 

Refereme to a 15 mif!UU quadmf19le Blwuld mdieate Ike 1 :!50 ,000 quadmfl{/le Mme and also Ike alpMbeticaloflulllei'Wl subdillilnOII thereof. 

15 Mif!UU Example:-Middleton Islafld A-5, Alaska. 

A C I F I C 

176" 180' 

Base from U.S.Geologic Survey Alaska 

TOPOGRAPHIC 

70' 68" 

~-ALASKA 

TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING ACTIVITIES FOR 1979 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

16. 

17. 

National Petroleum Reserve 

Coal Resource area 

Eastern Brooks Range Ambler River 

Hughes-Shungnak 

Christian East 

Christian 

Russian Mission, Bethel, Goodnews 

Port Moller 

BLM Alaska support Wi 11 ow South 

Anchorage 

Whittier 

Seward 

Valdez 

Cordova 

Bering Glacier - Mt. St. Elias 

0,... ___ ....__;,1..,..0_0 ___ ___,2 0 0 M i I e s ~-

o,... -----'1_,0..;..0 __ 2=..0 0 K i I orne t e r s J 

O· C E A 

17 

66' 

64' 

~58' 

56' 

54' 
TOPOGRAPHIC 

PROJECTS OF THE TOPOGRAPHIC DIVISION 

All Topographic Division projects in Alaska are under the direction of: 

Albert E. Letey, Chief 

Rocky Mountain Mapping Center Tel. (303) 234-2351 

F edera 1 Center 

Denver, CO 80225 

Listed below are the current Division projects. The locations of the projects are shown in figure 

3. 

NORTHERN REGION 

Project Title: National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska 

Project Objective: To provide new 1:50,000-scale topographic maps for that part of the National 

Petroleum Reserve presently mapped only at the 1:250,000 scale. 

Project Status: The project consists of 82 quadrangles being mapped at 1:50,000 scale with metric 

contours. At the beginning of FY 1979, 48 quadrangles had been compiled with advance manuscript copy 

available. The remaining 34 quadrangles will be compiled in FY 1979. 

* * * 

Project Title: Coal Resource Area 

Project Objective: To provide 1:50,000-scale topographic maps for an area presently mapped only at the 

1:250,000 scale. 

Project Status: The project consists of 45 quadrangles to be mapped at 1:50,00C scale with metric 

contours. Control is being generated using special aerotriangulation techniques. Map compilation is 

scheduled to begin in FY 1980. 

* * * 

Project Title: Eastern Brooks Range 

Project Objective: To provide new 1:63,360-scale topographic maps in an area previously unmapped at 

th1s scale. 

Project Status: There are 33 quadrangles remaining to be compiled in this area. This work has been deferred because of higher priority requirements in the National Petroleum Reserve and Coal Resource 

areas. The present schedule calls for advance manuscript copy to be available for these quadrangles by 

the end of FY 1980. 

* * * 

Project Title: Ambler River 

Project Objective: To establish geodetic control required for nevi topographic mapping. 

Project Status: The project area is now mapped at 1:250,000 scale. During the summer of 1979, field 

mapp1ng control will be established to provide mapping coverage at 1:50,000 metric scale. 

* * * 

WEST-CENTRAL REGION 

Project Title: Hughes-Shungnak Area 

Project Objective: To provide new 1:50,000-scale topographic maps in an area presently unmapped at this 

scale. 

Project Status: The area of the project consists of 55 quadrangles at 1:50,000 scale. Field mapping 

control 1 s approximately 50 percent complete. Because of higher priority requirements for mapping in 

other areas, such as the National Petroleum Reserve, the present schedule calls for the remaining field 

control to be obtained in 1980. Advance manuscript copy is to be available in 1981. 

* * * 

18 
TOPOGRAPHIC 

Project Title: Christian East 

Project Objective: To provide four new 1:63,360-scale quadrangles in an area previously unmapped at 

this scale. 

Project Status: Advance manuscript copy is presently available for the four quadrangles. They are 

expected to go to map reproduction facilities for printing by the end of FY 1980. 

* * * 

Project Title: Christian 

Project Objective: To establish geodetic control required for new topographic mapping. 

Project Status: Mapping control will be established during the summer of 1979 to provide new 

1:63,360-scale mapping. This area is now covered by only 1:250,000-scale mapping. 

* * * 

SOUTHWESTERN REGION 

Project Title: Russian Mission, Bethel, Goodnews [Bay] 

Project Objective: To prepare three new 1:250,000-scale maps to replace the reconnaissance maps that 

presently cover this area. 

Project Status: The 1:250,000-scale and 24 1:63,360-scale maps of the Goodnews [Bay] quadrangles have 

been completed and are awaiting publication. The Russian Mission and Bethel 1:250,000-scale maps are 

scheduled to be completed along with the companion 1:63,360-scale quadrangles in 1979. 

* * * 

Project Title: Port Moller 

Project Objective: To prepare eight new 1:63,360-scale topographic maps of the Port Moller area. 

Project Status: Three quadrangles have been compiled, and advance manuscript copy is available. The 

rema1n1ng f1ve 1:63,360-scale quadrangles are scheduled to be compiled during FY 1979. 

* * * 

SOUTHERN REGION 

Project Title: Bureau of Land Management, Alaska, Support 

Project Objective: To establish horizontal control in support of the public land surveys of the Bureau 

of Land Management in Alaska. 

Project Status: During 1978, the Topographic Division personnel established 19 horizontal geodetic 

pos1tions by electronic-traverse and Doppler satellite methods. The remaining 31 positions will be 

completed during the 1979 field season. 

* * * 

Project Title: Willow South 

Project Objective: To provide large-scale topographic maps of the new State capitol site near Willow. 

Project Status: The project consists of four 1:25,000-scale maps with metric contours. Field control 

was obtained in 1978. The schedule calls for advance manuscript copy to be available in FY 1981. 

* * * 

19 
TOPOGRAPHIC 

Project Title: Anchorage 

Project Objective: To provide modern large-scale topographic maps of the greater Anchorage area. 

Project Status: The project consists of 31 quadrangles at 1:25,000 scale with metric contours. Advance 

copy is presently available for these quadrangles. The maps are scheduled to be sent in for printing in 

1 ate FY 1979. 

* * * 

Project Title: Whittier 

Project Objective: To provide modern 1 arge-scal e maps of Whittier and vicinity, including Portage and 

the Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage. 

Project Status: The project consists of seven 1:25,000-scale quadrangles with metric contours. The 

schedule calls for field operations to be conducted in 1979 and advance manuscript copy to be available 

in 1981. 

* * * 

Project Title: Seward 

Project Objective: To provide modern large-scale topographic maps for Seward and vicinity. 

Project Status: The project consists of six 1:25,000-scale maps with metric contours. The schedule 

calls for field operations to be conducted in 1979 and advance manuscript copy to be available in 1981. 

* * * 

Project Title: Valdez 

Project Objective: To provide modern large-scale topographic maps for this developing area. 

Project Status: The project consists of five 1:25,000-scale quadrangles with metric contours. Field 

control was established during 1977. Advance manuscript copy should be available by the end of FY 1980. 

* * * 

Project Title: Cordova 

Project Objective: To provide modern large-scale topographic maps for Cordova and vicinity. 

Project Status: The project consists of four 1:25,000-scale quadrangles with metric contours. Field 

control was established in 1977. Advance manuscript copy should be available by the end of FY 1980. 

* * * 

Project Title: Bering Glacier- Mt. St. Elias Area 

Project Objective: This project consists of 50 quadrangles at 1:63,360 scale. Five of these have been 

comp1led, and advance manuscript copy is available. 

Project Status: Work on the remaining quadrangles has been deferred owing to higher priority mapping requ1rements 1n the National Petroleum Reserve and the Coal Resources area. 

* * * 

20 

GEOLOGIC 

BRANCH OF ALASKAN GEOLOGY 

AT FAIRBANKS \ 

BRANCH OF ELECTROMAGNET ISM GEOLOGIC DIVISION IN ALASKA 

AND GEOMAGNETISM - FAIRBANKS 

0 \ 

BRANCH OF ALASKAN GEOLOGY ALASKA CORE 

AT_JNCHORAGE LIBRARY ~ 

BRANCH OF ELECTROMAGNETISM 

WESTERN REGION OFFICES 

MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA 

AND GEOMAGNETISM - SITKA 

For further information, contact the offices listed below. 

Anchor·age, Alaska 

Thomas P. M1ller 

Menlo Park, California 

A. Thomas Ovenshine 

Reston, Vir~inia 

Da 11 as L. eck 

Fairbanks, Alaska 

Florence, R. Weber 

John B. Townshend 

Sitka, Alaska 

Willis I. Osbakken 

AnchoraTe, Alaska 

W. L. Doc} Adk1son 

Geologist in Charge Tel. {907) 271-4150 

Branch of Alaskan Geology, 1209 Orca Street 

Anchorage, AK 99501 

Chief, Branch of Alaskan Geology Tel. {415) 323-8111x2231 

345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 

Chief Geologist Tel. {703) 860-6531 

12201 Sunrise Valley Drive 

National Center, Reston, VA 22092 

Geologist in Charge Tel. {907) 479-7245 

Branch of Alaska Geology, P.O. Box 80586 

Fairpanks, AK 99708 

Chief, College Observatory Tel. {907) 479-6146 

Branch 'of Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism 

Yukon Drive on West Ridge, Fairbanks, AK 99701 

Chief, Sitka Observatory Tel. {907) 747-3J32 

Branch of Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism P.O. Box 158, Sitka, AK 99835 

Geologist Tel. {907) 271-4150 

Alaska Core Library, 132 140 Manor Street 

AnchoraQe. AK 99501 
ENERGY, MINERALS, GEOLOGIC HAZARDS, 

AND GEOLOGIC RESEARCH 

GEOLOGII 

The current scientific program of the Geologic Division in Alaska is primarily related to mineral 

and energy resource appraisal, earthquake and geologic hazards, and geologic research conducted in 

support of these programs. This work includes geologic mapping and mineral-resource evaluation, primarily at scales of 1:250,000 and 1:63,000; mineral district mapping and evaluation; mineral-resource 

appraisal; geochemical studies and sampling, particularly related to mineral deposits; petroleumresource surveys; aeromagnetic and gravity surveys and interpretation; engineering geo 1 ogy studies in 

urban areas and along transportation corridors; earthquake studies; isotope age determination and 

interpretation; heat-flow studies; and submarine sampling, subbottom profiling, and other geophysical 

studies of the ocean floor. 

Activities in Alaska are the responsibility of several working groups within the Geologic Division: 

the Branch of Alaskan Geology, the Office of Earthquake Studies, the Office of Energy Resources, and the 

Office of Marine Geology at the Western Regional Headquarters in Menlo Park, California; the Branches of 

Regional Geophysics, Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism, Exploration Research, Isotope Geology, and Engineering Geology at the Rocky Mountain Field Center in Denver, Colorado; and the Branch of Paleontology 

and Stratigraphy at the National Center in Reston, Virginia. Several other branches in the Geologic 

Division provide services or conduct research in cooperation with these units. The Branch of Alaskan 

Geology maintains two offices in Alaska: the main office is located at 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, 

with Thomas P. Miller as geologist in charge, and a second is located at the University of Alaska with 

Florence R. Weber in charge. The Branch of Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism maintains observatories at 

Fairbanks (College), Barrow, Adak, and Sitka. The College and Barrow observatories are under the 

direction of J. B. Townshend, whose office is in Fairbanks. The Sitka Observatory is directed by 

Willis Osbakken. 

This section on the Geologic Division first describes the major mission-oriented programs in Alaska 

and then describes the current projects in Alaska by geographic region. Figures 4 through 12 show the 

locations of current division activities. Projects for other divisions are presented under similar 

geographic headings for easy cross-referencing or gaining an overview of all Survey activities in a 

region. 

The major program elements of the Geologic Division in Alaska are: 

The Alaska Mineral Resources Appraisal Program (AMRAP) and related projects (23 projects) 

The North Slope Petroleum Program and related Alaska-wide energy studies (16 projects) 

The Marine Geology Program (10 projects) 

The Arctic Environmental Studies Program (5 projects) 

The Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (6 projects) 

Geologic research in support of the program elements (11 projects) 

Most of these programs are interrelated. Several Arctic environmental studies, for example, are 

designed to determine and mitigate the environmental effects of oil exploration, production, and 

transportation in the Arctic. The Marine Geology Program, similarly, is designed to determine the 

petroleum potential in the continental shelf areas off the coast of Alaska and to determine geo-hazards 

related to placement of oil and mining facilities on the sea fl oar. Much of the North Slope Petroleum 

Program is funded by the Office of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. 

ALASKA MINERAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT PROGRAM 

The Alaska Mineral Resources Assessment Program (AMRAP), coordinated by Henry C. Berg, began in 

1975. The program was developed to meet the demand by public and private interests for objective and 

timely information on Alaska•s mineral endowment. The AMRAP program has two basic objectives: (1) to 

assess the State•s mineral potential for long-range planning and development by systematic methods 

carried out by i nterdi sci pl i nary teams studying the areas of the 1: 250,000-scal e quadrangles; and (2) to 

assess in the near term, on a 1:1,000,000-scale base, the State•s mineral resources to provide 

information to Congress and the Department of the Interior for use in their efforts to classify Alaskan 

lands. The second objective has been realized for most of Alaska; the southeastern part of the State is 

being investigated in this manner at the present time. 

The AMRAP program comprises four levels of study. The objective of Level I is to publish statewide 

summaries of Alaska•s mineral resources. This element is continuing and is based on past and present 

investigations by the Survey and by other organizations and agencies. Level II works towards identifying mineral resources likely to occur in a given large area of the State by plotting favorable areas 

on maps, and by presenting some measure of the probable size and grade of undiscovered deposits. Level 

II reports incorporate summaries of the results of Level III studies, which include geologic mapping, 

aeromagnetic and geophysical surveys, analysis of geochemical samples, and topical studies of known 

deposits. Level III addresses specific 1:250,000-scale quadrangles, each containing about 4.5 million 

acres. Interdi sci pl i nary teams study each quadrangle for about 3 years to acquire more detailed i nformation than that of Level II. Level IV investigations focus on individual mineral deposits or 

23 
GEOLOGIC 

mining districts to determine their size, nature, and origin. Such Level IV studies are underway on 

Prince of Wales Island, the Aleutian Peninsula, and in the Alaska and Brooks Ranges. 

The total AMRAP project area is nearly 180,000 square miles. Level III studies have been completed 

for about two-thirds of the area; figure 4 shows the current status of these studies. Fieldwork is 

scheduled for the following quadrangles and areas in 1979: Bradfield Canal quadrangle, Circle quadrangle, Healy quadrangle, Medfra quadrangle, Mt. Hayes quadrangle, Survey Pass quadrangle (surficial 

geology), Ugashik-Karluk quadrangles area, and Valdez quadrangle. Fieldwork is completed and laboratory 

studies are underway or final reports are in preparation for the following projects: Chignik-Sutwik 

Island quadrangles, Lake Clark quadrangle, and Survey Pass quadrangle (bedrock geology). The following 

projects are completed and reports have been published or are in press: Ambler River quadrangle, Chandalar quadrangle, Big Delta quadrangle, Goodnews and Hagemeister Island quadrangles, Seward and Blying 

Sound quadrangles, Talkeetna quadrangle, Talkeetna Mountains quadrangle, and Tanacross quadrangle. 

ARCTIC ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM 

The Arctic Environmental Studies Program is under the direction of Oscar J. Ferrians, Jr. lhe program objectives are: ( 1) to investigate energy-related transportation corridors and other areas of 

development in Alaska in order to obtain base-line geotechnical data needed to aid in planning, 

designing, operating, and maintaining engineering structures so that adverse envirorunental impacts will 

be minimized; to evaluate feasibility of proposed projects; and to prepare comprehensive Environmental 

Impact Statements; (2) to collect and synthesize pertinent engineering geologic data made available 

during construction of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline, particularly emphasizing the character and 

distribution of surficial deposits and permafrost, Pleistocene and Holocene stratigraphy, glacial 

chronology, periglacial features, seismic phenomena, and geologic processes that are unique to or especially active in the arctic environment; and {3) to observe and record geotechnical maintenance and 

environmental problems that arise during the operation of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline in order to 

determine the location, character, and extent of these problems and their relation to geologic conditions and processes. These observations will allow an evaluation of the adequacy of the technical 

stipulations in controlling adverse environmental impacts and make it possible to improve stipulations 

for future engineering projects that would have a significant impact on the environment. 

Continuing projects within the Arctic Environmental Studies Program include: Tanana Valley Transportation-Development Corridor Studies, Eastern Arctic Coastal Plain Studies, Surficial Geology of the 

Central Brooks Range, and Western Arctic Coastal Plain Quaternary Studies. Other major activities 

during 1978 included: (1) continuing surficial/engineering geologic map compilation of part of the 

Copper River Basin (item 7, fig. 7); (2) a continuing exchange program with Soviet scientists and 

engineers concerned with pipelines, permafrost, and environmental protection; and (3) compilation of a 

3-year study of the seismicity of northeastern Alaska, demonstrating that this large region is subject 

to earthquakes although it was previously considered to be essentially aseismic. 

NORTH SLOPE PETROLEUM PROGRAM 

The North Slope Petroleum Program, directed by Kenneth J. Bird, consists of a number of projects 

whose goals are to explore the petroleum potential of the North Slope of Alaska. Specifically, the 

programs's objectives are to determine, map, and describe, on the surface and in the subsurface, by 

geologic, geophysical, and geochemical methods: (1) the structural framework and regional structural 

trends in the Brooks Range and North Slope; (2) depositional environments and lateral relations of 

Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic facies; (3) possible hydrocarbon reservoirs and their regional trends; 

(4) paleontologic, lithologic, and electric log correlations across the North Slope; (5) the thermal 

hi story, hydrocarbon source potential, and relations of extracted hydrocarbons to known North Slope 

oils; and (6) the geologic history of the area as it relates to potential reservoirs, source and seal 

rocks, hydrocarbon formation and migration, and present structural trends. 

At present there are five active projects within the North Slope Petroleum Program: a reservoir 

study of the Lisburne Group; a subsurface, seismic, gravity, magnetic, and stratigraphic study of the 

structural style of the eastern Brooks Range foothills; a comprehensive reservoir study of the Cretaceous Nanushuk Group; a geochemical study of NPRA to assess petroleum source rock potential; and a 

helium sniffer survey in the NPRA and Prudhoe Bay areas to determine the effectiveness of this technique 

in the Arctic. The last project is not described in this circular; information can be obtained from 

Kenneth Bird. 

MARINE GEOLOGY PROGRAM 

The Alaskan continental shelf is larger than the combined shelves of the rest of the United States. 

The energy and mineral potential of this shelf area is and will continue to be a major segment of 

national resource programs. The primary mission of the Survey's Marine Geology Program is to provide 

scientifically interpreted information about the (1) resource potential, (2) geo-environmental setting, 

and (3) overall geologic characteristics of the continental margin and adjacent shallow and deeper 

coastal areas of Alaska. The program focuses on the investigation of the regional geologic framework 

24 
GEOLOGIC 

and on geo-environmental problems that typically require the gathering of widely spread and publicly 

available geophysical and geologic data. In contrast, the Conservation Division's program, described 

elsewhere in this circular, prepares detailed resource and geo-environmental data analysis for evaluations of specific three-mile-square tracts. The combination of regional geologic synthesis compiled by 

the Geologic Division and the detailed assessments by the Conservation Division provide a comprehensive 

understanding of the oil and gas resource potential of an area and the geologic hazards related to 

exploration and production activities. 

Although the bulk of the regional resource studies of continental margins is directed at energy deposits, investigations are also conducted to determine mineral resources, both hard-rock and placer 

deposits, and the availability of construction materials such as sand and gravel, which may bear on 

energy resource development. Energy resource investigations are concentrated in areas proposed or that 

have potential for leasing activity. 

The geo-environmental program involves seafloor characterization studies, analyses of processes active on the seabed, and geo-hazard assessments. In Alaskan areas, the studies are designed first to 

determine the regional relations and then focus on the specific geo-hazards and the processes that fonn 

them. Geo-hazards include recent or active faulting, seabed erosion or scour, transportation and deposition, slumping and related mass-sediment movement, gas accumulations in the shallow subsurface, and 

ice-gouging of the seafloor. 

These studies also involve basic or applied research needed to (1) improve our ability to either 

collect or interpret scientific data or (2) understand processes that shape or modify the seabed and its 

underlying rocks. The theoretical and technological results of these endeavors bolster our areal resource and geo-environmental programs, as well as enrich the Nation's storehouse of scientific 

knowledge. 

