, - - - ,'i - - - - u0140^1 - 1 I"- |3Ud 
The United States Geological Survey 

in Alaska: Organization and Status 

of Programs in 1978

Kathleen M. Johnson, Editor

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 772-A

1978
United States Department of the Interior

CECIL D. ANDRUS, Secretary

Geological Survey

W. A. Radlinski, Acting Director

Free on application to Branch of Distribution, U.S. Geological Survey, 1200 South Eads Street, Arlington, VA 22202
CONTENTS

Page

Abstract ___________________________ Al 

Services and responsibilities of the

U.S. Geological Survey _______________ 1

Introduction ______________________ 1

Services __________________________ 1

Responsibilities _________________ 2

Organization of the U. S. Geological Survey _______ 2

Organizational segments serving Alaska ___ __ 2

Conservation Division _____________ 6

Geologic Division _________________ 6

Water Resources Division ____________ 6

Topographic Division ______________. 7

Publications Division .______________ 7

Administrative Division ____________ 7

Emergency search and rescue ___ ______ 8

Alaska Survey Committee __________ 8

Radio network ____ ________ _____ 8

Alaska core library _ ________ ___ __ 8

Land Information and Analysis Office _____ 8

EROS Program__________.____ 8

Geography Program ____________ 9

Page

Alaskan projects of the U.S. Geological survey __ __ A9

Statewide projects ______________ 11

Regional projects ___________________ 20

Northern Alaska ______ ______ _____ 20

East-central Alaska _______________ 29

West-central Alaska _______________ 32

Southwestern Alaska ______________ 34

Southern Alaska ______ ___________ 37

Southeastern Alaska ______ ________ 44

Offshore Alaska ______ -__________ 47

Cooperative projects with other agencies ________ 50

Statewide projects _______ ___________ 50

Northern Alaska ____________________ 56

East-central Alaska ______ ___________ 56

West-central Alaska ______________-__ 58

Southwestern Alaska _____________ __ 59

Southern Alaska ___________________ 59

Southeastern Alaska _____ _______ _ 62

ILLUSTRATIONS

FIGURE 1-5. Organization charts: 

1.

Page

U.S. Geological Survey __________________________________ _ A2

2. Geologic Division _____-______________________-____-__________-_---_____----------_---------- 3

3. Conservation Division ___________.____.__-_-_--_________._-----_-------------- _______------- 4

4. Water Resources Division_____________-______--------------_-_-------------------------------- 5

5. Topographic Division_____________________--__-_-____-_--___------____-___--_------!----------- 5

6. Map of regions of Alaska used in this report _____-___-___--___---__-_-_-----------_---------------- 10

7. Location map, statewide projects of the U.S. Geological Survey ____-___.-________--__-__----_------- 12

8-12. Location maps, regional projects of the U.S. Geological Survey:

8. Northern Alaska-___.___.________.______.__.__________________________---_ __-_ 21

9. East-central Alaska ____________________________-_-______----________________ ____ 30

10. West-central Alaska __-_.---______________..______________---__________.--___- -_- 32

11. Southwestern Alaska-------------------^----------------------------------------------------- 35

12. Southern Alaska _______-___________---__--_--_-----_------_--_------------------------------- 38

13. Location map, high-gain seismographs in USGS seismic network __._--_-___-_-_-__---____-__------- 43

14-15. Location maps, regional projects of the U.S. Geological Survey:

14. Southeastern Alaska __________________-__-_-_______-_-_------------------------------- ------- 44

15. Offshore Alaska _________________________________________ _ __ -- -- 48

16. Location map, projects of the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating agencies _______-__-__-__------- 51

m
TABLES

Page

TABLE 1. Statewide projects _____________________________________________A13

2-8. Regional projects:

2. Northern Alaska __.___._.___________-___._______.. ___________-___ 22

3. East-central Alaska -_____________________________________________ 29

4. West-central Alaska-----_-__-_-__-________-_________________________-___ 33

5. Southwestern Alaska _________________________-___-__________________-_-___-_-________ 36

6. Southern Alaska -------_________--_________-_____-__-_---___---_-__--_---__-_----_--_-__--_-- 39

7. Southeastern Alaska _______________________________________________________________________ 45

8. Offshore Alaska____.______-_________________.________-___________ 49 

9. Statewide cooperative projects ____________________________________________________________ 52

10. Regional cooperative projects ___________________________________________________________ 57

IV
The United States Geological 

Survey in Alaska: Organization 

and Status of Programs in 1978

Kathleen M. Johnson

ABSTRACT

This report of the activities of the U.S. Geological Survey in 

Alaska is organized in four parts: (1) services and responsibilities of the U.S. Geological Survey; (2) organization of the 

U.S. Geological Survey; (3) current projects of the U.S. Geological Survey; and (4) cooperative projects with Federal, State, 

and local agencies.