The Marine Geology Program is coordinated by H. Edward Clifton. The projects are described under 

the regional headings Southwestern and Southern, and Offshore. 

EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION PROGRAM 

On an annual basis, most of the releases of seismic energy in the United States occur in the Alaska 

seismic zone. Consequently, earthquakes pose serious hazards to 1 ife and property within the State. 

Severity of the hazard was amply illustrated by the great Alaskan earthquake of 1964. However, Alaska 

also provides an ideal area to conduct research into the cause of earthquakes. The program in Alaska is 

part of a national program mandated by the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-124). 

Under the act, the responsibility for research on earthquake hazards is divided between the Survey and 

the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Survey is responsible for prediction, induced seismicity, 

and hazards assessment. The NSF is responsible for engineering and research for utilization of 

mitigating procedures. Much of the national overall program funding goes to universities, private 

groups, and other government services in addition to the Survey's program. As a result, the Survey 

closely coordinates its program in Alaska with the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska in 

Fairbanks and with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Observatories are maintained in Adak, Sitka, and Barrow, in addition to the Fairbanks facilities. The program in Alaska is 

coordinated by Robert Page. Figure 5 shows the location of current activities of this program. 

25 
1\) 

0) 

-------

pAciFIC 

ALASKA 

EXPLANATION 

AMRAP STATUS 

PUBLISHED OR IN PRESS 

~ FIELD STUDIES COMPLETED 

~ FIELD STUDIES UNDERWAY 

r::::::J FIELD STUDIES BEGIN 1979 

0 100 200 Miles 

0 1 0 0 2 00 K i I orne t e r s 

Figure 4.--Status of Level III Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment Program (AMRAP), January 1, 1979. 

Base from U.S. Geologic Survey Alaska Map A 

Ci) 

m 

0 

.-

0 

Ci) 

0 
GEOLOGIC 

PROJECTS OF THE GEOLOGIC DIVISION 

STATEWIDE 

Project Title: Mineral Resources of Alaska 

Project Chief: Edward H. Cobb 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: As a continuing project, to keep office studies of mineral occurrence data current 

and to prepare special-purpose maps, reports, and reference 1 i sts whenever the need arises. Most data 

are organized so they are available for entry into computerized storage and retrieval banks. 

Project Status: As this is a continuing project, percentage-of-completion data are not applicable; by 

early in 1979, records should be current as of December 31, 1978. 

Project Title: Alaska Geologic Earthquake Hazards 

Project Chief: George Plafker 

* * * 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To study and evaluate risk in Alaska from tectonic displacement, seismic shaking, 

and secondary geologic effects. A more general goal is to gain insight into tectonic processes within 

the seismically active zones of Alaska, with special emphasis on south-central Alaska. 

Project Status: The 8-year program has resulted in detailed strip mapping and reconnaissance studies of 

virtually all known or suspected active faults that are exposed on land in Alaska and evaluation of 

marine terrace sequences in the Gulf of Alaska region. During 1978 fieldwork included study of the 

offshore continuations of the Fairweather and Chatham Strait faults using the R/V Sea Sounder, 

completion of work on marine terraces in the Lituya Bay area, and a reconnaissance of-uie onshore 

segment of the Chatham Strait fault. Studies of the offset history of the Chatham Strait fault and 

recent elevation changes along shorelines in southeastern Alaska will be carried out in 1979. 

The area of current project activity is shown in figure 5 and in more detail in item 1, figure 11. 

* * * 

Project Title: Precambrian of Alaska 

Project Chiefs: G. Donald Eberlein and Marvin A. Lanphere 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology; Office of Geochemistry and 

Geophysics, Branch of Isotope Geology) 

Project Objectives: In response to growing public demand on earth resources and in recognition of the 

need for closer examination of the largely overlooked mineral resource potential of the world 1s Precambrian terranes, the Subcommission on Precambrian Stratigraphy of the Internat ion a 1 Union of Geological 

Sciences• Commission on Stratigraphy has established Working Groups in all parts of the world where 

Precambrian rocks form a significant part of the geology of the region. This program activity, with 

particular concern for Alaska, is one of seven that constitute the Working Group for the Precambrian of 

the United States and Mexico. Immediate objectives are: (1) assembly and evaluation of existing 

pertinent geologic and geochronologic data relevant to Alaskan Precambrian terranes; (2) preparation of 

a summary geologic report and geochronologic chart for Alaska to be published in a single volume with 

similar reports for the other regions of the United States and Mexico; (3) formulation of an acceptable 

time scale for the Precambrian of the United States and Mexico; (4) coordination with the Working Group 

of Canada in an effort to formulate an acceptable Precambrian time scale for all of North America; (5) 

identification and designation of reference sections; and (6) revision of the American Commission on 

Stratigraphic Nomenclature code for the Precambrian. 

Project Status: Objectives (1), (2), and (3) have been fulfilled. A review paper on the Precambrian of 

Alaska has been approved for publication. Efforts are actively going forward in pursuit of objective 

( 4). 

* * * 

27 
1\) 

Q) 

Figure 

pAciFIC 

5 .--Statewide geologic activities in Alaska. 

ALASKA 

E X P L A N A T I 0 N 

~~~(~ARCTIC ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 

c:~·.·~~J URANIUM POTENTIAL OF TERTIARY BASINS 

IN ALASKA 

~ GEOCHRONOLO~Y AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF IG- ~ NEOUS ROCKS AND RELATED ORE DEPOSITS 

~SELECTED STUDIES OF TIN, TUNGSTEN, '----lAND MOLYBDENUM DEPOSITS 

~ EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS ~(For detai I see fig. 11) 

0 100 200 Miles 

I I I 

0 100 200 Kilometers 

-jl 

Base from U.S.Geologic Survey Alaska Map A 

Ci) 

m 

0 

r0 

Ci) 

-

0 
GEOLOGIC 

Project Title: Paleozoic Paleontology and Stratigraphy of Alaska 

Project Chief: J. Thomas Dutro, Jr. 

(Office of Environmental Geology, Branch of Paleontology and Stratigraphy) 

Project Objectives: (1) Field and laboratory studies of Paleozoic biostratigraphy of Alaska, with 

emphasis on upper Paleozoic rocks of the Brooks Range; (2) systematic description of invertebrate 

faunas, relating their distribution in space and time to the geologic development of Alaska and the 

arctic regions; (3) inquiry into the paleotectonic and depositional implications of the faunal assemblages and carbonate petrography, and correlations with other Paleozoic sequences in the Arctic. 

Project Status: This is a lifetime project whose direction during any short-term period (2-5 years) is 

determ1ned, 1n part, by the nature of cooperative work with other Survey geologists. Current work 

includes studies of the Carboniferous of Alaska, the Upper Devonian of the central Brooks Range, the 

Pa 1 eozoic of the Medfra quadrangle, Lisburne Group microfacies, carbonate petrography of the Bornite 

area, biostratigraphy of the Calico Bluff Formation, and the lower Paleozoic sedimentary rocks of the 

Dillinger River in the Alaska Range. 

Project Title: Metamorphic Facies Map of Alaska 

Project Chief: David A. Brew 

* * * 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To compile a 1:2,500,000-scale metamorphic facies map of Alaska showing the facies, 

facies groups, facies series, selected isograds, and granitic rock bodies in the style of the metamorphic facies map explanation suggested by the International Union of Geological Sciences in 1967. The 

map is planned as a contribution to a Map of the Metamorphic Belts of the World, which is sponsored by 

the Commission for the Geological Map of the World (of the International Geological Congress and the 

International Union of Geological Sciences), and as a joint U.S. Geological Survey-State of Alaska 

publication. 

Project Status: Progress to date includes preliminary compilation and review of regional metamorphic 

fac1es maps at a scale of 1:1,000,000 for all of Alaska, coding of background metamorphic mineral 

locality information, and start of the compilation of the final 1:2,500,000-scale map. 

* * * 

Project Title: Geochronology and Geochemistry of Igneous Rocks and Related Ore Deposits in Alaska 

Project Chief: Miles L. Silberman 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To study both mineralized and unmineralized plutons, stocks, and related volcanic 

rocks in m1ning districts and AMRAP project areas to ascertain: (I) the chemical and mineralogic nature 

of the igneous rocks; (2) the origin of the igneous rocks; (3) the relations in space and time between 

the igneous rocks and associated ore deposits that bear on the genesis of the ore deposits; and (4) the 

regional history of Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic magmatism. Accomplishment of these basic objectives will lead to development of criteria for exploration to locate new ore deposits. Recognition of 

areas favorable for location of new ore deposits and evaluation of mineral potential of areas known to 

have such deposits are hampered by lack of knowledge of how and why ore deposits form. Spatial association alone suggests an important causative relation that should be evaluated. 

Project Status: Isotopic age study is still in progress on igneous rocks and hydrothermal mineralization in the Willow Creek mining district. Preliminary data were reported in Open-file Report 76-191, 

and the final results, which should be completed in the fall of 1979, will appear as a topical paper and 

in the AMRAP Talkeetna Mountains report. Additional rubidium-strontium (Rb-Sr) analytical data were 

determined by the project chief in February and March at the laboratories of University of New Mexico. 

Initial results of the Rb-Sr study of meta-plutonic rocks in the Brooks Range were reported at the 

Geological Society of America, Cordilleran Section meeting in April. Additional fieldwork to extend the 

Brooks Range geochronological study, in collaboration with State of Alaska, Division of Geological and 

Geophysical Surveys personnel, is planned for summer 1979. Potassium-argon dating of about 25 samples 

from the Ruby and Medfra quadrangles has been completed; results will be reported in the Medfra AMRAP 

report. An area which has copper and tin mineralization in the Medfra quadrangle is being studied and 

evaluated; results of this investigation will appear in an open-file report late in 1979. Additional 

29 
~EOLOGIC 

fieldwork is plan ned for the Medfra-Ruby area in 1979. Rb-Sr geochronological study of Precambrian 

rocks from the Ruby-Medfra area of the Ruby Geanticline will be initiated in 1979. 

Project location is indicated in figure 5. 

Project Title: AMRAP Geophysical Studies 

Project Chief: James E. Case 

* * * 

(Office of Geochemistry and Geophysics, Regional Geophysics Branch) 

Project Objectives: To provide interpretations of aeromagnetic, gravity, and other geophysical data in 

support of AMRAP projects. 

Project Status: Continuing 

Project Title: Coal Resources of Alaska 

Project Chief: Gary D. Stricker 

* * * 

(Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Coal Resources) 

Project Objectives: (1) To evaluate coal resources in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA) 

and AMRAP areas of Alaska by geologic mapping, drill core data, and geophysical methods; (2) to prepare 

cross sections showing coal bed correlations and core distribution in NPRA and AMRAP areas; (3) to provide resource estimates by area and bed for selected parts of these areas; and (4) to assess coal 

quality by use of Btu values, sulfur and ash content, and major-, minor-, and trace-element concentrations. Coal samples will be collected from drill sites and other acceptable locations and analyzed 

by USGS laboratories. 

Project Status: Twenty-two sect ions, which include approximately 45,355 feet of strata in the Nanushuk 

Group, were measured in the 1978 field season, and coal samples were collected. A study of well logs 

and outcrop data for the coal-bearing Nanushuk Group is underway. Studies in progress include 

depositional environments and coal resource assessment of NPRA. 

* * * 

Project Title: Selected Studies of Tin, Tungsten, and Molybdenum Deposits in Alaska 

Project Chief: Travis Hudson 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To investigate the origin of intrusive rocks associated with tin, tungsten, and 

molybdenum deposits in Alaska. Petrology, geochemistry, and geochronology are integrated with regional 

geology in these studies in order to better understand the genesis of the deposits. 

Project Status: Specific field and laboratory studies of the Oonatut Granite Complex and associated tin 

mineralization (Seward Peninsula) and of intrusive rocks associated with the Quartz Hill molybdenum deposit (Ketchikan quadrangle) have been completed. Geochronologic and geochemical studies of Seward peninsula tin-granite complexes and of intrusive rocks associated with molybdenum deposits in the Coast 

Range batholithic complex of southeastern A 1 ask a are continuing. A tabulation and geologic summary of 

tungsten deposits in Alaska are nearing completion, and field and laboratory studies of the Coast Range 

batholithic complex near Ketchikan and Skagway have begun. Field studies of Jurassic plutonic rocks in 

the Chugach Mountains will begin in 1979. 

The area of project activity is shown in figure 5. 

* * * 

30 
GEOLOGIC 

Project Title: Uranium Potential of Tertiary Basins in Alaska 

Project Chief: Kendell A. Dickinson 

(Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Uranium-Thorium Resources) 

Project Objectives: (1) To evaluate the uranium potential of selected Tertiary sedimentary basins and 

coastal reg1ons; (2) to compile data on and locate anomalous radioactivity in Tertiary sedimentary 

rocks; (3) to determine the environments of sedimentation in each basin and coastal region to delineate 

nearshore and continental facies most favorable for roll-type uranium deposits; (4) to deterrnine 

potential granitic and volcanic ash source rocks for uranium near basins and coastal plains; (!:>) to 

delineate areas of alteration favorable for uranium deposits and determine hydrology as it relates to 

movement of uranium-bearing groundwater; (6) to evaluate paleo-geochemical conditions suitable for the 

preservation of potential host rocks; and (7) to define target areas for physical exploration 

(drilling). 

Project Status: Fieldwork is 70 percent complete, and laboratory and work compilation 50 percent 

complete. Plans for 1979 field season include 2 weeks in Tintina Valley. 

Project location is shown in figure 5. 

* * * 

Project Title: Arctic Map 

Project Chief: Michael Churkin, Jr. 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To delineate the major lithospheric plates, past and present. This will provide a 

reg1onal perspect1ve for other workers making more detailed studies of various parts of Alaska and also 

assist in the correlation of geology and mineral deposits bet~-1een Alaska and adjoining areas of Canada 

and the USSR. 

Project Status: A 11 basement 11 map of Alaska and adjoining areas, showing oceanic and continental terranes, is nearly ready for technical review. An analysis of this map has outlined the continental backbone of Alaska which has served as a backstop for the accretion of allocthonous terranes of oceanic and 

microcontinental origin. Results of this study are being prepared for publication. 

* * * 

Project Title: Landsat Imagery and Applications in Alaska (AMRAP) 

Project Chief: W. Clinton Steele 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: (1) To furnish AMRAP team leaders and principal investigators with state-of-the-art 

Landsat materials for reconnaissance purposes; (2) to provide unique geologic, structural, and tectonic 

information relevant to mineral resource assessment for each AMRAP quadrangle; and (3) to develop computer methods to aid in manipulating and analyzing the rapidly increasing volume of data generated in 

the project. 

The types of Landsat products used are: (1) black and white, single-band Landsat mosaics; (2) a 

noncomputer-enhanced, controlled, false-color Landsat mosaic; (3) photographically enhanced false-color 

images; (4) computer-enhanced first-derivative black and white images; (5) computer-enhanced falsecolor, color ratio, and simulated natural color images; and (6) interactive computer programs and 

displays allowing analysis of specific areas. 

Project Status: The Landsat data parts of studies of the Nabesna, McCarthy, Tanacross, Talkeetna, 

Goodnews [Bay], Hagemeister Island, Ketchikan, Prince Rubert, Talkeetna Mountains, Chandalar, Philip 

Smith Mountains, Ambler River, and Big Delta quadrangles studies have been completed and published. 

Computer compatible tapes for Ugashik, Karluk, Lime Hills, Medfra, Bradfield Canal, Mount Hayes, Healy, 

and Circle quadrangles are being processed at the Computer Center Division, Flagstaff, Arizona. Images 

for the Survey Pass, Seward, Blying Sound, Chignik, Sutwick Island, Lake Clark, and Valdez quadrangles 

are being analyzed. 

31 
GEOLOGIC 

70° 

0 

c e \A 

EXPLANATION 

1. NATIONAL PETROLEUM RESERVE 

2. NORTHERN ALASKA CENOZOIC 

3. EASTERN ARCTIC COASTAL PLAIN 

4. GEOLOGIC-GEOPHYSICAL PROFILE ACROSS BROOKS RANGE FRONT 

5. BROOKS RANGE DEVONIAN 

168° 62° 159° 

I c : 

I 

-~ 

-------~-- j -~--

EXPLANATION 

6. SURFICIAL GEOLOGY OF CENTRAL BROOKS RANGE 

7. SOUTHEAST BROOKS RANGE GEOLOGY B~ WESTERN ARCTIC COASTAL PLAIN QUATERNARY 9. CRETACEOUS NANUSHUK GROUP 

153° oo 147° 144° 

0 c E' I 

!.4 

! 

0 100 200Miles E===c===E===c=~ 

Oe ;::;;;;;::;::;;;;;::=:1!30c0====2 :EO Os==:='!35i0 0 K i I orne t e r s 

Figure 6.--Geologic activities in Northern Alaska. 

32 
GEOLOGIC 

A noncomputer-enhanced, controlled, 1:1,000,000-scale Lambert conformal false-color Landsat mosaic 

of Alaska has been constructed. The mosaic includes all of Alaska except St. Lawrence Island and the 

Aleutian Islands and is available in various formats from the EROS Data Center in Sioux Falls, South 

Dakota. 

Figure 4 shows the location of AMRAP quadrangles. 

* * * 

Project Title: Strata-Tectonic Terrane Map of Alaska 

Project Chiefs: David L. Jones and P.J. Coney 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Paleontology and Stratigraphy; Uepartment of 

Geological Sciences) 

Project Objectives: To compile a strata-tectonic terrane map of Alaska with accompany; ng expanded 

legend and descriptive material. The purpose of this compilation is to portray the major terranes and 

tectonic elements of Alaska critical to understanding its tectonic evolution. 

The project will proceed in two stages: 

(1) The first stage is to compile the map in four quadrants at a scale of 1:1,000,000: Northern, 

Central, Southeast, and Southern. These compilations will be preliminary and placed on open file; the 

first sheet will be the southern quadrant; 

(2) Final compilation will be as single map sheet at 1:2,500,000 with a separate, complete, expanded 

legend and descriptive material. The final map will include all basement and superjacent terranes and 

major structures. 

Project Status: This new project is scheduled for 4 years. It is being undertaken because it is now 

apparent that Alaska holds special importance for tectonic studies in North America and particularly in 

its western Cordillera. It is also critical for understanding tectonic relationships between North 

America and Asia. This importance is due to the fact that the entire State is made up of a great 

collage of geologic terranes whose original position and methods of accretion remain enigmatic. Classic 

plate tectonic signatures are surprisingly absent in many cases. This suggests that the proposed 

studies will bring important insights to Cordilleran tectonic evolution and to the evolution of classic 

plate tectonic theory, and make more comprehensible the geologic evolution of Alaska and distribution of 

its important mineral resources. 

Project Tit 1 e: 

Project Chief: 

* * * 

NORTHERN REGION 

National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Oil and Gas Source Rock Study (North Slope 

Petroleum Program) 

Leslie B. Magoon 

(Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and Gas Resources) 

Project Objectives: To provide data and interpretations necessary to assess oil and gas source potentlal of various possible hydrocarbon source horizons in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. 

Interim reports will help evaluate the present drilling program and determine the location of new drill 

sites as required. 

Project Status: Analytical data needed for this study will be provided by Geochem Research, Inc., 

Houston, and Global Geochemistry, Los Angeles. To date, more than 8,000 analyses have been completed. 

Petroleum Information, Denver, is building and maintaining the data file of these analyses and implementing graphical displays. 

Project location is shown in item 1, figure 6. 

* * * 

33 
GEOLOGIC 

Project Title: Engineering Geologic Studies in National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska 

Project Chief: Reuben Kachadoorian 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To make engineering geologic investigations to provide geotechnical analyses needed 

for petroleum exploration of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. Investigations include, but are not limited to, (1) determining sources of construction materials and (2) evaluating site locations of 

such facilities as airstrips, roads, drill sites, and construction camps. Project personnel consult 

with participants in the NPRA program on (1) engineering geology and permafrost-related engineering 

problems and (2) engineering geologic effects of exploration activities in the Reserve. 

Project Status: Because the project provides engineering geologic expertise needed to fulfill responsibilitles assigned to the Geological Survey through provisions of the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976, it will continue until these responsibilities are fulfilled. 

Project location is shown in item 1, figure 6. 

* * * 

Project Title: National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA) 105(c) Land Use Studies 

Project Chief: Oscar J. Ferrians, Jr. 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To carry out surficial geologic investigations of the Reserve which include the 

follow1ng: (1) determination of the distribution and character of natural construction materials (e.g., 

gravel deposits, which are limited in extent); (2) investigation of geologic hazards (e.g., thawing of 

permafrost, unstable bentonitic shales, accelerated erosion, and flooding); (3) determination of 

distribution of ice-rich permafrost, including ice-wedge polygons, pingos, and other indicators of the 

presence of permafrost; (4) determination of character and distribution of various types of surficial 

deposits in terms of their engineering properties; (5) study of unique arctic drainage conditions; (6) 

study of coastal zone processes and conditions; and (7) preparation of a slope map. 

To carry out mineral resource assessment studies which include the following: (1) determine the 

distribution, character, and stratigraphic and structural relations of rocks which are potentially 

mineral bearing; (2) systematic sampling of rocks and soils in areas of mineral potential in order to 

determine their geochemistry; and (3) determination of the types and values of mineral commodities 

present. 

Project Status: After two seasons of fieldwork, the project was offici ally terminated on Apri 1 1, 1979. 

More than 20 technical reports and maps have been prepared as part of this land use study. 

Project location is shown in item 1, figure 6. 

* * * 

Project Title: National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Support Paleontology 

Project Chief: Charles A. Repenning 

(Office of Environmental Geology, Branch of Paleontology and Stratigraphy) 

Project Objectives: To examine Late Cretaceous to Quaternary mega- and microfossils from strata within 

the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska and in adjacent regions, with the objectives of estimating age, 

making stratigraphic correlations, and establishing arctic biochronologies. This information will aid 

in deciphering the history of structural/tectonic activity within NPRA, which in turn may lead to better 

understanding of time of hydrocarbon migration and entrapment in possible petroleum reservoirs. 

Project Status: Field collection of Tertiary mollusks has been completed, with final sampling of Pleistocene mollusks to occur in summer 1979. Extensive field sampling of Tertiary and Quaternary plants, 

vertebrates, and microfossils remains to be done, to supplement collecting done in 1978. 

Project location is shown in item 1, figure 6. 

* * * 

34 
GEOLOGIC 

Project Title: Northern Alaska Cenozoic 

Project Chief: David M. Hopkins 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To determine the state, depth, and extent of offshore permafrost on the Beaufort 

Sea coast. Core drilling through shorefast ice in Prudhoe Bay has permitted determination of permafrost 

distribution and the lithology and stratigraphy of subsea sediments. Reconnaissance of the coastline 

and offshore islands of the Beaufort and Chukchi Sea coasts has given a picture of late Pleistocene and 

Holocene paleogeography and climatic and depositional history which supports the permafrost studies. 

Project Status: This project continues work which was begun in 1976. Data from seven existing boreholes in Prudhoe Bay have been analyzed and reported on to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration in both quarterly and annual reports. Field programs during the summers of 1977 and 197() 

have provided information for open-file reports on coastal erosion rates and storm surge limits, as well 

as furthering studies on ice-wedge development. D.M. Hopkins and R.W. Hartz participated as Outer 

Continental Shelf Environmental Assessment Program investigators in the Conservation Division's drilling 

program in the Beaufort Sea during February and March 1979. 

Project location is shown in item 2, figure 6. 

* * * 

Project Title: Eastern Arctic Coastal Plain (Arctic Environmental Studies Program) 

Project Chief: Oscar J. Ferrians, Jr. 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To complete reconnaissance engineering geologic investigations that will provide 

base-line geotechmcal data needed for planning, designing, operating, and maintaining engineering 

structures in this region (e.g., the proposed Arctic Gas Pipeline). Planned fieldwork includes 

engineering geologic mapping at a scale of 1:125,000. Studies of permafrost conditions and geomorphic 

features and other permafrost-related geologic processes important to arctic engineering will be emphasized. Potentia 1 geotechni ca 1 prob 1 ems that require special cons ide ration inc 1 ude: slope stability, 

drainage conditions, frost action, thawing of permafrost, availability of natural construction 

materials, swelling soils, earthquake effects, erosion, flooding, and icings. 

Project Status: Enough data have been collected during 5 weeks of helicopter-supported fieldwork to 

prepare preliminary engineering geologic maps of the entire region. After these maps have been prepared, 3-4 weeks of fieldwork will be required for field checking before maps are published. 

Project location is shown in item 3, figure 6. 

* * * 

Project Title: Geologic-geophysical Profile Across the Brooks Range Front, Northeastern Alaska (North 

Slope Petroleum Program) 

Project Chief: Kenneth J. Bird 

(Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and Gas Resources) 

Project Objectives: To determine the structural style of the Brooks Range front and its relation to the 

petroleum potential of this general area by studying a strip about 10 miles wide by 40 miles long extending from the Shaviovik Anticline in the foothills to Wahoo Lake in the range. This area is uniquely 

suited to a study of this type because of the variety of geologic and geophysical data available and the 

presence of the Kemik gas field. The data consist of surface geologic maps, four wells, several seismic 

lines, gravity and magnetic measurements, and rock samples. 

Project Status: Gravity and magnetic readings from 50 stat ions along this profile have been reduced and 

analyzed by D.M. Giovannetti. Rock samples from wells and outcrop have been measured for their density 

and magnetic susceptibility. This information is being released in open file. A stratigraphic summary 

of four wells and numerous outcrop sections along the profile is nearly complete. Geochemical and paleontologic analyses of selected samples have been completed. Synthetic seismograms have been constructed from digitized acoustic logs. Review and updating of the surface geology by means of aerial photographs are in progress. 

Project location is shown in item 4, figure 6. 

35 
3EOLOGIC 

Project Title: Brooks Range Devonian Rocks 

Project Chief: William P. Brosge 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To determine the depositional environments, directions of sediment transport, and 

present facies trends of the Devonian coarse clastic rocks and the potential of Devonian shale as a 

hydrocarbon source. To relate directional features in exposed rocks to those in the North Slope subsurface by paleomagnetic studies. 

Project Status: Half of the fieldwork has been completed. 

Project location is shown in item 5, figure 6. 

* * * 

Project Title: Surficial Geology of the Central Brooks Range (Arctic Environmental Studies Program) 

Project Chief: Thomas D. Hamilton 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To provide data essential for assessment of potential transportation corridors 

across the central Brooks Range and for other studies involving land-use analysis and land classification. The objective is being accomplished through preparation of 1:250,000-scale surficial geologic 

maps showing (1) character, age, and genesis of unconsolidated deposits and (2) locations of landslides, 