SERVICES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE 

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

INTRODUCTION

For the many people and groups deeply interested in Alaska, a report on the Alaskan activities of the United States Geological Survey 

serves many purposes. For the professional 

geologist, hydrologist, or topographer, it contains 

up-to-date accounts of recent results. For various 

private groups, the business community, and 

other Federal and State agencies, there is news of 

investigations intended to assist them in their 

separate and important tasks. And for the citizen 

whose pleasure and livelihood are linked to the 

natural surroundings, the report is an introduction to Geological Survey studies of the land and 

water of the incomparable State of Alaska.

To reach such a complex audience, this circular 

is organized into four chapters. In this introductory chapter, the services and responsibilities of 

the Geological Survey are discussed. The second 

chapter presents the organizational structure of 

the Survey, as well as a discussion of the organizational segments serving Alaska. The next two 

chapters together constitute a comprehensive description of Alaskan projects active during 1978, 

with the third describing Survey projects and the 

fourth detailing cooperative projects between the 

Survey and other Federal and Alaskan State and 

local agencies.

SERVICES

The U.S. Geological Survey serves the needs of 

the citizens and their government for information 

on the land and water of the United States. This 

information is obtained and analyzed by U.S.G.S. 

scientists and distributed to the public in the form 

of maps and reports. Most Survey maps and reports are published by the Federal government 

and announced by means of monthly notices, 

"New Publications of the Geological Survey," free 

on application to the Geological Survey, Reston, 

Va. 22092. Reports referred to as book publications may be ordered from:

Branch of Distribution 

U.S. Geological Survey 

1200 South Eads Street 

Arlington, Va. 22202

Maps may be ordered from the following places:

Branch of Distribution, Central Region 

U.S. Geological Survey 

Box 25286 

Federal Center 

Denver, Colo. 80225

Alaska Distribution Section 

U.S. Geological Survey 

Federal Building, Box 12 

101 12th Avenue 

Fairbanks, Alaska 99701

Maps and book publications on Alaska are 

available from the U.S. Geological Survey, Public 

Inquiries Office, 108 Skyline Building, 508 Second Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501.

Some studies, in particular, those of high scientific merit, are published in professional journals;

Al
these are available at university and college, industrial, and some major public libraries.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to obtaining and analyzing land and 

water-resources data, the Geological Survey 

supervises the extraction of valuable mineral 

commodities from many types of federal lands, including the offshore Outer Continental Shelf.

The Alaskan activities of the Geological Survey 

are carried out through all of its four main operating divisions and by a number of interdivisional 

programs, committees, and working groups, 

briefly described in the following sections.

ORGANIZATION OF THE 

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

The organization of the U.S. Geological Survey 

and its four main operating divisions is portrayed 

in figures 1 through 5.

The main structure of the Geological Survey 

(fig. 1) consists of four operating divisions 

Geologic, Conservation, Water Resources, and 

Topographic and three support divisions 

Computer, Administrative, and Publications. 

Headquarters for all divisions are in Reston, Va.

Investigations of the geology of the United 

States and certain other countries are mainly 

conducted in the Geologic Division (fig. 2), comprising seven operating offices supported by an

Office of Scientific Publications. The headquarters of the offices are located in Reston, Va.

The Conservation Division supervises oil, gas, 

and other mineral-extraction activities on certain 

federal lands. The regional responsibilities of the 

Division are vested in four operational offices. 

The Alaskan activities of the Conservation Division, detailed in figure 3, are supervised by the 

Western Region Office in Menlo Park, Calif.

The organization of the Water Resources Division of the Geological Survey is shown in figure 4 

(with Alaskan activities emphasized). The main 

operating units are located under four regional 

subdivisions supported by Assistant Chief Hydrologist Offices for Scientific Publications and 

Data Management, Operations, and Research and 

Technical Coordination.

Topographic and other special-purpose geographic maps are prepared by the Topographic 

Division (fig. 5). The principal work responsibilities are met by four regional mapping centers under the supervision of the Chief of the Topographic Division.