debris flows, and other hazards. A general stratigraphic framework, based on measured sections, radiocarbon dates, soil analyses, and geomorphic age criteria, is also being developed for the region. This 

framework wi 11 tie together glacial and nonglacial deposits of the northern and southern Brooks Range, 

and will provide a basic structure to which other Quaternary events in northern and central Alaska can 

be related. 

Project Status: Surficial geologic maps of the Philip Smith Mountains and Chandalar quadrangles have 

been published as U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Field Studies Maps MF-878-A and MF-879-A, and 

maps of the Chandler Lake and Wiseman quadrangles are currently being submitted for publication. Field 

mapping during the summer of 1979 will be carried out in the Killik River and Survey Pass quadrangles, 

completing studies in these two map areas. 

Project location is shown in item 6, figure 6. 

Project Title: Southeastern Brooks Range Geology 

Project Chief: William P. Brosg~ 

* * * 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To map the geology of the Arctic and Table Mountain quadrangles at a scale of 

1:250,000. 

Project Status: About one-third of the geologic mapping has been completed. 

Project location is shown in item 7, figure 6. 

Project Title: 

Project Chief: 

* * * 

Western Arctic Coastal Plain Quaternary (Arctic Environmental Studies Program) 

L. David Carter 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To determine the Quaternary history of the western Arctic coastal plain (marine 

transgressions, episodes of eolian activity, fluvial terrace development, paleoclimate, tectonic 

history, and the like) via stratigraphic and geomorphic studies, and to define relations between modern 

landscape attributes (topography, thaw lake characteristics, and ground ice distribution, among others) 

and Quaternary history, in order to predict the effects of natural or man-induced environmental changes. 

36 
GEOLOGIC 

Project Status: Detailed sampling of key exposures and geomorphic analyses of the terrain \'lill be done over the next three summers. Results will be published in the form of maps and reports, with project 

completion scheduled for 1982. 

Project location is shown in item 8, figure 6. 

* * * 

Project Title: Cretaceous Nanushuk Group, North Slope, Alaska (North Slope Petroleum Program) 

Project Chief: A. Curtis Huffman 

(Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and Gas Resources) 

Project Objectives: To assess the petroleum potential of the Cretaceous Nanushuk Group in and adjacent 

to the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA). Outcrop, subsurface, and paleontologic studies are being integrated to provide a depositional and biostratigraphic framework for such an evaluation. 

Project Status: Twelve sections, which include approximately 26,910 feet of strata in the Nanushuk 

Group, were measured during the 1978 field season, and 1,000 samples were collected for geochemical, 

paleontologic, and petrographic analyses. A study of well logs and cores from NPRA \'Jells that penetrate 

the Nanushuk is underway. Studies in progress include: biostratigraphic zonation of the Nanushuk using 

pollen, dinoflagellates and foraminifers; uranium, thorium, and coal assessments, source rock analysis; 

and sandstone diagenesis, provenance, and depositional environment studies. Preliminary results of 

these investigations have been summarized in Circular 772-B. 

Project location is shown in item 9, figure 6. 

Project Title: Survey Pass Quadrangle (AMRAP) 

Project Chief: Donald Grybeck 

* * * 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology and Branch of Exploration 

Research) 

Project Objectives: To provide the data for a rapid assessment of the mineral resources of the quadrangle by means of reconnaissance geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic mapping. 

Fieldwork included: (1) geologic mapping at 1:63,360 scale, with detailed studies of mineral deposits; 

(2) geochemical sample survey primarily through use of stream sediments and altered or mineralized 

rocks, with detailed investigations of selected mineral deposits; (3) sampling mineralized areas for age 

determinations and for trace-elements and stable-isotope studies; and (4) an aeromagnetic interpretation. 

Project Status: All fieldwork was completed in 1978, and the final reports are in preparation. The 

folio package of the Survey Pass AMRAP project will include a 1:250,000-scale geologic map with 

supplemental maps of the structure and metamorphic facies, numerous geochemical maps, aeromagnetic and 

telegeologic interpretations, and a mineral resource assessment of the quadrangle. 

Project location is shown in figures 4 and 6. 

* * * 

Project Title: Reservoir Study of Lisburne Group (North Slope Petroleum Program) 

Project Chief: Kenneth J. Bird 

(Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and Gas Resources) 

Project Objectives: To map reservoir trends by determining the re 1 at ion of reservoir characteristics to 

llthofac1es, and then to construct a series of lithofacies maps. Analysis of Lisburne Group well logs 

and selective study of well samples and thin sections are designed to determine reservoir 

characteristics and mappable lithofacies. 

37 
GEOLOGIC 

68 CHANOL£1t LAKE PttiLUP SMITH IIITN. 

GULF 

EXPLANATION 

OF 

1. ARCTIC MINERAL RESOURCES 

ALASKA 

2. PETROGRAPHIC STUDIES, YUKON-TANANA UPLAND 

3. TANANA VALLEY TRANSPORTATION-DEVELOPMENT CORRIDOR 

4. WATANA-DEVILS CANYON DAMSITES 

5. ENGINEERING GEOLOGY OF COOK INLET COAL LANDS 

6. EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS, ANCHORAGE-SUSITNA LOWLANDS 

7. COPPER R4VER BASIN ARCTIC ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 

Figure 7 .--Geologic activities in East-Central and Southern Alaska. 

38 
GEOLOGIC 

Project Status: A comprehensive report on the reservoir properties of the Lisburne Group has been published in the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin (September 1977). Additional well 

and outcrop data have allowed extension of the study into the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. 

General location of the project is shown in figure 6. 

* * * 

WEST-CENTRAL REGION 

Project Title: Medfra Quadrangle (AMRAP) 

Project Chief: William W. Patton, Jr. 

{Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To conduct a detailed stratigraphic study and geochemical sampling of Precambrian 

to Cenozoic rocks of the northern Kuskokwim Mountains. These studies are needed to provide a basic 

geologic framework for assessing the mineral potential of the Ruby Geanticline and the petroleum possibilities of the Minchumina basin. The Medfra quadrangle was selected for these initial investigations 

because it provides one of the few areas having good bedrock exposures within the densely vegetated 

terrain of the Ruby Geanticline. 

Project Status: Field stratigraphic studies and reconnaissance mapping are largely completed. Fieldwork in 1979 will be focused primarily on geochemical sampling and mineral-resource investigations. 

Location of the project quadrangle is shown in figure 4. 

* * * 

EAST-CENTRAL REGION 

Project Title: Arctic Mineral Resources 

Project Chief: Robert M. Chapman 

{Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: (1) To compile a geologic map of the unmapped eastern half of Kantishna River 

quadrangle; (2) to map in detail the Precambrian rocks in the southeast corner of the Ruby quadrangle; 

(3) to sample selected rock units for radiometric and paleontologic dating; and (4) to recheck several 

geochemical anomalies. This is part of a regional study that will provide an adequate geologic base for 

mineral resource assessments, regional geologic correlations, and land-use evaluations throughout the 

Ruby Geanticline, a major structural feature in central Alaska. 

Project Status: During the past several years reconnaissance geologic mapping and geochemical sampling 

have been largely completed in the Ruby, western Kantishna River, Tanana, and Beaver quadrangles. These 

studies have been coordinated with similar work in the adjacent Nulato, Medfra, Melozitna, Bettles, and 

Livengood quadrangles. Fieldwork in 1979 will complete mapping of the Kantishna River quadrangle, and 

better define the ages and geologic relations of several major rock units in the Ruby and Kantishna 

River quadrangles. 

Project location is shown in item 1, figure 7. 

* * * 

Project Title: Yukon-Tanana (AMRAP) 

Project Chief: Helen L. Foster 

(Office of Mineral Resources) 

Project Objectives: To complete geologic mapping and geochemical sampling, assess mineral resource potent1al, and carry on special geologic studies of the Yukon-Tanana upland. The Tanacross, Big Delta, 

and Circle quadrangles are AMRAP projects and involve a team approach which includes interpretation of 

geological, geochemical, geophysical, Landsat, and mineral resource data. 

39 
3EOLOGIC 

Project Status: The results of geologic mapping of the Eagle quadrangle are published. AMRAP reports 

for the Tanacross and Big Delta quadrangle have been commenced, and about 50 percent of the geologic 

mapping and geochemical sampling in these areas will be done during the 1979 field season. Fieldwork 

will be completed in 1980, and final reports are estimated to be completed in 1982. Continuing are 

special studies of augen gneiss and other metamorphic granitic and ultramafic rocks. 

Location of the project quadrangles is shown in figure 4. 

* * * 

Project Title: Petrographic Studies - Yukon-Tanana Upland 

Project Chief: Cynthia Dusel-Bacon 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To obtain petrographic, petrologic, and geochronologic information about the crystalline rocks of the Yukon-Tanana Upland. The purpose of the study is to detenni ne the age and 

protolith of a large (approximately 2.6 square miles) body of augen gneiss in the Big Delta quadrangle. 

Urani um-thori um-1 ead dating of zircons from the gneiss body wi 11 be done by geochrono 1 ogi sts from the 

Branch of Isotope Geology. Examination and quantitive study of the morphology of zircons from the augen 

gneiss will be one of the tools used to determine the protolith of this body. Knowledge of the history 

of the augen gneiss will shed light on the as yet poorly understood history of the Yukon Crystalline 

Terrane. 

Project Status: Preliminary reconnaissance mapping on which these studies are based has already been 

completed under AMRAP by H.L. Foster and others. A week of- field study of the Big Delta augen gneiss 

body and collection of samples for dating purposes is planned for June 1979; studies of this body should 

be completed in late 1980. 

Project location is shown in item 2, figure 7. 

* * * 

Project Title: Tanana Valley Transport at ion-Development Corridor: Fairbanks to the Canadian Border 

(Arctic Environmental Studies Program) 

Project Chief: L. David Carter 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To compile a map showing the distribution of unconsolidated surficial deposits 

within the transportation-development corridor that extends southeastward up the Tanana Valley from 

Fairbanks to the Canadian border. Tables accompanying the map will include a description of lithology, 

topography, and geologic hazards in terms of the map units. Fieldwork includes geologic mapping at a 

scale of 1:125,000 in parts of Fairbanks, Big Delta, Mount Hayes, Tanacross, and Nabesna quadrangles. 

Project Status: Existing geologic mapping has been compiled at a scale of 1:125,000. Field checking 

and additional geologic mapping were undertaken in 1976, 1977, and 1978. A strip map of the surficial 

deposits along the proposed route of the Alcan (Alaska Highway) gas pipeline from Fairbanks to the 

Canadian border was published in 1978, and a map of the surficial deposits of the project area will be 

completed in 1979. 

Project location is shown in item 3, figure 7. 

* * * 

40 
GEOLOGIC 

SOUTHERN REGION 

Project Title: Watana-Devils Canyon Damsites, Susitna River, Alaska 

Project Chief: Reuben Kachadoorian 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To evaluate geologic and seismic hazards to which the proposed Watana and Devils 

Canyon dams and reservoirs on the Susitna River will be subjected. To provide to the Corps of Engineers 

the necessary geotechnical information (1) to evaluate the proposed dam and reservoir sites, and (L) to 

prepare the geotechnical section of the Environmental Impact Statement. 

Project Status: The initial goals of the project are now complete. There is, however, the possibility 

that additional studies may be made to refine the work done during the summer of 1978. 

Project location is shown in item 4, figure 7. 

* * * 

Project Title: Regional Engineering Geology of Cook Inlet Coal Lands 

Project Chiefs: Henry R. Schmoll and Lynn A. Yehle 

(Office of Environmental Geology, Engineering Geology Branch) 

Project Objectives: To provide an understanding of the nature, location, and extent of yeneral 

environmental concerns and potential problems caused by response of geologic materials (surficial 

deposits and bedrock) to surface and underground coal mining, energy conversion, facility siting, and 

accompanying land utilization for associated development (including transportation routes and urban 

development) within the Cook Inlet region. 

Project Status: To date, most effort has been devoted to a study of the Capps Glacier-Tyonek area about 

65 miles west of Anchorage, where strip mining of coal is anticipated within the next several years. 

Field investigations, comprising helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, land vehicle, and foot traverses, are 

presently in progress within the area of about five 1:63,360-scale quadrangles, and will continue into 

adjacent quadrangles covering potential transportation corridors. Surficial geology maps are compiled 

chiefly from aerial photographs and checked in the field. Physical properties of Tertiary sedimentary 

rocks and Quaternary surficial deposits are being determined in the laboratory from samples collected 

from outcrops; a limited drilling program is anticipated for collection of additional samples. 

Project location is shown in item 5, figure 7. 

* * * 

Project Title: Earthquake Hazards Mapping, Anchorage-Susitna Lowlands 

Project Chief: Oscar J. Ferrians, Jr. 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To complete earthquake hazards mapping of the region, with emphasis on assessing 

the response of surficial materials to earthquakes. The Anchorage-Susitna Lowlands region, which is 

within an extremely active seismic zone, undoubtedly will experience the greatest development and 

population growth of any region in Alaska. It occupies a strategic location for land and air transportation and includes the largest city in Alaska (Anchorage), as well as the proposed site for the new 

State capitol near Willow. As a means of providing the information needed for planning and development, 

an investigation of this earthquake-prone region is being undertaken to obtain the critical data 

necessary for earthquake hazards identification and evaluation. 

Project Status: A demonstration area has been selected for this investigation and for mapping at a 

scale of 1:100,000. This area includes all of the Anchorage A-8, B-8, and C-8, Tyonek A-1, B-1, and C-1 

quadrangles, and a narrow strip along the southern border of the Anchorage D-8 and Tyonek D-1 quadrangles. This will be a 3-year study and will include: surficial and bedrock geologic mapping, 

engineering geologic mapping and assessments, Bootlegger Cove Clay study, active faults study, slope 

41 
GEOLOG.IC 

mapping, seismic study, ground response study, engineering soils study (liquefaction and sensitive 

clays), collection and syntheses of subsurface soils data, and earthquake hazards mapping. 

Project location is shown in item 6, figure 7. 

Project Title: Healy Quadrangle (AMRAP) 

Project Chief: B~la Csejtey, Jr. 

* * * 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To assess the mineral potential of the Healy quadrangle through reconnaissance 

geologic mapping and geochemical investigations, and to collect structural data to help decipher the 

tectonic history of southern Alaska. 

Project Status: This project is being initiated in 1979. 

Location of the project quadrangle is shown in figure 4. 

Project Title: Mount Hayes Quadrangle (AMRAP) 

Project Chief: Warren J. Nokleberg 

* * * 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To carry out reconnaissance and detailed geologic mapping and geochemical and 

geophysical surveys to provide data for a thorough mineral-resource assessment of the quadrangle. 

Fieldwork will include: (1) geologic mapping at scales of 1:250,000 to 1:1,200; (2) detailed studies 

and sampling of mineralized areas; (3) geochemical sampling of stream sediments and mineralized areas; 

(4) isotopic studies of bedrock and mineralized rocks; (5) interpretation of aeromagnetic surveys; (6) 

mapping and sampling of placer deposits; and (7) surficial geology studies. 

Project Status: Two 60-day field seasons are planned for the summers of 1979 and 1980 with a team of seven to seventeen people. All fieldwork will be helicopter supported. Additional follow-up fieldwork 

is planned for the summer of 1981. Fieldwork in 1979 will include: (1) geologic mapping in the 

southern part of the quadrangle at a scale of 1:63,360; (2) detailed mapping and sampling of bedrock 

mineral deposits in the southern part of the quadrangle; (3) study and mapping of surficial deposits in 

the southern part of the quadrangle; (4) geochemical sampling of stream sediments throughout most of the 

quadrangle; (5) mapping and sampling of placer deposits; and (6) sampling of igneous and meta-igneous 

rocks for isotopic studies. 

Location of the project quadrangle is shown in figure 4. 

* * * 

Project Title: Valdez Quadrangle (AMRAP) 

Project Chief: Gary R. Winkler 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To evaluate the mineral resources of the Valdez 10 x 30 quadrangle through 

integrated geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic mapping. Fieldwork is to include (1) 

surficial and bedrock mapping at a scale of 1:250,000; (2) a geochemical survey for metals; (3) detailed 

geologic and geochemical studies of known and prospective mineral deposits; (4) completion of the 

regional gravity survey; (5) an aeromagnetic survey; (6) geochronologic, isotopic, and trace-element 

investigations of volcanic and intrusive rocks; and (7) detailed structural and stratigraphic studies in 

terranes proximal to the Contact and Border Ranges fault systems. 

Project Status: The second, and final, field season in 1979 will emphasize completion of the surficial 

and bedrock geologic mapping and geochemical sampling, continuation of the paleontologic and geochronologic sampling, and renewed evaluation of known and prospective mineral deposits in the Valdez 

quadrangle. Aeromagnetic and gravity surveys have largely been completed, as has the stream-sediment 

42 
GEOLOGIC 

geochemical survey. The completed map of surficial deposits will include discussion of foundation conditions and sources of material for roads, airfields, or other projects that might accompany development 

of mineral resources in the region. The completed bedrock map will define the structural relations 

between geologically disparate Paleozoic and Mesozoic terranes for input into regional tectonic studies. 

Studies of specific mineral deposits will sharpen the overall assessment of the quadrangle's potential 

resources. The folio of maps is scheduled for completion by uJid-1980, with subsequent publications of 

topical studies of the Port Valdez gold district and structural setting of the northwestern part of the 

quadrangle. 

Location of the project quadrangle is shown in figure 4. 

Project Title: Eastern Gulf of Alaska Seismicity 

Project Chief: John C. Lahr 

* * * 

(Office of Earthquake Studies, Earthquake Hazards Branch) 

Project Objectives: To evaluate the hazards associated with earthquake activity in the eastern Gulf of 

Alaska and adjacent onshore areas that pose a threat to the safety of petroleum exploration and development. 

Project Status: A network of seismic stations installed in 1974 and expanded in 1975 is now operating 

between Pnnce Hilliam Sound and Yakutat Bay. Current emphasis is on the region south of Yakutat Bay. 

An ocean-bottom seismic experiment is planned for 1979. Quarterly and annual reports are published by 

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as 11Alaskan OCS Principal Investigators' 

Reports. 11 

Project location is shown in figure 8. 

* * * 

Project Title: Alaska Seismic Studies 

Project Chief: John C. Lahr 

(Office of Earthquake Studies, Earthquake Hazards Branch) 

Project Objectives: To develop an understanding of the current tectonic processes that are generating 

earthquakes in Alaska in order to evaluate the hazards that pose a threat to the safety of present and 

future development. Of particular importance is the search for premonitory phenomena and physical conditions prior to moderate and large earthquakes. 

Project Status: The Alaska seismic studies project, which began in 1971, currently operates seismic 

equipment at 50 sites covering the region from Cook Inlet to Yakutat Bay. Topics currently under investigation include seismicity of the Willow - Anchorage region and seismicity of the proposed Susitna 

Reservoir sites. Open-file reports summarizing the data collected to date are in preparation, with 

quarterly listings of earthquake parameters and epicenter maps. 

Project location is shown in figure 9. 

* * * 

Project Title: Reconnaissance Engineering Geology of Certain Coastal Communities, Alaska 

Project Chief: Lynn A. Yehle 

{Office of Environmental Geology, Engineering Geology Branch) 

Project Objectives: To evaluate by reconnaissance field methods the general and engineering geology of 

certain Alaska t1dewater communities for geologic hazards including earthquakes and to present the 

results of the research on maps and in reports. 

43 
GEOLOGIC 

100 200Miles 

e:::.:===:~l:i:O 0===:::2:1:0~0 ===~3 0 0 K i I om e t e r 

pACIFIC rj e E' 

Figure 8 .--Eastern Gulf of Alaska seismicity study area. 

• 

U S G S AlASKA SEISMIC NETWORK 

1978 

GULF OF ALASKA EXPLANATION 

• Single component, Z 

0 50 100 150 M i I es • Three component I I 

I I I I 

0 100 200 Kilometers 

60° 

58° 

Figure 9 .--Location of high-gain seismographs operating in USGS seismic 

network during 1978. 

44 
GEOLOGit 

Project Status: Fieldwork has been completed and open-file reports released to the public for 

Metlakatla, S1tka, and Yakutat, as well as (under former project chief R.W. Lemke) Haines, Skagway, 

Ketchikan, and Wrangell. An open-file report on Petersburg was released in 1978. A formal report on 

Yakutat is in press, and one on Sitka is in preparation. Reports on other communities (several of which 

are in southwestern, west-central, and northern Alaska) will be prepared when time allows. 

The communities of current interest are shown in figure 11. 

* * * 

SOUTHWESTERN REGION 

Project Title: Chignik-Sutwik Island Quadrangles {AMRAP) 

Project Chief: Robert L. Detterman 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To use reconnaissance geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic mapping 

to provide data for rapid assessment of mineral and energy resources. These include geologic mapping at 

1:250,000 scale; stream-sediment and pan-concentrate sampling of streams; age determinations of mineralized and altered areas to determine age of mineralization; a regional gravity study; and geothermal 

investigations of volcanic centers. 

Project Status: Field mapping and analysis of geochemical specimens are complete. 

Location of the project quadrangle is shown figure 4. 

Project Title: Lake Clark Quadrangle {AMRAP} 

Project Chief: Willis H. Nelson 

* * * 

{Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To provide a rapid evaluation of the mineral resource potential of the area based 

on reconna1ssance geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic mapping, and geochronologic 

studies of intrusive rocks. 

Project Status: The fieldwork for this project was completed in the summer of 1978. This included reconnaissance geologic mapping at a scale of 1:250,000, sufficient to delineate the distribution and 

general relations of the exposed bedrock units of the area, and geochemical sampling of streams and of 

geo 1 ogi c units to pro vi de background data for eva 1 uat i ng the stream-sediment samples. Gravity and 

aeromagnetic data have been acquired for this area and, along with multispectral satellite data, are 

being used to refine the geologic and mineral potential interpretations. The geochemical analyses of 