ORGANIZATIONAL SEGMENTS SERVING ALASKA

All four operational Divisions of the Geological 

Survey Conservation, Geologic, Topographic, 

and Water Resources function in Alaska and are 

supported by the Administrative, Publications, 

and Computer divisions as well as other organizational entities of lower than Division rank.

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Asst. Director eastern Region

Asat. Director Central Region

Asst. Director Western Region

Office of National Petrol 

Reserve--Alaska

or Land Resources

Land Information and Analysis Office

Earth Resources Observation Program 

Geography Program

Earth Sciences Application Program 

Resources and Land Investigations Progri 

Environmental Impact Analysis Program

FIGURE 1. Organization of the U.S. Geological Survey. 

A2
Office of Scientific Publications 

H. P. Ketterer (acting)

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF GEOLOGIST

Chief Geologist D. L. Peok 

Dep. Chief Geol. R. E. Dsvis 

Dep. Chief Geol. for

Program and Budget D. H. Dow 

Administrative Off. W. E. Fichtner Regionel Geol., Eas

Regionsl Geol., Cen

Regional Cecl., Wes

Branches; 

Eastern 

Centrel

Western N. Page 

Alaskan A. T. 

Exploration Res

 G. H. Alcot 

Office of Resou

..A. L. Clark

1

sral Resources 

Beoreft

A. Hedley 

B. Taylor 

Page

T. Ovenshine 

Research 

cott 

source Analysis 

ark

Office of

1

Environmental Geology 

J. C. Reed, Jr.

Brsnches: 

Eastern N. L. Hstch, Jr. 

Kentucky E. Cressmen 

Central P. L. Williams 

Wastern M. C. Blake, Jr. 

Engineering R. L. Schuster 

Special Projects W. S. Twenhofel 

Astrogeologic Studies 

--M. H. Carr 

Psleontology and Stratigraphy 

 J. E. Hazel

1

Offloe of Marine Geology 

C. D. Masters (acting)

Branches : 

Pacific-Arctic Geology 

 D. W. Soholl 

Atlsntic-Gulf of Mexico Geology 

 D. Folger

1

Office of Geochemistry t Geophysics 

R. Tilling

Brsnches : 

Experiments! Geochemistry and 

Mineralogy D. Stewsrt 

Field Geochemistry and Petrology 

 R. A. Coleman 

Isotope Geology-- B. Doe 

Anslytioel Laboratcriea B. Fsbbi 

Petrophysica and Remote Sensing 

 K. Wstscn 

Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism 

 F. Frisohknecht 

Regional Geophysics M. F. Kane 

Regional Geochemistry R. J. Ebens

Office of Earthquake Studies Office of Inter

R. M. Hemilton J. A. R

Branches : 

Seismic Engli 

Selsmiclty si 

 R. Engdal 

Earthquake M< 

..P. L. Wai 

Earthquake H<

Branches: 

tearing R. B. Matthlasen Latin American 

id Earth Structure A. H. Chlde

il Middle Eastern 

tchanlcs snd Prediction --D. F. Devid

izards R. P. Page

FIGURE 2. Organization of the Geologic Division.
OFFICE OF THE DIVISION CHIEF

Acting Division Chief R. G. Weylend

Assoolata Chief vaoent 

Admlnistretlve Officer K. Petty

Office of the Assistant Division 

Chief for Operetions

Assistant Dlv. Chief J. Duletsky

Offloe of the Assistant Division 

Chief for Resource Evaluation

Asst. Dlv. Chief R. L. Rloux

Western Region Menlo Park 

Office of the Regional Conservation Henager

Regional Manager H. A. Oden 

Asst. Regional Manager vsoant

Aree Mining Supervisor Aleska Pscifio Area 

vacant

Area Hydraulic Engineer Western Aree 

J. L. Colbert

Area Geothermal Supervisor Henlo Park 

R. T. Stone

Area Geologist Paolfio Area 

H. L. Culllns

Aree Oil snd Ges Supervisor Pacific Area 

F. J. Sohambeok

Centrel Region Denver 

Offloe of the Reglonel Cons. Hansger

Reglonel Manager G. H. Horn

Office of the Asst. Conservation Haneger

Anchorage, Alaska

J. H. Jones

Gulf 

Eestern Region 

Office of the Regi

Regional Mana

Area Oil and Ges Supervisor Alssks Ares 

R. A. Smith

Area Geologist Aleske Aree 

R. H. HoHullin

FIGURE 3. Organization of the Conservation Division.
OFFICE OF THE DIVISION CHIEF

Chief Hydrologist 

J. S. Cragwell, Jr. 

Associate Chief Hydrologist 

0. N. Hackett

Office of Water 

Data Coordination 

R. H. Langford

1

Asst. Chief Hydrologist for 

Scientific Publications and 

Data Management 

G. W. Whetstone

1 1

Asst. Chief Hydrologist 

for Operations 

T. J. Buchanan

Administrative Officer 

C. S. Herbert, Jr.

Asst. Chief Hydrologist for 

Research and Technical 

Coordination 

vacant

Northeastern Regional

Hydrologist

vacant

Southeastern Regional 

Hydrologist 

L. B. Laird

Central Regional

Hydrologist 

Alfred Clebsch, Jr.

Western Regional

Hydrologist 

W. H. Robinson

Alaska District Chief 

Harry Hulsing

Juneau Subdistrict 

V. K. Berwick Chief

Anchorage Subdistrict 

R. S. George Chief

Fairbanks Subdistrict 

B. Parks Chief

FIGURE 4. Organization of the Water Resources Division.

OFFICE OF THE DIVISION CHIEF

Acting Chief- -R. B. Southard

Office of Plans and

Program Development

Chief D. G. Frederick

Office of Resesrch and 

Technical Standards 

Chief R. R. Mullen

Eastern Mapping

Center 

Chief P. F. Ber»el

Mid-Continent

Mapping Center

Chief L. H. Borgerding

Rocky Mountain

Mapping Center

Chief A. E. Letey

Western Mapping

Center 

Chief J. R. Swinnerton

Special Mapping

Center 

Chief R. E. FcrdhM

Alaska Resident

Engineer 

 T. Taylor

FIGURE 5. Organization of the Topographic Division.

A5
CONSERVATION DIVISION

The Conservation Division examines and 

classifies federal lands as to their mineral character and waterpower and water-storage values; determines estimated resource values for onshore 

and offshore competitive lease sales; supervises 

exploration and development for leases on Federal, Indian, and certain Naval petroleum reserve 

land, and the offshore Outer Continental Shelf; 

and maintains accounts and collects rentals and 

royalties from related mineral 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.

All Alaskan activites are supervised by the 

Western Region Conservation Manager, 345 

Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025. The 

Office of the Alaska-Pacific Mining Supervisor is 

located at the Menlo Park address.

The Hydraulic Engineer for the Western Region is located at 830 N.E. Holladay, P. O. Box 

3202, Portland, Oregon 97208, and the Alaska 

waterpower evaluation program is a function of 

that office. The offices of both the Alaska Area 

Geologist, R. H. McMullin, and the Alaska Area 

Oil and Gas Supervisor, Rodney A. Smith, are located at 800 A Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501.

GEOLOGIC DIVISION

The current scientific investigations of the 

Geologic Division in Alaska include geologic 

mapping and mineral-resource evaluation, 

primarily at scales of 1:250,000 and 1:63,360; 

mineral district mapping and evaluation; 

mineral-resource appraisal; geochemical studies 

and sampling, particularly related to mineral deposits; petroleum-resource surveys; aeromagnetic 

and gravity surveys and interpretation; 

engineering-geology studies in urban areas and 

along transportation routes; 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 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 Pacific 

Coast Field Center, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo 

Park, Calif. 94025; the Branches of Regional 

Geophysics, Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism, Exploration Research, Isotope Geology, 

and Engineering Geology at the Rocky Mountain 

Field Center, Denver, Colo. 80225; and the 

Branch of Paleontology and Stratigraphy at the 

National Center in Reston, Va. 22092. 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 one at 

1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; (907) 

272-8228, with Thomas P. Miller as geologist in 

charge, and the other at the University of Alaska, 

P. O. Box 80586, Fairbanks, Alaska 99708; (907) 

479-7245, with Florence R. Weber in charge. The 

Branch of Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism 

maintains observatories at Fairbanks (College), 

Barrow, and Sitka. The College and Barrow observatories are under the direction of J. B. 

Townshend, Yukon Drive on West Ridge, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701; (907) 479-6146. The Sitka 

Observatory is directed by Willis Osbakken, P.O. 

Box 158, Sitka, Alaska 99835; (907) 747-3332.