the rocks and sediment samples have been completed and are being evaluated. Maps and reports showing 

the geology and ancillary data, and predictions of the mineral resource potential of the area are 

planned for release in 1979. 

Location of the project quadrangle is shown in figure 4. 

* * * 

Project Title: Tikchik Lakes -Taylor Mountain Area 

Project Chief: Joseph M. Hoare 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: Short-term objective: To sample rocks accessible by boat or foot to determine 

their age and structure. Long-term objective: To complete reconnaissance geo 1 ogi c mapping begun in 

1967 and recessed in 1971. This work should precede mineral resources evaluation in an area already 

known to have a high potential for mercury. 

45 
GEOLOGIC 

RUBY 

MT. McKINLEY I OPHIR MEDFRA/ 

0 c 

c \ 

SIM£0NOr I. 

E X P L A N A T I 0 N 

1. TIKCHIK LAKES-TAYLOR MOUNTAIN AREA 

2. COOK INLET BASIN 

Figure 10.--Geologic activities in Southwestern and Southern Alaska. 

46 
GEOLOGIC 

Project Status: No completion date has been assigned. The project will require at least one helicopter-assisted field season. Fieldwork in 1979 will consist of sampling for microfossils and a paleomagnetic study in rocks accessible from the Tikchik Lakes. 

Project location is shown in item 1, figure 10. 

* * * 

Project Title: Ugashik-Karluk Quadrangles (AMRAP, Geothermal) 

Project Chiefs: Robert L. Detterman and Thomas P. Miller 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To assess the mineral and geothermal resources using reconnaissance geologic, geohemical, geophysical, and telegeologic mapping. Fieldwork also includes sampling intrusive rocks and 

mineralized areas for radiometric dating of the age of mineralization and detailed mapping of volcanic 

centers for geothermal potential. 

Project Status: Fieldwork will start in 1979 and will consist of geologic mapping, geochemical sampling 

and detailed investigations of geothermal and mineralized areas. 

Location of the project quadrangles is shown in figure 4. 

Project Title: Sitka Observatory 

Project Chief: Willis E. Osbakken 

* * * 

SOUTHEASTERN REGION 

(Office of Geochemistry and Geophysics, Branch of Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism) 

Project Objectives: To operate seismic instruments for acquiring information on the global occurrence of earthquakes; to telemeter seismic and tidal data to the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center at Palmer; and 

to record and measure, on a continuous basis, the various elements of the Earth 1s 111agnetic field and 

di st ri bute these data either directly or through the Branch of Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism to 

domestic and foreign users. 

Project Status: This project is of a continuing nature; the station has functioned as a geomagnetic 

observatory s1nce 1902 and as a seismic station since 1925. Besides telemetering seismic data to 

Palmer, the station furnishes seismic recordings to the National Earthquake Information Service for 

epicenter studies. As a geomagnetic observatory, Sitka plays an important role in the international 

scientific community, being one of 13 stations used in the derivation of Kp, the planetary geomagnetic 

activity index. Geomagnetic data collected at the station find a wide variety of uses, including the 

compiling of magnetic charts, radio propagation studies, and ionospheric studies. 

Project location is shown in figure 11. 

* * * 

Project Title: Mineral Resources of Glacier Bay National Monument Wilderness Study Area 

Project Chief: David A. Brew 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To appraise the mineral-resource potential of a large area of complex geology just 

northwest of the Alexander Archipelago, using: (1) reconnaissance geologic, geochemical, and detailed 

mineral-occurrence information gathered in the 1966 Geological Survey study of the Monument 

(Professional Paper 632); (2) reconnaissance geologic mapping of previously unmapped areas; (3) 

reconnaissance bedrock geochemical sampling; (4) reconnaissance stream-sediment geochemical sampling of 

previously unsampled areas; (5) aeromagnetic surveying; (6) gravity surveying; and (7) detailed examination and sampling of selected known mineral occurrences and of areas containing anomalous concentrations of selected metallic elements. Geochronologic studies are being done in cooperation with the 

Branch of Isotope Geology. The appraisal is part of the u.s. National Park Service study of the suita47 
GEOLOGIC 

0 e ~~~==1::0eO~~c::::::=:2:::JOO M i I e s 

Oe ~===i13:0::0===2::=~0~0==~3 o 0 K i I orne t e r s 

Sitka Observatory 

PACJplc L-® 

. 

0 C E A N 

EXPLANATION 

1. EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS (SEE STATEWIDE, FIGURE 5) 2. GLACIER BAY 

3. JUNEAU 

4. WEST CHICHAGOF-YAKOBI 

5. GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION OF WILDERNESS AREAS 

6. PETERSBURG' QUADRANGLE 7. CRAIG QUADRANGLE 

8. GEOTECTONICS, METALLOGENESIS, AND RESOURCE 

ASSESSMENT OF SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA 

Figure 11.--Geologic activities in Southeastern Alaska. 

48 
GEOLOGIC 

bility of the areas for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System established by the 

Wilderness Act of 1964. 

Project Status: The geologic mapping and mineral resources assessment were completed, and an open-file 

report transmitted by the August 1, 1978, deadline agreed upon by the Survey and the Park Service. The 

reconnaissance geologic mapping is not satisfactorily complete. A bulletin report is in review; a 11 detailed-reconnaissance 11 geologic map and a report on the intrusive rocks are in progress; and an 

analysis of the stream-sediment geochemistry of the southeastern part of the monument and contiguous 

outside areas is underway. 

Project location is shown in item 2, figure 11. 

* * * 

Project Title: Juneau, Alaska, Geologic Mapping and Related Investigations 

Project Chief: David A. Brew 

(Office of ~1ineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To conduct reconnaissance (in part) and detailed (in part) geologic and geochemical 

mapp1ng and a mineral-resource appraisal of a broad transect across the Coast Range batholithic complex. 

The transect begins in metavolcanic and metaclastic rocks of a low-grade intermediate pressure and 

temperature facies series on the southwest and progresses through higher grade schists, gneisses, and 

spatially associated meta-intrusive rocks to the relatively young intrusive rocks and associated 

metavolcanic and metaclastic rocks of a low-pressure - high-temperature facies series along the international boundary. This information will provide the regional framework for the Juneau Gold Belt and 

for mineral occurrences immediately east of the U.S. - Canada boundary. 

Project Status: Geologic mapping at 1:63,360 or larger scale has been completed for all but the 

easternmost and northwesternmost parts of the project area. Three 1:131,680-scale maps have been 

published and three more are in progress. Several topical papers concerning metamorphism, geochemistry 

of Mesozoic metavolcanic rocks, mineral resources, and structure have been published, and more are in 

progress. 

Project location is shown in item 3, figure 11. 

* * * 

Project Title: West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness Study Area 

Project Chief: Bruce R. Johnson 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To appraise the mineral-resource potential of an area at the north\'Jest corner of 

the Alexander Archipelago. The appraisal is part of a U.S. Forest Service study of the suitability of 

the area for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. The appraisal will evolve from: 

(1) reconnaissance geologic, geochemical, and structural information gathered in the 1975 Geological 

Survey study of the northwestern Alexander Archipelago (Professional Paper 792); (2) detailed geologic 

mapping of selected parts of previous reconnaissance studies; (3) reconnaissance bedrock geochemical 

sampling; (4) reconnaissance stream-sediment geochemical sampling; (5) aeromagnetic surveying; and 

(6) detailed examination and sampling of selected known mineral occurrences and of areas containiny 

anomalous concentrations of selected metallic elements. 

Project Status: The project started in 1978. During the 1978 field season, stream geochemical sampliny 

was completed, approximately 30 percent of the area was mapped at a scale of 1:125,000 by foot-traverse, 

small-boat traverse, and helicopter spot-station, and gravity stations were occupied to complete the 

existing gravity network. Fieldwork was also initiated on a study of the nickel deposits on Yakobi 

Island and at Mirror Harbor. Further field mapping and data analysis are planned for 1979. 

Project location is shown in item 4, figure 11. 

* * * 

49 
lEOLOGIC 

Project Title: Geochemical Exploration of Alaska Wilderness Areas 

Project Chief: Thomas Hessin 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Exploration Research) 

Project Objectives: To provide expertise in geochemical exploration to the Survey's program of Wilderness Studies. 

Projct Status: The second and final field season will be the summer of 1979; the publication of all 

data is planned for 1980. 

Project location is shown in item 5, figure 11. 

* * * 

Project Title: Geology and Mineral Resources of the Petersburg 1:250,000-scale Quadrangle and Some 

Contiguous Areas 

Project Chief: David A. Brew 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To carry out reconnaissance geologic and geochemical mapping and rni neral-resource 

assessment of this critical area where diverse structural, stratigraphic, and tectonic units come 

together. The project will include geophysical surveys and will draw upon previous geologic studies to 

the west and northwest by L.J.P. Muffler, to the south and west by A.T. Ovenshine, to the south by G.[). 

Eberlein and Michael Churkin, Jr., to the southeast by H.C. Berg and D.L. Jones, and to the north and 

east by D.A. Brew, A.L. Clark, and Donald Grybeck. 

Project Status: The 1978 field season was the first for this project. A broad transect from southwest 

to northeast across the project area was almost completely mapped, and stream-sediment samples were collected for about two-thirds of the area. Compilation of data from previous mapping in the area is 

underway, as is a major-element study of the granitic rocks. An aeromagnetic survey has been completed, 

and results will be open-filed as soon as available. 

Project location is shown in item 6, figure 11. 

* * * 

Project Title: Craig Quadrangle 

Project Chiefs: G. Donald Eberlein and Michael Churkin Jr. 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: To provide the public and other governmental agencies with a modern geologic map of 

the Craig Quadrangle at 1:250,000 scale as a graphic frame of reference for resource assessment, 

development and multi-use planning. Secondary objectives relate to developing the stratigraphic, 

structural and petrologic data base needed to understand the geologic evolution of this segment of the 

Alexander terrane, especially in terms of modern plate tectonic concepts. 

Project Status: The project has been formally active since 1973 and has yielded 24 topical papers, 9 

abstracts of papers presented at scientific meetings, and 7 short summaries of noteworthy findings. 

Fieldwork was completed in 1975, but final compilation of the 1:250,000-scale map and completion of 

final reports have been delayed due to the reassignment of the project leaders to other higher priority 

missions. Attention has now been redirected to the Craig quadrangle, and open-file release of a 

1:250,000-scale geologic map is planned. In addition, Eberlein will initiate a pilot study combining 

major and minor element and isotope geochemistry of yolcanic and plutonic rocks in the area in an 

attempt to (1) determine the environments of volcanism and intrusion, and (2) deduce the origin of the 

magmas in this part of the Alexander terrane. 

Project location is shown in item 7, figure 11. 

* * * 

50 
Project Title: Bradfield Canal Quadrangle (AMRAP) 

Project Chief: Raymond L. Elliott 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

GEOLOGIC 

Project Objectives: To conduct reconnaissance geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic 

mapp1ng to provide the dat~ for a rapid assessment of the mineral resources of the quadrangle. 

Fieldwork is to include: (1) geologic mapping at a scale of 1:250,000; (2) geochemical survey utilizing 

stream-sediment and bedrock samples; (3) an aeromagnetic survey and interpretation; (4) geologic and 

geochemical studies of mineral deposits; and (5) investigation of potential for radioactive energy 

resources. 

Project Status: Geologic mapping and geochemical sampling for this 2-year project began in 1978. 

Appro xi mate ly one-third of the quadrangle was mapped during the 25-day field season, and geochemical 

sampling is about 25 percent complete. Chemical and geochemical analyses of samples from the 1978 field 

season had not been completed, nor had thin sections been prepared as of mid-February. Because of 

delays in receipt of analyses and support materials, the project is seriously behind schedule. 

Fieldwork in 1979 will consist of continued geologic mapping and geochemical sampling, investigations 

of mineralized areas, and related topical studies. Maps and reports are currently anticipated for 1981. 

Location of the project quadrangle is shown in figure 4. 

* * * 

Project Title: Geotectonics, Metallogenesis, and Resource Assessment of Southeastern Alaska 

Project Chief: Henry C. Berg 

(Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan Geology) 

Project Objectives: (1) To complete a 1:1,000,000-scale multidisciplinary mineral resource assessnent 

of southeastern Alaska. This report will constitute the final component in a 1:1,000,000-scale 

appraisal of virtually all of Alaska's lands having significant hard-rock mineral potential. (2) To 

complete a metallogenic analysis of southeastern Alaska based on a geotectonic model of accreted 

terranes and to apply this analysis to the aforementioned resource assessment. 

Project Status: This new project is scheduled to run for 3 years. Its purpose is to furnish timely and 

objective information on Southeastern Alaska's mineral endowment, and to provide reliable geological 

estimates of its undiscovered mineral resources. This information is required by the Administration, by 

Congress, and by commercial and private interests concerned with classifying and allocating this 

region's public lands. Two examples of anticipated demands for such information are (1) Congressional 

and industry responses to recent Executive actions establishing national monuments in southeastern 

Alaska, and (b) interagency (U.S. Geological Survey-U.S. Bureau of Mines) mineral appraisals stemming 

from recent U.S. Forest Service Wilderness allocations under "RARE II". 

* * * 

SOUTHWESTERN AND SOUTHERN REGIONS 

Project Title: Petroleum Geology of Cook Inlet Basin 

Project Chief: Leslie B. Magoon 

(Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and Gas Resources) 

Project Objectives: To assess the oil resources of the Cook Inlet basin and the Shelikof Strait by 

studying concurrently the geologic framework and petroleum geology. The principal parts of this study 

include: (1) preparation of a geologic map which displays those elements that relate to oil and gas 

activity: (2) preparation of a structural and stratigraphic framework that ties subsurface to surface 

geology; (3) oil and gas source rock evaluation; and (4) examination of the composition and diagenesis 

of possible reservoir sandstones. 

51 
:n 

\) 

---- ~--------------ALASKA 

-.l -~~ EXPLANATION 

1. GEOLOGIC FRAMEWORK AND RESOURCE 

ASSESSMENT, BEAUFORT AND CHUKCHI SEAS 

2. ARCTIC MARINE SEDIMENTARY PROCESSES 1 

3. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGIC STUDIES OF T~E NORTHERN BERING SEA i 

4. GEOLOGIC FRAMEWORK AND RESOfiRCE ! 

ASSESSMENT OF THE ALEUTIAN-BERING ! 

SEA AREA I 

5. FAULTING AND SLOPE INSTABILITY ON J

1

, 

THE OUTER CONTINENTAL MARGIN, 

SOUTHERN BERING SEA 

6. EASTERN GULF OF ALASKA RESOURCE 

ASSESSMENT 

7. LOWER COOK INLET AND KODIAK SHELF 

8. ALEUTIAN RIDGE RESOURCE ASSESSMENT 

9. NORTHERN BERING SEA RESOURCE ASSESSMENT 

10. WESTERN GULF OF ALASKA RESOURCE 

ASSESSMENT ~ 

0 1 00 2 00 M i I e s 

0 100 200 K i I orne te rs I I I 

Figure 12 .--Offshore geologic activities in Alaska, Marine Geology Program. Base from u.s.Geologic Survey Alaska Map A 

G') 

m 

0 

r 

0 

G') 

0 
GEOLOGIC 

Project Status: Fieldwork in Kamishak Hills-Cape Douglas and Seldovia areas is complete, and papers are 

being written. R.M. Egbert completed fieldwork in the Tuxedni Bay area in 1978. A paper by L.B. Magoon 

and G.E. Claypool containing the results of the oil and gas source rock study is to be published in 

1979. The lower Cook Inlet COST no. 1 well data are being interpreted and incorporated into the 

framework geology. Fieldwork in the Shelikof Strait area on the Alaska Peninsula is planned for June 

1979. Further work in other parts of the basin is to completed over the next few years. 

Location of the project is shown in item 2, figure 10. It includes the offshore portion of the area 

indicated. 

* * * 

OFFSHORE REGION 

Project Title: Geologic Framework and Resource Assessment, Beaufort and Chukchi Seas 

Project Chief: Authur Grantz 

{Office of Marine Geology, Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology} 

Project Objectives: To determine the regional geology and mineral fuel potential of the Alaskan 

continental margin in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. 

Project Status: Geophysical data collection is essentially complete, and report preparation is 

underway. Geologic sampling will be accomplished as ships become available, perhaps in 1980. 

Project location is shown in item 1, figure 12. 

* * * 

Project Title: Arctic Marine Sedimentary Processess 

Project Chiefs: Peter Barnes and Erk Reimnitz 

{Office of Marine Geology, Branch of Pacific-Arctic Marine Geology} 

Project Objectives: {1} To characterize the surficial geology of the shelf and coast of the Beaufort 

and Chukchi Seas; (2} to understand and quantify the unique marine geologic processes operating on 

arctic shelves; and {3) to provide information and data to the Survey•s Conservation Division and to the 

Bureau of Land Management and others as an aid to leasing decisions on Federal lands. Specific 

objectives are: to delineate the ice gouging process; to understand pathways and rates of sediment 

transport; to assess coastal stability; to characterize Pleistocene and Holocene sediments on the shelf; 

and to delineate the river-ocean interactions. 

Project Status: Information has been gathered regarding all objectives, and the characterization of the 

shelf geologic environment is reasonably complete. Present efforts are aimed at understanding arctic 

processes and quantifying the rates of these processes. 

Project location is shown in item 2, figure 12. 

* * * 

Project Title: Environmental Geologic Studies of the Northern Bering Sea 

Project Chief: Hans Nelson 

{Office of Marine Geology, Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology) 

Project Objectives: To study dynamic geologic processes and potential geologic hazards in preparation 

for the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS} leasing program. Factors being considered are (1} tectonics, 

including active faulting and seismicity; {2) sediment instability, including thickness and geotechnical 

properties of surficial and near-surface sediments, regions of near-surface gas-charged sediment, 

thermogenic gas seeps, and sediment-liquefaction potential; (3) sediment dynamics, including identification of significant sediment scour areas by currents and by ice, sediment transport by storm surges, 

and mobility of bedform fields; and (4) contaminant dispersal pathways of artificially and naturally 

induced materials. 

53 
GEOLOGIC 

Project Status: This project is a continuing study that has been underway since 1976. Papers or 

reports have been prepared on the following topical subjects: biogenic and thermogenic gas-charged 

sediment, biogenic gas and surficial crater formation, dynamics of sand waves, current-scour depressions, ice gouge density and distribution, type and distribution of surficial sediment, current and 

sediment dynamics, benthic fauna and sedimentary structures, distribution of trace metals, geotechnical properties of near-surface and surficial sediment, surface and subsurface faulting, and 

potential geologic hazards. A final geologic and hazard-potential report will be released as an openfile report at the end of 1979 in anticipation of a later lease sale of the northern Bering Sea (Norton 

Basin) tracts. 

Project location is shown in item 3, figure 12. 

* * * 

Project Title: Geologic Framework and Resource Assessment of the Aleutian-Bering Sea Area 

Project Chief: Michael S. Marlow 

(Office of Marine Geology, Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology) 

Project Objectives: To map the Bering Sea geologically and geophysically on a regional basis in order 

to evaluate theresource potential of the area. Data gathered have included marine seismic reflection 

profiles, gravity, magnetic, and bathymetric information, and dredge samples. Another important 

objective is the evaluation of the oil and gas potential of several large subshelf basins adjacent to 

Alaska. 

Project Status: During 1978, 20 sites were dredged along the Beringian margin. Acoustic basement was 

sampled at nine localities, and at one site it consisted of lithic sandstone containing Late Jurassic 

Buchia rugosa. These basement rocks are overlain unconformably by Eocene and Oligocene diatomaceous 

mudstone. Plans for geophysical surveying over Navarin and Anadyr basins in 1979 were cancelled due to 

funding prob 1 ems. Region a 1 surveying of the Bering Sea shelf and the rest of the Bering Sea are 50 

percent and 10 percent complete, respectively. More surveying and sampling are planned for 1980. 

Project location is shown in item 4, figure 12. 

* * * 

Project Title: Faulting and Slope Instability on the Outer Continental Margin, Southern Bering Sea 

Project Chiefs: Tracy L. Vallier and James V. Gardner 

(Office of Marine Geology, Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology) 

Project Objectives: To determine offshore environmental problems associated with faulting and slope 

instability in the St. George Basin region, southern Bering Sea. 

Project Status: The project will be completed in May 1979. 

Project location is shovm in item 5, figure 12. 

* * * 

Project Title: Eastern Gulf of Alaska Resource Assessment 

Project Chief: George Plafker 

(Offices of Energy Resources and Marine Geology, Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology) 

Project Objectives: To evaluate the tectonic framework, petroleum potential, and geologic hazards of 

the eastern Gulf of Alaska Outer Continental Shelf. 

Project Status: Acquisition of marine geophysical data is essentially complete. Maps and reports on 

the structure, magnetics, gravity, and bathymetry of the region are in various stages of preparation or 

have been published for the northern Gulf of Alaska. In addition, 14 reconnaissance crossings of the 

continental margin in the eastern part of the Gulf of Alaska between Cross Sound and Dixon Entrance 

indicate a general absence of potentially petroliferous Tertiary basins and provide data on the tectonic 

style of this transform margin. Sparker profiling and dredging along the continental margin by the R/V 

54 
GEOLOGIC 

Sea Sounder in 1977 and 1978 indicate the presence of a potentially petroliferous Eocene section beneath 

the Yakutat Shelf. The dredge program will be continued in September 1979. 

Project location is shown in item 6, figure 12. 

* * * 

Project Title: Environmental Geologic Investigations of Lower Cook Inlet and the Kodiak Shelf 

Project Chiefs: Monty Hampton and Arnold Bouma 

(Office of Marine Geology, Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology) 

Project Objectives: To study offshore envi ronmenta 1 geo 1 ogi c features of concern to resource development for lower Cook Inlet. The study concentrates on type, distribution, and dynamics of 

bedforms, and on grain size, petrography, and surface textures of the sediments. On the Kodiak Shelf, 

pollutant dispersal pathways are being determined, shallow faults and sediment thicknesses are being 

mapped, submarine slides are being located, and gas-charged sediments are being analyzed. 

Project Status: Cruises were made in 1976, 1977, and 1978. The results have been reported to the 

Bureau of Land Management for input to an environmental impact statement. Further analyses of bedform 

migration and gas-charged sediments are underway. 

Project location is shown in item 7, figure 12. 

* * * 

Project Title: Aleutian Ridge and Basic Resource Assessment 

Project Chief: David w. Scholl 

(Office of Marine Geology, Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology) 

Project Objectives: To determine the geologic framework and history of the OCS project area and 

adjacent continental margin and using this knowledge to assess the energy and mineral resource potential 

of the project area. 

Project Status: Data collection cruises are scheduled for the summer of 1979. 

Project location is shown in item 8, figure 12. 

* * * 

Project Title: Northern Bering Sea Resource Assessment 

Project Chief: Michael Fisher 

(Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and Gas Resources) 

Project Objectives: To determine the geologic framework and history of the northern Bering Sea OCS 

region and adjacent continental margin in order to assess the energy and mineral resource potential of 

the project area. 

Project Status: Cruises are scheduled for 1979. 

Project location is shown in item 9, figure 12. 

* * * 

Project Title: Western Gulf of Alaska Resource Assessment 

Project Chief: Roland Von Huene 

(Office of Marine Geology, Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology) 

Project Objective: To determine the geologic framework and history of the western Gulf of Alaska OCS 

reg1on and adJacent continental margin in order to assess the energy and mineral resource potential of 

the project area in preparation for future continental shelf lease sales. 

Project Status: A data collection cruise is scheduled for the summer of 1979. 

Project location is shown in item 10, figure 12. 

* * * 

55 
fATER RESOURCES 

FAIRBANKS 

SUBDISTRICT 

0 

WESTERN REGION OFFICES 

MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA 

WATER RESOURCES DIVISION IN ALASKA 

For further information, contact the offices listed below. 

Anchorage, Alaska 

Harry Hul sing 

Ray George 

Fairbanks, Alaska 

Bruce Parks 

Juneau Alaska 

Vernon K. Berwick 

Menlo Park 2 California 

William H. Robinson 

Reston, Virginia 

0. Milton Hackett 

Chief, Alaska District Tel. (907) 271-4379 

218 E Street, Anchorage, AK 99501 

Chief, Anchorage Subdistrict Tel. (907) 271-4515 

1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, AK 99501 

Chief, Fairbanks Subdistrict Tel. (907) 452-1951x214 

P.O. Box 11, 101 12th Ave., Fairbanks, AK 99701 

Chief, Juneau Subdistrict Tel. (907) 586-7216 

P.O. Box 1508, Juneau, AK 99802 

Regional Hydrologist, Western Region Tel. (415) 323-8111 

345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 

Chief Hydrologist Tel. (703) 860-6921 

12201 Sunrise Valley Drive 

National Center, Reston, VA 22092 

56 
WATER RESOURCES 

WATER RESOURCES INVESTIGATIONS 

As traditionally stated, the water-resources investigations program of the Geological Survey .. has 

the objective of seeing that the Nation's water resources are apprai~ed and that the necessary water 

data to develop and manage them efficiently are available when needed... In the course of time and in 

the consequence of its carrying out this objective, there have emerged two principal aspects. The first 

of these is the role of the Survey as the primary source of hydrologic data that are basic not only to 

quantification of the water resource but also to its development and conservation, including data for 

both planning and management. This role, practiced for many years and tacitly accepted by the water- resource community, was given express recognition in 1964 when the responsibility for coordinating 

water-data programs of Federal agencies was delegated to the Geological Survey (Office of Management and 

Budget Circular A-67). The second aspect, which has emerged within the past several years, largely in 

response to the new public awareness of the environment, is to provide data and technology needed to 

predict the impact of man's activities upon the water resource and the water environment. 

To accomplish its mission, the Geological Survey determines the source, quantity, quality, distribution, movement, and availability of surface and ground water. This work includes investigations of 

floods and shortages of water supply; evaluation of available waters in river basins and ground-water 

provinces; determination of the chemical and physical quality of water resources and their relation to 

various parts of the hydrologic cycle; special hydrologic studies of the inter-relations between climate, topography, vegetation, soils, and the water supply; research to improve the scientific basis of 

investigations and techniques; scientific and technical assistance in hydrologic fields to other Federal 

agencies and to 1 icensees of the Federal Power Commission; coordination of Federal water-data acquisition activities; design and operation of a national water-data network; and publication of results of 

investigations. 

In Alaska, the Water Resources Division operates through three subdistrict offices, in Anchorage, 

Fairbanks, and Juneau. Each of the subdistrict offices maintains files of data for a geographic area 

comensurate with its physical location. Anyone wanting site-specific information on water resources 

should contact the subdistrict office nearest the site in question. For general information on State wide projects or activities, persons should contact the District Office in Anchorage. 

Alaska's water resource investigations are part of several national programs. These are described 

briefly bel ow: 

COLLECTION OF BASIC RECORDS 

The Collection of Basic Records or CBR program in Alaska entails the operation of long-term and key 

river gaging stations and observation wells. The Survey currently operates 108 river gaging stations, 

83 crest gage stations and 29 observation wells. The data collected at these sites appear in the annual 

publication 11Water Resources Data for Alaska". (In addition, about 70 wells and several other gaging 

stations are operated for short periods for specific projects.) The CBR program is described in more 

detail in the appropriate projects which follow this summary. 

NATIONAL STREAM QUALITY ACCOUNTING NETWORK (NASQAN) 

This is a data collection facility for obtaining regional and nation-wide overviews of the quality 

of our streams. Water-quality data from NASQAN stations provide the information needed to: (1) account 

for the quantity and quality of water moving within and from the United States; (2) develop a 

large-scale picture of how stream quality varies from place to place; and (3) detect changes in stream 

quality with time. At a NASQAN station a continuous record of stream stage is obtained, from which 

streamflow is computed. Most of these stations are also equipped with a recorder for obtaining continuous data on water temperature and specific electrical conductance. In addition to the continuous 

records that are kept by instruments, the following data are collected by a field party approximately 

six times per year at each site: temperature, specific conductance, pH, bacteria indicators, inorganic 

compounds, bi ol ogi cal nutrients, suspended sediment, and floating algae. A 1 so, samples are collected 

less frequently for trace element and organic carbon analysis, and study of attached organisms. 

In Alaska, the following NASQAN stations are currently in operation: Stikine River near Wrangell, 

Susitna River near Susitna Station, Kuskokwim River near Crooked Creek, Yukon River near Pilot Station, 

Kobuk River near Kiana, Kuparuk River near Deadhorse, and Tanana River near Nenana. 

1The Budget of the United States Government, Fiscal Year 1974, Appendix, p. 552. 

57 
WATER RESOURCES 

NATIONAL WATER DATA EXCHANGE (NAWDEX) 

This is a national confederation of water-oriented organizations working together to improve access 

to water data. Its primary objective is to assist users of water data in the identificaton, location, 

and acquisition of needed data. For the users• convenience, NAWDEX services are available through a 

nation-wide network of local assistance centers. In Alaska, the NAWDEX assistance center is located in 

the District Office of the Water Resources Division, 218 E Street, in Anchorage. 

Through its master water data exchange, NAWDEX provides a nation-wide indexing service. This 

computerized index identifies more than 180,000 sites for which water data are available from over 300 

organizations, the geographic location of these sites, the data-collecting organization, the types of 

data available, the periods of time for which the data are available, the major water data parameters for which data are available, the frequency of measurements, and the media in which the data are stored. 

NAWDEX has direct access to the computerized data files of the U.S. Geological Survey•s national water 

data storage and retrieval system (WATSTORE, which includes several types of files and indexes such as 

the Ground Water Site Inventory, or GWSI). NAWDEX is also an authorized user of the storage and 

retrieval (STORET) system of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

In Alaska, water-resource studies are carried out in cooperation with a wide variety of Federal, 

State, and local agencies. Those cooperators for FY 1979 are: 

Federal 

USGS, Geologic Division (pipeline-related studies) 

Office of National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska 

International Water Resources Council 

Bureau of Land Management 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service 

U.S. Public Health Service 

Environmental Protect ion Agency 

U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers 

Forest Service 

Alaska Power Administration 

58 

State 

Local 

Department of Fish and Game 

Department of Natural Resources 

Department of Environmental Conservation 

Department of Transportation 

Capitol Site Planning Commission 

Alaska Power Authority 

Kenai Peninsula Borough Thomas Bay Power Commission 

Fairbanks North Star Borough 

Municipality of Anchorage 
WATER RESOURCES 

PROJECTS OF THE WATER RESOURCES DIVISION 

STATEWIDE 

Project Title: Surface-water Stations 

Project Chief: Robert D. Lamke 

(Alaska District Office) 

Project Objectives: To provide data on (1) streamflow, (2) flood discharge and stages, (3) lake stage 

and contents, and (4) estuary flow conditions through a network of gaging stations. This project is 

part of an ongoing assessment of the Nation•s water resources and is part of the CBR program. The data 

are used in project design and planning of water-supply and waste-disposal systems and of bridges and 

are useful in the assessment of environmental impacts of these and other proposed activities. 

Project Status: This is a continuing project; all data are published in the annual series .. Water 

Resources Data for A 1 ask a. 11 The 1978 report is expected to be completed by September 1979. 

Project location is shown in figure 13. 

* * * 

Project Title: Quality-of-Water Stations 

Project Chief: Robert J. Madison 

(Alaska District Office) 

Project Objectives: To provide information on the physical and chemical properties of water by: (1) 

determining the mineral content and biological aspects of water, thereby establishing a base line frorn 

which changes can be evaluated; and (2) determining mineral composition of water to evaluate its use for 

domestic, municipal, and industrial water supplies. These objectives are accomplished by operation of a 

network of water-quality stations. 

Project Status: This is a continuing project; all data are released in the annual Survey publication 

"Water Resources Data for Alaska ... 

Project location is shown in figure 13. 

* * * 

Project Title: Collection, Recording, and Management of Basic Ground-water Data in Alaska 

Project Chief: Larry L. Dearborn 

(Anchorage Subdistrict Office) 

Project Objectives: To collect, compile, and publish basic ground-water data acquired throughout 

Alaska, with emphasis on areas not being covered by specific Division projects; and to develop mutually 

beneficial exchanges of information with well drillers, contractors, and engineers that will expand 

knowledge of ground-water occurrence and potential development problems. 

Project Status: The data-processing mechanism for entering well-log information into the Survey•s 

national computer storage, Ground Water Site Inventory (GWSI) has been established. Several hundred new 

data sites have been entered in the last year, as have data for 125 springs from across the state. New 

drillers• logs have been collected from Dillingham. Computer retrievals and data verification for some 

geographical areas have been accomplished. About 500 new sites will be entered in 1979. 

Project location is shown in figure 14. 

* * * 

59 
WATER RESOURCES 

c 

I 

K~~Ok . ""Ja, Bay 

I 

Cape Nk 

I Wenham 

I 

I 

I 

56° I F A I u L F 0 

I 

I 

152° 

I F I c I 

c 148° 144° 

}. 0 50 1 0 0 1 50 200Miles 

156° I I 

I I 

I I 

I I 

f 160° 

0 10 0 2 00 300 Kilometers 

Figure 13.--Location of surface-water data stations 

60 
\ 

sL~~~o~ 

c:3r;o~~ta 

pACIFIC 

• 

ocEAN 

A L A S K A 

100 200 300 MILES , 1 It I 1 1 l I 

100 200 300 400KILOMETERS 

WATER RESOURCES 

E X P L A N A T I 0 N 

e Observation wei I 

@Multiple observation wells 

The circled numbers show 

the number of wells that 

are too close together to 

show separately. 

Small solid dots indicate 

other Alaskan communities. 

Figure 14.--Location of ground-water observation wells in Alaska. 

EXPLANATION FOR FIGURE 13 

• S t ream f I ow or stage stat i on 

on stream, lake, or reservoir 

YWater-quality station 

61 
WATER RESOURCES 

Project Title: Ground-water Stations 

Project Chief: Larry L. Dearborn 

(Anchorage Subdistrict Office) 

Project Objectives: To maintain a net\twrk of about 100 observation wells to provide data on groundwater-level fluctuations in Alaska. The data indicate the status of ground water in storage, changes in 

1 evel s due to development (pumping), areas where proposed changes in the hydrologic system may affect 

current or planned land use or water-supply development, and probable base flow of streams in hydraulic 

connection with the ground-water body being monitored. The we 11 network provides 1 ong-term records for 

regional studies that, in turn, serve as a basis for correlation of short-term hydrologic records for 

specific purposes. This project is part of the CBR program. 

Project Status: Water-level records for about 25 federally funded observation wells are published each 

year in "Water Resources Data for Alaska." Water levels of other wells in the network are recorded for 

specific projects and these data are commonly published in project reports. The network was expanded 

into several new areas in 1978; however, a number of important unmonitored areas remain. 

The locations of project sites are shown in figure 14. 

* * * 

Project Title: Water, Ice and Energy Balance of Snow and Glaciers, and Snow and Ice Physics 

Project Chief: Mark F. Meier 

(Office of the Regional Hydrologist) 

Project Objectives: This project seeks to improve the understanding of aspects of snow accumulation, 

melt, and runoff processes on glaciers and in high mountains, the mechanics of water flow through and 

under glaciers, and the dynamics of glaciers, and to apply this understanding to certain problems such 

as the nature of glacier surges and the stability of iceberg-calving glaciers. 

Project Status: Major activities in 1978 included development of a short-term snowmelt forecast model, 

experiments on hot-water drilling of glaciers to monitor subglacial water, use of Landsat images to 

detect glacier surges. Special effort was devoted to study of Columbia Glacier, near Valdez, Alaska. 

Surface motion, strain, and thickness change were monitored by photogrammetry; mass balance, surface 

thickness change and motion by stakes, .thickness by airborne and surface radio-echo sounding; iceberg 

calving rate by boat-based studies at the terminus of this and 27 other Alaska calving glaciers. (See 

also Alaska Glaciology Studies, under Mayo•s direction.) 

Project location is shown in item 9, figure 17. 

* * * 

NORTHERN REGION 

Project Title: Arctic Water Resources and Environmental Studies 

Project Chief: Joseph M. Childers 

(Alaska District Office) 

Project Objectives: To describe hydrologic hazards (floods, icings, glaciers, channel erosion) and 

characterist1cs of water resources (streams, lakes, springs) in frontier areas of Alaska where economic 

and social deve 1 opment requires such information. Hydrologic reconnaissance techniques or short cut 

methods must be developed and used to accomplish the objectives of this project. 

Project Status: Reconnaissance surveys have been completed for all of Arctic Alaska and the transAlaska p1pellne corridor. Reports have been published for most of these surveys. Surveys in 1978 

provided data on the Noatak River; a report is in preparation. During 1979 surveys may be made of the 

Chilikadrotna, Mulchatna and Nushagak Rivers near Dillingham. Some arctic hydrologic research may also 

be done. 

Project location is shown in figure 15. 

* * * 

62 
WATER RESOURCES 

0 c 

Figure 15.--Area of arctic water resources and environmental studies 

(shaded area). 

63 
WATER RESOURCES 

CHANDLER LAKE PHILLIP SMITH MTN. 

ARCTIC 

WISEMAN CHANDALAR CHRISTIAN 

1 00 

e::==5 1 i:00===2 Oe0ee35i00 K II a met 1 rs 

Figure 16.--Northern Alaska showing National Petroleum Reserve and Umiat. 

64 
WATER RESOURCES 

Project Title: Nutrient Limitation in two Arctic Lakes Near Umiat, Alaska 

Project Chief: George McCoy 

(Anchorage Subdistrict Office) 

Project Objectives: To determine the nutrients that limit primary productivity using bioassays and lake 

fertilization. 

Project Status: The project is funded. A site has been selected, and initial planning is complete. 

Data collection will begin in mid-June 1979. 

Project location is shown in figure 16. 

* * * 

Project Title: Water Resources of National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA) 

Project Chief: Charles E. Sloan 

(Alaska District Office) 

Project Objectives: To collect and provide hydrologic information to the Office National Petroleum 

Reserve in Alaska (ONPRA) regarding water supply for drilling sites and ice road construction; to measure baseline water-quality conditions and monitor receiving water and water-supply sources for 

water-quality changes; to collect and provide ONPRA information on snow depth, density, and 

distribution. 

Project Status: A hydrologic reconnaissance of ground-water potential at the Lisburne drill site (fig. 

2) was made 1n 1978, and an administrative report of the results was transmitted to ONPRA. A snow survey of--NPRA was made in Apri 1 1979, and water supply studies will be made at proposed drilling sites 

during the summer of 1979. 

Project location is shown in figure 16. 

* * * 

Project Title: Hydrology of National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA) 

Project Chief: Charles E. Sloan 

(Alaska District Office) 

Project Objectives: To investigate streamflow characteristics, flood risk zones, stream hydrology and 

lake limnology, ground-water occurrence, and snow hydrology to provide input for an environmental asses- sment and land-use study of NPRA. 

Project Status: Basic data from the 1977 field season were published in the annual basic data report 

for Alaska in 1977 ( 11Water Resources Data for Alaska, Water Year 197711 ). Interpretive reports were prepared for the NPRA 105(c) land use study under the direction of the Bureau of Land Management. A 

description of the potentia 1 en vi ronmenta 1 impacts of oi 1 deve 1 opment in NPRA on water resources was prepared for the 105(b) study directed by the Survey. A snow survey was made in April 1979, and 

additions to the 1977 and 1978 survey results were made. In winter, samples were taken of water under 

ice in streams and lakes of NPRA that have potential as overwintering sites for fish. The project will 

be finished in 1979; the land use study reports have been published and the environmental assessment of 

NPRA is to be completed by January 1, 1980. 

Project location is shown in figure 16. 

* * * 

65 
NATER RESOURCES 

150° 147" 

PHILLIP SMITH MTN. ARCTIC 

CHRISTIAN 

BLYING SOUND oMIDDLETON I. ICY BAY 

GULF OF ALASKA 

0 e ==:==:a~::===::1 O:E05:~~=::=::::2~00 M i I e s 

Oe ==::=:51 i:00===2 Oe05::::::e3!i00 It I I ome t er s 

EXPLANATION 

1. FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH 

2. DELTA-CLEARWATER 

3. COAL AREAS 

4. MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE 

5. PORTION OF KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH 

6. BLACK RAPIDS GLACIER 

7. GULKANA GLACIER 

8. SNOW AND WOLVERINE GLACIERS 

9. COLUMBIA GLACIER 

1 0. KN I K G LAC IE R 

60" 

Figure 17.--Water resources projects in East-Central and Southern Alaska. 

66 
WATER RESOURCES 

EAST-CENTRAL REGION 

Project Title: Geohydrology of Fairbanks North Star Borough 

Project Chief: Andrea P. Krumhardt 

(Fairbanks Subdistrict Office) 

Project Objectives: To evaluate the quality and availability of water resources of the Fairbanks North 

Star Borough. Specific objectives for FY 1979 are to continue monitoring selected wells in the Fairbanks area, to evaluate methods that might be used to enhance natural recharge in parts of the uplands, 

and to define further the occurrences of arsenic contamination of ground water in the uplands. 

Project Status: The results of the first 3 years• work of this program are summarized in the Survey's 

Open-file Report 78-959 titled "Hydrologic Information for Land-Use Planning, Fairbanks Vicinity, 

Alaska". Open-file Report 78-1034, a map report entitled "Arsenic, Nitrate, Iron, and Hardness in 

Ground Water, Fairbanks Area, Alaska", has been published. A report summarizing the arsenic packer 

tests during FY 1977 and a map showing the piezometric surface and the artesian zone of the study area 

will be prepared during FY 79. 

Project location is shown in item 1, figure 17. 

* * * 

Project Title: Geohydrology of the Delta-Clearwater Area 

Project Chief: Dorothy E. Wilcox 

(Fairbanks Subdistrict Office) 

Project Objectives: To produce hydrologic data that can .be used to assess the environmental impacts of 

agricultural development in the Delta-Clearwater a rea and to provide a hydro 1 ogi c interpretation of the 

area that can be used to plan for and manage orderly agricultural development. 

Project Status: This project began in August 1977. Existing U.S. Geoloyical Survey hydrologic data 

were compiled and summarized in a report to the cooperators. Field data collection has included 

maintaining a gaging station at Clearwater Creek, collecting surface-water-quality samples, and 

maintaining water-level recorders on four wells. Three test wells were completed in the aquifer at the 

Delta Barley Project test clearing site and three additional test wells were drilled near the Tanana 

River 18 miles above the Gerstle River. Hydraulic gradient data obtained from these wells have been 

used to determine ground-water flow directions. Additional water-quality samples will be collected to 

aid analysis of what appears to be a 11Chemical signature" in the spring discharge water which may 

indicate sources of aquifer recharge. An aquifer test has been scheduled for spring 1979. A progress 

report on work completed through fall 1978 was submitted to the cooperators, and a report surnmarizi ng 

results and an interpretation of the geohydrology should be completed by January 1981. 

Project location is shown in item 2, figure 17. 

* * * 

Project Title: Hydrologic Studies Related to Coal Mining 

Project Chief: David R. Scully 

(Anchorage Subdistrict Office) 

Project Objectives: To collect data that characterize present hydrologic conditions in areas of known 

potential for coal development and in an area of active mining. Information obtained includes: (1) 

quantity and seasonal distribution of water discharge; (2) seasonal and areal variations in surfacewater quality, including organic and inorganic constituents, minor-element concentration, sediment, and 

temperature; (3) stream-basin characteristics; and (4) aquatic benthic invertebrate comnunities. 

Project Status: Field investigations were started in 1975 and completed in October 1978 in the Beluga, 

Healy, and Peters Creek coal areas. 

Project location is shown in item 3, figure 17. 

* * * 

67 
NATER RESOURCES 

Project Title: Geohydrology of the Anchorage Area 

Project Chief: Derrill J. Cowing 

{Anchorage Subdistrict Office) 

Project Objectives: To assess the water resources of the Anchorage area, particularly the availability 

of water for increasing water supply demands and the effects of urbanization on the hydrologic system. 

In addition, project personnel maintain a hydrologic data collection network that provides a basis for 

interpretive studies and hydrologic analyses. 

Project Status: The general hydrologic character and urban hydrology of this area were described early 

in this 12-year-old project. Current project activities include continued operation of a basic 

hydrologic data-collection network, continued refinement of the hydrologic model analysis of the 

confined ground-water system, a study of hydrology for land-use planning in the southeastern part of the 

Anchorage bowl, and accelerated processing of well data into the ground-water computer storage and 

retrieval system {GWSI). Reports are planned for publication on results of the Eagle River-Chugiak area 

ground-water resources study {Water Resources Investigations WRI 79-59), the confined aquifer model 

study, and the Merrill Field landfill study. 

Project location is shown in item 4, figure 17. 

* * * 

Project Title: Water Resources of the Kenai Peninsula Borough 

Project Chief: Gordon L. Nelson 

{Anchorage Subdistrict Office) 

Project Objectives: {1) To maintain a basic hydrologic data-collection and monitoring network on 

streamflow, lake levels, and ground-water levels in the Kenai Peninsula Borough; {2) to evaluate 

surface-water availability in streams draining to Cook Inlet between Kasilof and Seldovia; (3) to 

evaluate the geohydrology of the Seldovia area; (4) to evaluate the geohydrology of the Fourth of July 

Creek alluvial fan near Seward; (5) to identify the major aquifers of the Kenai Peninsula between 

Kasilof and Kachemak Bay and west of the Kenai Mountains; {6) to evaluate the hydrologic effects of 

ground-water withdrawals in the North Kenai area; and (7) to evaluate, on a reconnaissance basis, the 

potential for ground-water development in the area between Nikiski and upper Beaver Creek. 

Project Status: Ground-water levels, lake levels, and streamflow are being monitored throughout the 

Kenai Peninsula, but most intensively in the North Kenai area. A six-well drilling program has indicated good potential for ground-water development in the upper Beaver Creek area. Two new gaging 

stations and 37 partial-record stations have been established on streams between Kasilof and Seldovia. 

Eight test holes were drilled in the Seldovia area to evaluate the potential for ground-water development; a report on the hydrogeology of the Seldovia area is in preparation. 

Project location is shown in item 5, figure 17. 

* * * 

SOUTHERN REGION 

Project Title: Alaska Glaciology 

Project Chief: Larry R. Mayo 

{Fairbanks Subdistrict Office) 

Project Objectives: To analyze long-term climate and glacier data to detect significant changes, 

discover cause-and-effect relations, and determine characteristics of glacier-related hydrologic 

systems. To study the regimes of glaciers which present specific types of hazards or benefits, and to 

understand the cycle of glacier behavior and develop and employ predictive capabilities. To assess the 

importance of Alaskan glaciers to worldwide concerns regarding a deteriorating climate and glacier 

growth. 

Project Status: This is a continuing project to analyze the modes of behavior or response of glaciers 

in Alaska. From year to year climatic factors vary widely and produce an ever-changing series of 

68 
WATER RESOURCES 

responses in glacier activity. Data to analyze these glacier responses consist of year-round surveys of 

climate, glacier gains and losses, and river runoff. During the last 2 years project personnel have 

been conducting studies on Columbia Glacier. 

The locations of the glacier study sites are shown in items 6-9, figure 17. 

* * * 

Project Title: Knik Glacier 

Project Chief: Larry R. Mayo 

(Fairbanks Subdistrict Office) 

Project Objectives: To determine annually the changes in glacier thickness and glacier slope for 

analysis of the mechanism of formation and outburst of Lake George. 

Project Status: This is the first year of a 5-year project. A geodetic survey network has been 

installed and measurements of snow depth and altitude have been made along the longitudinal center line 

of the glacier. An open-file report on the results of this work is planned. 

Project location is shown in item 10, figure 17. 

* * * 

SOUTHWESTERN REGION 

Project Title: Water Resources of the Bristol Bay Region, Alaska 

Project Chief: Larry L. Dearborn 

(Anchorage Subdistrict Office) 

Project Objectives: To collect, compile, and publish hydrologic data pertaining to the occurrence, 

availability, and quality of water resources in the Bristol Bay region. 

Project Status: 1979 is the first year of a planned 3-year study, and the evaluation of existing 

streamflow records, well records, and other re 1 ated geohydrol ogi c information has begun. The gathering 

and evaluation of ground-water data for the Dillingham area and the Bristol Bay Borough will be emphasized this year. A continuous water-level fluctuation record is being collected at one well in 

Dillingham, and several other area wells are measured periodically. 

Project location is shown in figure 18. 

* * * 

SOUTHEASTERN REGION 

Project Title: Hydrology and Water Quality of the Keta River Basin near Ketchikan, Alaska 

Project Chief: Gary 0. Balding 

(Juneau Subdistrict Office) 

Project Objectives: To collect baseline data that will characterize the present hydrologic conditions 

1n an area of known potential for molybdenum development. Informationto be obtained includes: (1) 

quantity and seasonal distribution of stream discharge; (2) seasonal and areal variations in surfacewater quality including inorganic and organic constituents, minor elements (both dissolved and adsorbed 

to bed material), sediment and temperature; and (3) evaluating the occurrence and quality of ground 

water. 

Project Status: Stream-gaging stations were installed on Keta River and White Creek to monitor streamflow, water temperature and specific conductance. Peri odic measurements of instantaneous stream discharge and water quality were made at four other sites. Geophysical logs and water-quality samples were 

collected from two exploratory coreholes. Logs run included geothermal, natural gamma, and gamma-gamma. 

Data collection in the basin is continuing. 

Project location is shown in figure 19. 

69 
NATER RESOURCES 

MT. McKINLEY 

TALKEETNA ~ 

ocf.~~ 

i:::::==:::;;;;:::[===::E:==:~~=2::JOO M iI e s 56• 

o e =======i13o=o===2::ioeoS====i35!0 o K i1 ome t e r s 

----BOUNDARY OF BRISTOL BAY REG I ON (HYDROLOGIC SUBAREA 19040002) 

Figure lB.--Hydrologic assessment area in Southwestern Alaska. 

70 
138" 

0 C E A 

N 

o e ====:~:=:='=o:eo5:~t::::=2 oo M; 'e s 

o5 ===51 oi:o=:::::::2::iOeo==:e35iO o K 1 1 ome t e rs 

River 

basin 

WATER RESOURCES 

Figure 19.--Location of Keta River basin in Southeast Alaska. 

71 
CONSERVATION 

WESTERN REGION OFFICES 

MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA 

CONSERVATION DIVISION IN ALASKA 

For further information, contact the offices listed below. 

Anchorage, Alaska 

Joseph M. Jones 

Robert H. McMullin 

Rodney A. Smith 

Menlo Park, California 

John Dragonetti 

Reston, Virfiinia 

Don E. kas 

Assistant Conservation Manager Tel. (907) 271-4304 

800 A Street, Anchorage, AK 99501 

Area Geologist Tel. (907) 271-4361 

800 A Street, Anchorage, AK 99501 

Oil and Gas Supervisor Tel. {907) 271-4303 

800 A Street, Anchorage, AK 99501 

Conservation Manager Tel. (415) 467-2537 

345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 

Chief, Conservation Division Tel. (703) 860-7524 

12201 Sunrise Valley Drive 

National Center, Reston, VA 22092 

72 
CONSERVATION 

RESOURCE EVALUATION AND LEASE REGULATION 

The primary functions of the Conservation Division are to examine and classify Federal lands as to 

their mineral resources and waterpower and water-storage values; to determine estimated petroleum values 

for onshore and offshore competitive lease sales; to supervise exploration and development for leases on the Outer Cant i nental Shelf (OCS), as well as on Federal, Indian, and certain Naval petroleum reserve lands; and to maintain accounts and collect rentals and royalties from petroleum production. 

Consistent with the national concern for environmental protection, the Division's regulations and 

procedures are subject to frequent reappraisal and revision in order to avoid or mitigate consequences 

that may result from pollution incidents, surface damage from mining, geothermal and petroleum operations, or other hazards that may be associated with mineral operations conducted under leases and 

prospecting permits. 

The Conservation Division performs the following functions in Alaska: 

REGULATORY ACTIVITIES: Supervision and inspection of oil and gas exploration and production operations on Federal lands 1n Alaska to insure safety, prevent pollution, and assure environmental protection are carried out by personnel in the Oil and Gas Supervisor's office. This work presently includes 

supervision and inspection of onshore lease operations on the Kenai Peninsula, the Cook Inlet area, and 

the OCS lease operations in the Gulf of Alaska and in the lower Cook Inlet. In addition, the Oil and 

Gas Supervisor regulates all pre-lease exploration activities on the OCS and supervises and inspects 

drilling operations in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA). 

ROYALTY ACCOUNTING: The Oil and Gas Supervisor is responsible for the collection of all money due the 

Federal Government from oil and gas produced from Federal onshore leases and rental and royalty from OCS 

leases. 

PRE-SALE REPORTS: Several years prior to scheduled 1 ease sale dates, which are shown in table 2, the 

DlVlSlOn prepares reports and background material on OCS lease sale areas in Alaska (fig. 20). This 

work is closely coordinated with the Bureau of Land Management and other Federal and State agencies. 

Results of this coordinated effort include: 

1. A summary report is prepared in cooperation with the Geologic Division, and consists of 

information on the stratigraphy, structure, petroleum resource potential, environmental 

geology and geologic hazards, technology, time-frame, and infrastructure needed for 

exploration and development. Work on this report begins several years prior to the lease 

sale and continues until the report is published at the beginning of the tract-selection 

process. 

2. Tract selection is based on data from the summary report, as well as on other geologic and 

geophysical data that may exist at the time tentative tracts are selected for the lease 

sale. Tract selection is planned for completion 2 years prior to sale. 

3. Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statements for OCS sales are based on technical and 

infrastr11rture information provided by the U.S. Geological Survey. The Bureau of Land 

Mana£_ --· uses such impact statements to assess socioeconomic and environmental impacts. 

Work begins on the draft statement 24 months prior to the lease sale, and the final 

statement is issued before the sale. 

RESOURCE ESTIMATES: The Geologic Division estimates petroleum resources for geologic basins using 

volt,metric yield methods. These estimates are revjsed periodically when new data become available. 

:·',-ior to tract selection, more refined estimates are made by the Conservation Division's Area Geologist's office using geological (COST Well) and geophysical (seismic) data. These estimates are further 

refined by detailed structural mapping and analysis. The evaluation process continues up to the lease 

sale date. 

GEOLOGIC HAZARDS: For areas being considered for leasing, high-resolution seismic data are used to 

dell neate geologic conditions that caul d be detrimental to man-made structures. All parties are made aware of these potential hazards, and thus, mitigating measures can be taken, if necessary, in the 

leasing, exploration, anu production processes. 

TRACT EVALUATION: The Conservation Division makes detailed prospect and tract evaluations for each 

geolog1c structure within a sale area by using all available geological and geophysical data. 

Utilizing a Monte Carlo Range of Values Program, a net present worth is calculated for each tract. This 

value serves as a basis for accepting or rejecting bids for tracts during the lease sale. 

SPECIAL STUDIES: The Division has several special projects underway which will provide data for 

appraisal and regulation of Federal mineral and oil and gas resources. The projects include two recon73 
CONSERVATION 

naissance coal appraisal studies; three geologic studies to help to define the presence and distribution 

of oil and gas source rock in potential oil and gas basins; and three geotechnical studies which will 

provide detailed environmental data on sea floor surficial geology and foundation conditions in future 

OCS lease sale areas. These projects are described in more detail in the following section. 

74 
CONSERVATION 

PROJECTS OF THE CONSERVATION DIVISION 

NORTHERN REGION 

Project Title: National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Coal Resource Study- Shallow Geophysical Logging 

for Coal 

Project Chief: James E. Callahan 

(Office of Alaska Area Geologist, Onshore Section) 

Project Objective: To assess coal resources in the Reserve as part of the land-use study mandated by 

the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act, Section 105(c). 

Project Status: A general summary report on coal resources was submitted to the 105(c) Planning Team in 

1978 and 1 ater released as USGS Open-file Report 78-1033. Investigations will continue to take advantage of oil and gas exploration activities. Geophysical logging will be completed in seismic shot 

holes in parts of western NPRA, and coal cuttings from oil and gas exploratory wells will be analyzed. 

Helicopter reconnaissance of the west-central foothills of the Brooks Range, Kukpowruk River, Wainwright 

River, and Meade River will be conducted in the summer of 1979. 

Project location is shown in item 1, figure 21. 

* * * 

Project Title: Arctic Wildlife Range Stratigraphic Project 

Project Chiefs: Irven F. Palmer and William M. Lyle 

(Office of Alaska Area Geologist; State of Alaska, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys) 

Project Objectives: To provide petroleum source-rock, hydrocarbon maturation, and potential reservoir 

information on the area adjacent to an OCS area being proposed for leasing under the five-year leasing 

schedule. These data facilitate extrapolation of geologic parameters into the OCS area for prospect 

area and specific tract selections and block evaluations prior to a sale. 

Project Status: The final planning is complete. The project is funded and will commence July 1979. 

This is a cooperative project with the State of Alaska, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys. 

Project location is shown in item 2, figure 21. 

* * * 

Project Title: Geotechnical Investigation, Beaufort Sea 

Project Chief: Gerald B. Shearer 

(Office of Alaska Area Geologist, Geohazards) 

Project Objectives: To identify features which might represent conditions hazardous to petroleum 

exploration and production in this area of proposed leasing activity. To provide subsurface control for 

available geophysical data, supply regional geotechnical and geochemical data for preliminary 

engineering design purposes, and provide information for tract selection and evaluation. Of particular 

interest in this area are depth to permafrost, presence of ice-rich zones in permafrost, gas hydrates 

and shallow gas, salinity of pore fluids, availability of gravel, and the geotechnical properties of the 

soil. 

Project Status: During late winter 1979, 20 holes were drilled to depths of 100-300 feet below mudline 

in water depths up to 50 feet. The drilling was carried out from stable shorefast ice. Preliminary 

logs have been compiled and will be published soon. The logs show lithology, depth to ice-bonded 

permafrost, and field strength-test results from Torvane and pocket penetrometer tests. A comprehensive 

laboratory testing program of the drilling samples is underway. Several of the holes will be logged 

with sonic tools to obtain seismic velocity data. These data and a comprehensive final report should be 

released to the public in August 1979. After the laboratory testing is completed, a large quantity of 

representative samples and possibly some "undisturbed" samples of both unbonded and ice-bonded sediments 

75 
CONSERVATION 

so• 

1ao• 174° 168° 162° 156° 150° 144° 138° 

Figure 20.--Location of proposed oil and gas Outer Continental Shelf lease tracts. 

or---....--....-....;3~0 o M i 1 e s E3 E3 

0 300 Kilometers 

A H 

Table 2 .--Tentative proposed Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing schedule. 

The schedule is in a constant process of revision by the Departments of 

the Interior and.Energy. Plans for sales depend heavily on the success 

of drilling. For locations see map above. 

C- Call for nominations T- Tract selection H- Public hearing P- Proposed notice of sale R- Energy review 

D- Nomination due E- Draft Environ. Statement X- Final Environ. Statement Z- State comments due 

N- Notice of sale S- Sale 

BEAUFORT SEA NEARSHORE X N S 

GULF OF ALASKA E H X p N S 

KODIAK H X p Z R N S ~· 

COOK INLET I E H X p Z R N S - ---- BERING-NORTON BASIN D T E H X p Z R N S 1----

BEAUFORT SEA D T E H X p Z R NS 

COOK INLET II* c D T E H X p Z R N S 

CHUKCHI SEA c D T E H 

NAVAR IN BASIN c D T E H -- ST.GEORGE BASIN c D T E 

X 

X 

JJASONOJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJ 

197 9 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 

*If Cook Inlet I is successful then will be followed by Cook Inlet II 

76 
CONSERVATION 

EXPLANATION 

1. SHALLOW GEOPHYSICAL LOGGING FOR COAL-NATIONAL PETROLEUM RESERVE IN ALASKA 

2. NORTHEASTERN ARCTIC SLOPE - FEDERAL/STATE FIELD PROJECT 

3. BEAUFORT SEA OVER THE ICE COREHOLE PROGRAM 

Figure 21 .--Conservation activities in Northern Alaska. 

77 
CONSERVATION 

~-

1 

I 

,.. 

0--lOO- 2 00 M i 7 e s ._z._ ___ ,,. 

0 100 200 Kilometers/ '·---~-

I 

I 

I 

/ ·-f. 

I 

EXPLANATION 

~­''r-, 

1. NORTON SOUND ONSHORE STRATIGRAPHIC PROJECT 

2. COAL RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY NEAR FAREWELL 

F I C 

~.11~} .l ~,,. ~~~'"' ---!.:!.....~''~ Base from U.S.Geologic Survey Alaska Map A 

3. LOWER COOK INLET/SHELIKOF STRAIT FIELD PROGRAM 

4. KODIAK OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF BATHYMETRIC 

5. KODIAK OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF GEOLOGIC 

Figure 22.--Conservation activities in West-Central, Southern, 

and Southwestern Alaska. 

78 
CONSERVATION 

will be made available for additional studies of the geologic history of the area and· of the engineering 

properties of unbonded and ice-bonded sediments in the marine environment. 

Project location is shown in item 3, figure 21. 

* * * 

WEST -CENTRAL REGION 

Project Title: Norton Sound Onshore Stratigraphic Project 

Project Chief: Tabe 0. Flett 

(Office of Alaska Area Geologist) 

Project Objectives: To conduct detailed geologic studies adjacent to a proposed OCS lease area to aid 

in prospect area tract selections and block evaluations. 

Project Status: Fieldwork is to be carried out between July 6 and July 20, 1979. 

Project location is shown in item 1, figure 22. 

* * * 

WEST -CENTRAL, SOUTHERN, AND SOUTHWESTERN REGIONS 

Project Title: Minchumina Basin Coal Reconnaissance Survey, near Farewell 

Project Chief: Ernest G. Sloan 

(Office of Alaska Area Geologist) 

Project Objectives: 

Farewell. 

To acquire geological data on the coal resources of the Minchumina basin near 

Project Status: A reconnaissance field survey for coal in the Minchumina basin near Farewell was 

conducted in August 1977, and the results were released in February 1979 as U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-file Report 79-410. The data indicate the presence of a large resource of subbituminous coal in 

the area, but the areal extent of the coal-bearing rocks and the maximum depth of burial are not yet known. 

Project locations is shown in item 2, figure 22. 

* * * 

SOUTHWESTERN REGION 

Project Title: Lower Cook Inlet/Shelikof Strait Field Program 

Project Chiefs: George Petering and Tom Smith 

(Office of Alaska Area Geologist) 

Project Objectives: To investigate potential reservoir and source rocks in upland areas adjacent to 

proposed OCS sale areas to aid in tract selections and block evaluations. 

Project Status: The project will commence June 1 and continue through July 6. 

Project location is shown in item 3, figure 22. 

* * * 

79 
CONSERVATION 

Project Title: Kodiak Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Bathymetric Mapping 

Project Chief: Bruce W. Turner 

(Office of Alaska Area Geologist) 

Project Objective: To show topograhic features of the sea bottom that may be of concern to future oil 

and gas ~xploration and development. 

Project Status: Thirteen bathymetric maps of the Kodiak OCS area, where an oil and gas lease sale is 

scheduled for 1980, were released in February 1979 as U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 79-263. 

These 1:250,000-scale bathymetric maps were constructed using high-resolution seismic data from two 

surveys. 

Project location is shown in item 4, figure 22. 

* * * 

Project Title: Kodiak Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Geologic Mapping 

Project Chief: Glenn P. Thrasher 

{Office of Alaska Area Geologist) 

Project Objectives: To map geologic interpretations of geophysical data. 

Project Status: Two geo 1 ogi c maps of the sea floor on the OCS near Kodiak Is 1 and will be re 1 eased in 

July 1979 as an open-file report. Surficial map units were primarily mapped on the basis of geologic 

interpretations of geophysical data and are superimposed on a 1:250,000-scale bathymetric base map. 

More than 200 samples from the study area were used to determine the material composition of each rnap 

unit. 

Project location is shown in item 4, figure 22. 

* * * 

80 
SUPPORTING DIVISIONS AND SERVICES 

PUBLICATIONS DIVISION 

The functions and responsibilities of the Publications Division are to edit manuscripts of scientific papers and technical reports prepared by members of the U.S. Geological Survey,. to reproduce 

topographic, geologic and other maps, to prepare exhibits and 'visual aids, and to disseminate general 

Survey program and publications information to the public. The Division maintains two offices in Alaska 

for the customers• convenience. 

The Alaska Distribution Section office in Fairbanks distributes Survey maps, indexes\and leaflets by 

mail and over the counter to the pub 1 ic and to Federal and State agencies. It a 1 so supplies maps to 30 

commercial dealers in Alaska. The Alaska Distribution Section is under the direction of the Western 

Region of the Publications Division and is supervised by: 

Natalie A. Cornforth 

Federal Building 

Box 12 

101 12th Avenue, Room 126 

Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 

Tel. (907) 456-7535 

The Public Inquiries Office in Anchorage serves as a public contact for general infonnation about 

Survey activities, keeps a stock of Alaska maps for over-the-counter sales, and, as an agent of the 

Superintendent of Documents, sells Geological Survey books relating to Alaska. The office is a depository for open-file reports on Alaska and maintains a reference library of Geological Survey publications, as well as a browse-file containing microforms of Landsat (satellite) imagery. Itineraries and 

personnel lists for all Branch of Alaskan Geology field parties are available for inspection at the 

office. The office is under the direction of the Office of Public Inquiries headquartered at the National Center in Reston, Virginia. The Public Inquiries Office is supervised by: 

Marga ret I. E rwi n 

108 Skyline Building 

508 Second Avenue 

Anchorage, Alaska 99501 

Tel. (907) 277-0577 

81 
SUPPORT 

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION 

The Alaska Field Office of the Administrative Division provides service and supply support to the 

Survey offices and personnel in Alaska. The office is supervised by: 

Betty J. Mcintire 

204 Skyline Building 

218 E Street 

Anchorage, Alaska 99501 

Tel. (907) 271-4145 

A warehouse for Survey equipment is located just inside the Elmendorf Air Force Base to the east of 

Anchorage. The warehouse is under the immediate supervision of: 

Harvey Haynes 

5500 Oilwell Road 

Elmendorf Air Force Base 

Anchorage, Alaska 99506 

Tel. (907) 752-3834 

A warehouse for the Fairbanks area is located at Fort Wainwright but is not staffed. The telephone 

number at Fort Wainwright is (907) 353-4219. 

A radio network is operated during the field season for communicating among the field camps and with 

Anchorage or Fairbanks. The official Survey frequencies are 5380 (USB 5381.5) and 3211 (USB 3212.5) 

kHz. The Anchorage base station (KWA 351) is located at 218 E Street and monitors 5380 during office 

hours, or other hours by arrangement. Commercial stations WKD 22 in Anchorage and KGA 85 ("Broadmoor") 

in Fairbanks, both of which monitor 5167.5 (USB 5168.9), handle non-routine Survey messages. For further 

information about the Survey•s radio operations, contact: 

Florence R. Weber 

P.O. Box 80586 

Fairbanks, Alaska 99708 

Tel. (907) 479-7245 

The Administrative Division office also handles emergency messages to or from Survey offices or 

families of employees. During regular office hours, the Anchorage office can be contacted, and at other 

times Mrs. Mcintire can be contacted at (907) 272-5398. 

82 
ALASKA CORE LIBRARY 

The Core Library preserves and makes available for study the Survey's large collection of Alaskan 

well cores. Most of these cores are from the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA), formerly 

known as the Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4 {NPR-4); the nucleus of the library is about 25,000 feet of 

cores taken during exploration of the Reserve in the 1940's and 1950's. The library also includes some 

cores and a large amount of ditch cuttings from wells drilled on Federal land in other parts of Alaska. 

The library is currently receiving and storing core from the Survey's NPRA operations. 

The Alaska Core Library is housed in three buildings at the corner of Boyd and Manor Streets, 

Government Hill, in Anchorage. The library is managed by the Branch of Alaskan Geology, Branch of Oil 

and Gas Resources, Conservation Division,and Office of National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. 

The director of the library's activities is: 

W.L. {Doc) Adkison 

2525 C Street 

Suite 400 

Anchorage, Alaska 99501 

Tel. {907) 276-7422 

Library: {907) 274-1345 

TECHNICAL DATA UNIT 

The Technical Data Unit, located in Menlo Park, California, has as its objectives to provide 

prompt, complete, and up-to-date listings of all geological data and reports on Alaska published by the 

U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Bureau of Mines,and the State of Alaska Division of Geological and 

Geophysical Surveys. In addition, the unit serves as a source of maps and Survey publications for 

geologists of the Alaskan Branch or personnel of other branches or divisions doing research in Alaska. 

For more information, contact: 

Technical Data Unit 

U.S. Geological Survey 

345 Middlefield Road 

Menlo Park, CA 94025 

Tel. (415) 323-8111x2342 

83 

SUPPORT 
~ 

Table 3. Alphabetical listing of project chiefs with associated personnel and description of type of work and area. 

Organization a 1 

Project Chief Associ a ted Personne 1 Designation _ R_~gj_Qtl crt__QQg_rat ions Tne of Work 

Balding, G. 0. 

Barnes, P. 

Berg, H. C. 

Bird, K. J. 

Bird, K. J. 

Brew, D. A. 

Brew, D. A. 

Brew, D. A. 

Brew, D. A. 

I Brosge, W. P. 

Brosg~. w. P. 

Reimnitz, E. 

Morrel, R. P. 

Morrell, R. P. 

Sonnevi 1, R. A. 

Ford, A. B. 

Berg, H. C. 

Cathrall, J. B. 

Churkin, Michael, Jr. 

Day, A. W. 

Ford, A. B. 

Grybeck, D. 

Hoffman, J. D. 

Hunt, S. J. 

Karl, S. 

Miller-Hoare, M. 

Morrell, R. P. 

Ovenshine, A. T. 

Sonnevil, R. A. 

Reiser, H. N. 

Dutro, J. T., Jr. 

Reiser, H. N. 

Nil sen, T. H. 

Dutro, J. T., Jr. 

Water Resources Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Southeastern 

Offshore 

Southeastern 

Northern 

Northern 

Statewide 

Southeastern 

Southeastern 

Southeastern 

Northern 

Northern 

Data collection in Keta River basin, molybdenu111 area. 

Marine sedimentary processes in Arctic areas, 

Beaufort Sea. 

Geologic mapping; tectonic,n~tallogenic,isotopic, 

trace element studies; mineral defJOSits 

examination. 

Study of reservoir properties, Lisburne GroufJ. 

Study of structure of ~rooks Kange front. 

Compilation of a 1:2,500,000 map of metamorfJhic 

facies in Alaska. 

Mineral resource appraisal and geoloyic mapping of 

Glacier Bay National Monument, Wilderness Study 

Area. 

Geologic and geochemical mapping, resource assessments, Juneau and Taku River area. 

Geologic mapping and mineral resource assessn~nt of 

Petersburg area. 

Geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, Arctic 

and Table i"lountain quadranyles, brooks Kanye. 

Structural and stratigraphic studies, geoloyi c mapping, paleomagnetism study, north-central and 

eastern ~rooks Range. 
Q) 

(11 

Table 3. Listing of project chiefs--Continued. 

Organizational 

Project Chief Associated Personnel Designation Region of Operations Type of Work 

Callahan, J. E. 

Carter, L. D. 

Carter, L. D. 

Carter, R. D. 

Case, J. E. 

Chapman, R. M. 

Childers, J. M. 

Churkin, M., Jr. 

Cobb, E. H. 

Cowing, D. J. 

Csejtey, B., Jr. 

Dearborn, L. L. 

Dearborn, L. L. 

Dearborn, L. L. 

Albright, D. 

Sloan, E. G. 

Martin, G. 

Ga 11 oway , J • P • 

Galloway, J. P. 

Madrid, R. J. 

Gri scorn, A. 

Barnes, D. 

Yeend, w. E. 

S il be rma n , M • L • 

Jones, D. L. 

Kernodle, D. R. 

Knudsen, K. R. 

Carter, C. 

Coney, P. 

Stricker, G. D. 

Cox, D. P. 

St. Aubin, D. 

Marshal, J. 

Bailey, B. 

Wh i t ema n , K • Bailey, B. 

Lee, M. 

Best, B. 

Rasmussen, K. 

Conservation Div. Northern 

Geologic Div. East-Central 

Geologic Div. Northern 

ONPRA Northern 

Geologic Div. Statewide 

Geologic Div. East-Central 

Water Resources Div. Statewide 

Geologic Div. Statewide 

Geologic Div. Statewide 

Water Resources Div. Southern 

Geologic Div. Southern 

Water Resources Div. Southwestern 

Water Resources Div. Statewide 

Water Resources Div. Statewide 

Shallow logging for coal in Nanushuk Group, NPRA. 

Geologic mapping of surficial deposits, Tanana 

Valley to Canadian border. 

Stratigraphic and yeou~rphic studies of surficial 

deposits, western Arctic coastal plain. 

Collection and organization of basic data for 

public release, NPRA. 

Geophysical aeromagnetic, gravity studies for AI~II<AP 

projects. 

Stratigraphic and structural studies, geologic mapping, dating by chemistry and palentoloyy, 

Kantishna and Ruby areas. 

Investigations of hydrologic hazards and water re- sources in Arctic and sub-arctic Alaska. 

Uelineation of past and present lithosphere plates, U.S. and Canada (Arctic Map). 

Compilation of data on mineral resources. 

Geohydrology of Anchorage area. 

Geologic mapping and mineral assessment of Healy 

quadrangle (AMRAP)~ 

Water resources of ~ristol ~ay region. 

Maintain observation wells in network for basic 

data on ground-water levels. 

Collection recording and management of basic 

ground-water data. 
Q) 

0) 

Tab 1 e 3. Listing of project chiefs--Continued. 

Organizational 

Project Chief Associ a ted Personne 1 Designation Region o_f Opera1_i on~ 1jpe of Work 

Detterman, R. L. 

Detterman, R. L. 

Dickinson, K. A. 

Dusel-Bacon, C. 

Dutro, J. T., Jr. 

Eberlein, G. D. 

Eberlein, G. D. 

Elliott, R. L. 

Ferrians, 0. J., Jr. 

Ferrians, 0. J., Jr. 

Miller, T. P. 

Yount, M. E. 

Wilson, F. H. 

Detra, D. 

Case, J. E. 

Richter, D. H. 

Cox, D. P. 

Miller, T. P. 

Yount, M. E. 

Wilson, F. H. 

Detra, D. 

Campbell, J. A. 

Bentz, J. L. 

Armstrong, A. K. 

Other personnel 

Churki n, M., Jr. 

Lanphere, M. A. 

Koch, R. D. 

Diggles, M. F. 

Williams, J. R. 

Churki n, M., Jr. 

Nockelberg, W. J. 

Carter, L. D. 

Yeend, w. E. 

Johnson, K. M. 

Theobald, P. K. 

and others 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Southwestern 

Southwestern 

Statewide 

East-Centra 1 

Statewide 

Southeastern 

Statewide 

Southeastern 

Northern 

Northern 

Geologic mapping ge-ochemical san1pliny, mineral 

resource assessment (AMRAP), Chignik and Sutwick 

Island quadrangle. 

Geologic mapping, mineral resource and geothenual 

assessment (AMRAP), Ugashik and Karluk quadrangles. 

Evaluation of uranium potential in selected 

Tertiary basins in Alaska. 

Petrography and petrology, ~ig Uelta quadrangle. 

Biostratigraphic and paleontologic studies of 

Paleozoic rocks. 

Geologic mapping and geochemical studies, Craig 

quadrangle. 

Compilation of geochronological data on the 

Precambian rocks of Alaska. 

Geologic mapping, geochemical and ~eophysical 

studies, mineral assessment (AIVIKAP), ~radfield 

Canal quadrangle. 

Reconnaissance en9.ineering and geologic studies and 

mapping, northeast Alaska. 

Surficial geologic and mineral resource studies of 

NPRA. 
Q) 

..._,. 

Table 3. Listing of project chiefs--Continued. 

Organizational 

Project Chief j\ssoci a_ted Personne 1 Designation Region of Operations Type of Work 

Ferrians, 0. J., Jr. 

Flett, T. 0. 

Foster, H. L. 

Gaydos, L. 

Grantz, A. 

Grybeck, D. 

Hamilton, T. D. 

Hampton, M. 

Hessin, T. 

Hoare, J. M. 

Hopkins, D. M. 

Schmoll, H. R. 

and others 

Kornbrath, R. 

Larson J. 

Lynch, M. 

Weber, F. R. 

Dusel-Bacon, C. 

Crim, W. D. 

Menzie, W. D. 

and others 

Morrissey, L. A. 

Ennis, R. A. 

Wray, J. R. 

Witmer, R. E. 

Acevedo, W. 

Nelson, S. W. 

Cathrall, J. B. 

Brew, D. A. 

Miller-Hoare, M. 

Cady, J. 

LeCompte, J. R. 

Si 1 berman, M. L. 

Lamb, B. M. 

Bouma, A. 

Orlando, R. 

Torresan, M. 

Rappeport, M. 

Crenshaw, G. 

Day, G. 

and others 

Coonrad, W. L. 

Decker, J. E. 

Hartz, R. W. 

Nelson, R. E. 

Smith, P. A. 

Geologic Div. 

Conservation Div. 

Geologic Div. 

LIA 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Southern 

Northern 

East-Central 

Northern 

Offshore 

Northern 

Northern 

Southern, 

Southwestern 

Southeastern 

Southwestern 

Northern 

Earthquake hazards investigations and n~ppiny, 

Anchorage, ~usitna lowlands. 

Geologic studies adjacent to proposed OC~ lease area. 

Geologic mapping, geoche111ical sarnpling, rnineral 

resource assessment, primarily Circle 4uadrangle 

(AMRAP). 

Vegetation mapping by Lands at imagery, NPRA. 

Regional geology and fuel potential of continental 

margin -Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. 

Geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, geophysical 

surveys and mineral resource assessment, ~urvey 

Pass quadrangle (AMRAP). 

Surficial geologic n~ppi ny, strat iyraJ,Jhic studies, 

central Brooks Range (6 quadrangles). 

Geo-environmental assessment of Cook Inlet and 

Kodiak Shelf. 

Geochemical exploration in Sitka Wilderness Area. 

Geologic mapping, geochemical studies, Tikchik 

Lakes, Taylor Mountains. 

Onshore and offshore investigations of perrnafrost, 

mapping, sampling and drill core analysis, ~eaufort 

Sea coast and shelf. 
Ol 

Ol 

Table 3. Listing of project chiefs--Continued. 

Organizational 

Project Chief Associated Personnel Designation Region of Operations Type of Work 

Hudson, T. 

Huffman, A. C. 

Johnson, B. R. 

Kachadoorian, R. 

Kachadoorian, R. 

Kienzle, S. K. 

Krumhardt, A. P. 

Lahr, J. C. 

Lahr, J. C. 

Lamke, R. D. 

Lantz, R. J. 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Other Geologic 

Division personnel 

Moore, H. 

Stephens, C. D. 

Roger, J. 

Fogleman, K. 

Stephens, C. D. 

Roger, J. 

Fogleman, K. 

Carter, R. D. 

Adkison, W. L. 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Water Resources Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Water Resources Div. 

ONPRA 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Statewide 

Northern 

Southeastern 

Northern 

Southern 

Northern 

East-Central 

Southern 

Southern 

Statewide 

Northern 

Northern 

Northern 

Nor:thern 

Northern 

West-Central 

Petrologic, geochemical and geochronological 

studies of selected Sn, W, Mo de~osits. 

Stratigraphic, paleontologic and economic studies, 

Nanushuk Group, North Slope. 

Geologic mapping, geochemical and geo~hysical 

surveys, mineral resource assess111ents, western 

Chichagof and Yakobi Islands Wilderness Study Area. 

Engineering geology investigations, NP~A. 

Evaluation of geoloyic and seismic hazards for darn 

and reservoir sites and preparation of EI~. Susitna 

River area. 

Seismic and gravity data collection and analysis, 

NPRA. 

Geohydrologic studies of Fairbanks North Star 

Borough. 

Evaluate hazards associated with earthquake 

activity, Cook Inlet to Yakutat ~ay. 

Assessment of sei smi city and potential seismic 

risk, eastern Gulf of Alaska. 

Flow and stage basic data collection. 

Subsurface petroleum exploration and evaluation, 

gas field operation. 

Mapping in Eastern ~rooks Range, 1:63,360 

Ma~pi ng in coal resource area, l: oU,UUU. 

Mapping in National Petroleum Reserve, l:oU,UUU. 

Map~ing in Ambler ~iver, geodetic control. 

Mapping in Huyhes-Shunynak area, l:ou,uuo. 
00 

<0 

Table 3. Listing of project chiefs--Continued. 

Organizational Project Chief Associated Personnel Desingaion Region of Operations Type of Work 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Letey, A. E. 

Madison, R. J. 

Magoon, L. B. 

Magoon, L. B. 

Mar 1 ow, M. S. 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Other Division 

personnel 

Claypool, G. E. 

Fisher, M.A. 

Cl aypoo 1 , G. E. 

Scott, E. 

Egbert, R. M. 

Cooper, A. K. 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Topographic Div. 

Water Resources Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

East-Central 

East-Central 

Southwestern 

Southwestern 

Southern 

Southern 

Southern 

Southern 

Southern 

Southern 

Southern 

Southern 

Statewide 

Northern 

Southwestern, 

Southern, Offshore 

Offshore 

Mapping in Christian East area, 1:63,000. 

Mapping in Christian area, geodetic control. 

Mapping in Port Moller area, 1:63,3b0. 

Mapping in Russian fvlission, !;ethel, Goodnews [oay) 

area, 1:250,000. 

Mapping for ~ureau of Land Manage111ent support, public land surveys. 

Mapping in Anchorage, 1:~b,OOU for 31 quadrangles. 

Mapping in ~ering Glacier area, l:b3,3bU. 

Napping in Cordova area, 4 quadrangles at l:l::!:l,UUU. 

Mapping in Seward area, 6 quadranyl~s at 1:~5,UUU. 

Mapping in Whittier area, 7 quadrangles at 

1:25,000. 

Mapping in Willow South area, 4 quadrangles for 

capitol site, metrit contours, 1:25,000. 

Mapping in Valdez area, 5 quadrangles at 1:25,000 

with metric contours. 

Monitoring network of quality-of-water stations. 

Data collection,oil and gas rocks, NPRA. 

Geo 1 ogi c mapping, geochemi ca 1 and geophys ica 1 

studies, petroleum resource assessment, Cook 

Inlet/Shelikof Strait. 

Geophysical and geologic mapping, Bering Sea. 
Project Chief 

Mayo, L. R. 

Mayo, L. R. 

Mayo, L. R. 

Meier, M. F. 

<0 McCoy, G. 

0 Nelson, G. L. 

Nelson, H. 

Nelson, w. H. 

Nockelberg, W. J. 

Table 3. Listing of project chiefs--Continued. 

Associated Personnel 

Trabant, D. C. 

Trabant, D. C. 

Trabant, D. C. 

Mayo, L. R. 

Tangborn, w. V. 

Post, A. S. 

Hodge, S. M. 

Krimmel, R. M. 

Sikonia, W. G. 

Taylor, P. L. 

Rasmussen, L. A. 

Frost, C. 

Scully, D. R. 

(Freethey, G. W.) 

Thor, D. R. 

Larsen, M. C. 

Reed, B. L. 

Carl son, C. 

Lanphere, M. A. 

Case, J. E. 

Steele, W. C. 

Ratte, J. 

Cox, D. P. 

Albert, N. R. D. 

Zehner, R. 

Herzon, P. 

Lange, I. 

Yeend, W. E. 

Curtin, G. 

Jones, D. L. 

Sil berl i ng, N. 

Richter, D. H. 

Gramme, S. 

Hillhouse, J. 

Organizational 

Designation Region of Operations Type of Work 

Water Resources Div. 

Water Resources Div. 

Water Resources Div. 

Water Resources Div. 

Water Resources Div. 

Water Resources Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Statewide 

Southern 

Southern 

Statewide 

(Southern) 

Northern 

Southern 

Offshore 

Southwestern 

Southern 

Collect on and analysi~ of snow- and ice-balance, 

ice mot on and climatic data and aerial J.Jhotoyraphy on gl ac ers. 

Research on climate-glacier-river responses, 

glacier surges and stability, Alaska l<anse, 

Chugach Mountains. 

Thickness and slope measurenents on Knik Glacier. 

Research on glacier physics and snow hydrology, primarily on Columbia Glacier, also statewide. 

Nutrient limitation in arctic lake, NPRA. 

Water resources of the Kenai Peninsula Borough, including Kasilof, Seward, Seldovia, Kenai and 

other areas. 

Seismic, photographic and other means of studying 

potential geologic hazards, northern ~eriny Sea. 

Geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, mineral resource assessment (AMRAP), Lake C 1 ark quad rang 1 e. 

Geologic mapping and mineral assessment (AMRAP), 

Mount Hayes quadrangle. 
Project Chief 

Osbakken, W. E. 

Palmer I. F. 

Patton, W. W., Jr. 

Petering, G. 

Plafker, G. 

co Plafker, G. ..... 

Repenning, C. A. 

Schmoll, H. R. 

Scully, D. R. 

Shearer, G. 

Silberman, M. L. 

Sloan, C. E. 

Sloan, C. E. 

Table 3. Listing of project chiefs--Continued. 

Associated Personnel 

Lyle, W. M. 

(State of Alaska) 

Moll, E. J. 

Silberman, M. L. 

Dutro, J. T., Jr. 

King, H. D. 

and others 

Smith, T. 

Magoon, L. B. 

Egbart, B. 

Bolm, J. 

Bruns, T. 

Hudson, T. 

Hunt, S • Carlson, P. 

Marincovich, L. 

Spicer, R. 

Roth, B. 

Schorn, H. 

Hazel, J. 

Yehle, L. A. 

Chleborad, A. F. 

Pasch, A. D. 

Gardner, C. A. 

--

Holden, K. D. 

Turner, B. W. 

Connor, C. 

Glude, W. J. 

Swanton, N. K. 

Gl ude, W. J. 

Swanton, N. K. 

Organizational 

Designation Region of Operations Type of Work 

Geologic Div. Southeastern 

Conservation Div. Northern 

Geologic Div. Southwestern 

Conservation Div. Southwestern 

Geologic Div. Southern 

Geologic Div. Statewide 

Geologic Div. Northern 

Geologic Div. Southern 

Water Resources Div. Southern 

Conservation Div. Offshore 

Geologic Div. Statewide 

Water Resources Div. Northern 

Water Resources Div. Northern 

Maintaining seismic observatory at Sitka. 

Source and reservoir rock investigations near UCS areas. 

Geologic mapping, geochemical sampling and mineral resources assessment (AMRAP), Medfra quadrangle. 

Reservoir and source rock investigations in areas adjacent to proposed OCS sale areas. 

Dred~ng and sparker profiling on continental 

slope, North Gulf. 

Evaluation of risks associated with earth4uakes. 

Paleontologic studies of NPkA. 

Mapping of surficial deposits, sampling for 

physical properties, Cook Inlet coal, Tyonek area. 

Hydrologic studies in upper Cook Inlet and Healy 

coal fields. 

Geohazards, foundations for structures, Beaufort 

Sea. 

Geochemical and geochronological studies of igneous 

rocks and related ore deposits. 

Water resources for exploration. Snow survey 

for ONPRA. 

Hydrology of NPRA ll05(c) studies]. 
co 

1\) 

Table 3. Listing of project chiefs--Continued. 

Organizational Project Chief Associ a ted Personne 1 Designation Region of Operations Type of Work 

Sloan, E. G. 

Steele, w. C. 

Stricker, G. D. 

Thrasher, G. P. 

Turner, B. W. 

Vallier, T. L. 

Wilcox, D. E. 

Winkler, G. R. 

Yeend, w. E. 

Yehle, L. A. 

Personnel from 

USGS and Conservation 

LeCompte, J. R. 

Albert, N. R. D. 

Gardner, J. V. 

W i 11 i ams , J. R. 

Johnson, K. M. 

Silberman, M. L. 

Miller, R. J. 

Pickthorn, W. 

Vickery, D. 

Conservation Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Geologic Div. 

Water Resources Div. 

Geologic Div. 

LIA 

Geologic Div. 

West-Central 

Statewide 

Statewide 

Southwestern 

Southwestern 

Offshore 

East-Central 

Southern 

Northern 

Southern, 

Southeastern 

Reconnaissance coal survey (Farewell Area). 

Interpretation of Landsat imagery for AMRAP 

projects. 

Evaluation of coal resources for AI"'RAP projects and 

NPRA. 

Geologic mapping, Kodiak OCS area. 

Bathemetric maping, Kodiak uc~ area. 

Offshore slope stability and faulting, southern 

Bering Sea. 

Geohydrologic studies of Uelta-Clearwater area (agricultural). 

Geologic mapping and mineral assessment (AIVIKAP} 

of Valdez quadrangle. 

Environmental assessment, NPRA. 

Geologic mapping evaluation of geologic hazards, 

coastal communities. 
co 

(A) 

Federal 

Alaska Power Admin.; 

U.S. Army Corps of 

Eng.; U.S. Dept. of 

Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service; 

Environmental Protection Agency; coal 

studies; U.S. Public 

Health Service 

Bureau of Land 

Management (BLM} 

BLM 

BLM; and Bureau of 

Mines 

Bureau of Mines 

Bureau of Mines 

Bureau of Mines, 

(U.S. Forest Service) 

BLM; and National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin. (NOAA) 

Environmental Protect ion 

Agency (EPA} 

BLM 

EPA 

NOAA; Environmental 

Data Service 

Table 4. Agencies currently cooperating in U.S. Geological projects. 

Urgani zat i onal 

State Local Project Title Project Chief Uesiyncttion 

State of AK, Dept. of 

Fish and Game; 'Dept. 

of Transport at ion and 

Facilities; Dept. of 

Environmental Conserservation (DEC) Alaska 

Alaska Power Authority 

Municipality of 

Anchorage; Kenai 

Pen. Borough; 

Thomas Bay Power 

Authority 

Fairbanks North 

Borough 

Municipality of 

Anchorage 

Surface-water staiions 

Environmental geologic investigations of 

lower Cook Inlet and Kodiak Shelf. 

Bureau of Land Management Alaska support 

National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska 

(NPRA 105(c} Land Use Study 

Geochemical exploration of Alaska 

Wi 1 de rnes s areas 

Mineral resources of Glacier Bay National 

Monument Wi 1 derness Study area 

West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness Area 

Faulting and slope stability on the 

continental margin, southern Bering Sea 

Nutrient limitation in two arctic lakes 

NPRA hydrology 

Geohydrology Fairbanks North Star Borough 

Geohydrology of the Anchorage area 

Hydrologic studies related to coal mining 

NPRA Data open file 

Lamke, R. D. Water Resources 

Oiv. 

Hampton, M. Geoloyic Uiv. 

Letey, A. J. TOIJOyrctf.lhic Uiv. 

Ferrians, U. J., Jr. Geologic Uiv. 

Hessi n, T. 

Brew, 0. A. 

Johnson; B. R. 

Vallier, T. L. 

McCoy, G. 

Sloan, C. E. 

Krumhardt, A. P. 

Cowi ny, D. J. 

Scully, D. 

Carter, L. !J. 

Geologic Uiv. 

Geologic Uiv. 

Geologic Oiv. 

Geologic Uiv. 

Water Resources 

Uiv. 

Water Resources 

Uiv. 

Water Resources 

Uiv. 

Water Kesources 

Uiv. 

Water Resources 

Uiv. 

UNPRA 
CD 

~ 

Federal 

NOAA 

NOAA 

U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers; U.S. 

Forest Service 

U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers 

Table 4. Cooperating agencies--Continued. 

State Local 

DEC· 

Dept. of Fish and Game 

Dept. of Geological Kenai Peninsula 

and Geophysical Surveys Bor.; Municipality 

(DG&GS} of Anchorage 

DG&GS 

DG&GS 

DG&GS 

DG&GS 

DEC 

Dept. of Natural 

Resources 

Dept. of Natural 

Resources 

Kenai Peninsula 

Bor. 

Organizational Project Title Project Chief Uesignation 

Northern Alaska Cenzoic 

Eastern Gulf of Alaska seismicity 

Quality-of-water stations 

Collection, recording and management of 

basic ground-water data in Alaska 

Hop k i ns , lJ. M. 

Lahr, J. C. 

Madison, R. J. 

Uearborn, L. L. 

Beaufort Sea over the ice corehole program Shearer, G. 

Metamorphic facies of Alaska ~rew, D. A. 

Water resources of the Bristol area 

Arctic wildlife range stratigraphic 

project 

Hydology and water resources of the Keta 

River basin near Ketchikan 

Geohydrology of the Delta-Clearwater area 

Water resources of the Kenai Peninsula 

Dearborn, L. L. 

Palmer, I. F. 

Balding, l:i. 0. 

Wilcox 0. E. 

Nelson, G. 

Geologic Uiv. 

Geologic Oiv. 

Water Resources 

Uiv. 

Water Resources 

Uiv. 

Conservation Oiv. 

Geologic Uiv. 

Water Resources 

Oiv. 

Conservation 

Oiv. 

Water Resources 

Div. 

Water Kesources 

Uiv. 

Water Kesources 

Uiv. 
Write or phone for additional information on: 

The Geological Survey 

William Barnwell, Special Assistant to the Director for Alaska 

218 E Street, Anchorage, AK 99501 

Tel. (907) 271-4398 

National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska 

George Gryc, Chief, Office of National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska 

2525 C Street, Suite 400, Anchorage, AK 99501 

Tel. (907) 276-7422 

Land Information and Analysis Office 

James Balsley, Chief, Land Information and Analysis 

12201 Sunrise Drive, National Center, MS 104 

Reston, VA 22092 

Tel. (703) 860-7488 

EROS Program 

David Carneggie, Principal Applications Scientist 

EROS Data Center 

Sioux Falls, SO 57198 

Tel. (605) 594-6511 

Geography Program 

James R. Anderson, Chief, Geography Program 

12201 Sunrise Drive, National Center 

Reston, VA 22092 

Tel. (703) 860-6344 

Topographic Division 

Thomas E. Taylor, Resident Cartographer 

218 E Street, Anchorage, AK 99501 

T e 1 • ( 9 0 7 ) 2 71-4148 

Geologic Division 

Thomas P. Miller, Geologist in Charge 

1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, AK 99501 

Tel. (907) 271-4150 

Water Resources Division 

Harry Hulsing, Chief, Alaska District 

218 E Street, Anchorage, AK 99501 

Tel. (907) 271-4379 

Conservation Division 

Joseph M. Jones, Assistant Conservation Manager 

800 A Street, Anchorage, AK 99501 

Tel. (907) 271-4304 
(!Jc.EAN' 

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