In its study of Alaskan geology, the Survey 

supports and cooperates with several universities 

and other public agencies, including the State of 

Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical 

Surveys.

WATER RESOURCES DIVISION

The Alaskan water resources program includes 

the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data 

on the availability and quality of surface and 

ground water and includes special studies and research that seek to evaluate and increase the effective use of water resources data in the State. 

These basic water data provide a broad base to 

support the proper management of the State's 

water and related land resources.

Investigations in the western United States, including Alaska, are under the jurisdiction of the 

Western Region office and are the responsibility 

of W. H. Robinson, Regional Hydrologist, 345

A6
Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; (415) 

323-8111, ext. 2337. The Anchorage District 

office is in the Skyline Building, 218 E Street, 

Anchorage, Alaska 99501; (907) 277-5526, under 

the supervision of Harry Hulsing, District Chief. 

This office is operated on a year-round basis and is 

responsible for planning and supervising Alaskan 

activities.

The field activities of the Alaska District are a 

function of the three Subdistrict offices: Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. The Anchorage Subdistrict office is responsible for operations in 

south-central and western Alaska and is under 

the supervision of Raymond S. George. It is located at 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 279-1563. The Juneau Subdistrict 

office, which is responsible for operations in 

southeastern Alaska, is under the supervision of 

Vernon K. Berwick, and is located at 441 Federal 

Building, P.O. Box 1568, Juneau, Alaska 99801; 

(907) 586-7216. The Fairbanks Subdistrict office 

is responsible for operations in northern Alaska 

and is under the supervision of James P. Meckel. 

It is located at 310 First Avenue, Fairbanks, 

Alaska 99701; (907) 452-1951, ext. 176.

TOPOGRAPHIC DIVISION

The main task of the Topographic Division is 

the preparation of the various series of maps of 

the National Mapping Program, which includes 

all of the quadrangle maps covering the 50 States 

of the Nation. The National Mapping Program of 

the Geological Survey is under the direction of 

R. B. Southard, Acting Chief, Topographic Division. Doyle G. Frederick is Chief of the Office of 

Plans and Program Development, which is responsible for initiating and controlling the work 

of the Division.

Mapping operations in Alaska are the responsibility of A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky Mountain 

Mapping Center, who directs the operational 

functions of the Mapping Center, including all 

fi^ld and office operations. He may be consulted at 

the Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 80225; (303) 

234-2351.

The Resident Engineer in Alaska is Thomas E. 

Taylor, who serves as the Topographic Division's 

representative in that state. He may be contacted 

at 218 E Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; (907) 

279-5812.

PUBLICATIONS DIVISION

The Publications Division edits manuscripts of 

scientific papers and technical reports; reproduces 

topographic, geologic, and other maps; prepares 

exhibits and visual aids; disseminates general 

Survey program and publications information 

and distributes maps to the public. The Division 

maintains two offices in Alaska for the customers' 

convenience in obtaining maps, book reports, and 

other material prepared by the U.S. Geological 

Survey.

The Alaska Distribution Section at Federal 

Building, Box 12, 101 12th Avenue, Fairbanks, 

Alaska 99701; (907) 456-7535, supervised by 

Natalie A. Cornforth under the direction of the 

Publications Division, Western Region, Menlo 

Park, Calif., distributes maps and map-related 

publications by mail and over the counter to the 

public, to 30 commercial dealers in Alaska, and to 

Federal and State agencies. A schedule of map 

prices and discounts is available on request.

A Public Inquiries Office, at 108 Skyline Building, 508 Second Ave., Anchorage, Alaska 99501; 

(907) 277-0577, supervised by Margaret I. Envin 

under the direction of the Office of Public Inquiries, Publications Division, National Center, 

Reston, Va., maintains a stock of Alaska topographic and geologic maps for over-the-counter 

sale, and, as an agent of the Superintendent of 

Documents, sells Geological Survey book reports 

on Alaska. It serves as a public contact point for 

Survey activities in the State and has a complete 

library of all Survey publications. The office is a 

depository for Alaska open-file reports and maintains a browse file containing microfilms of Landsat (satellite) images. Itineraries and personnel 

lists of all field parties are prepared as early in 

each year as possible and are available at the 

Public Inquiries Office for consultation.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

The Alaska Field Office of the Administrative 

Division is located at 204 Skyline Building, 218 E 

Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501. This office, 

supervised by Betty J. Mclntire, provides service 

and supply support to U.S. Geological Survey 

offices and personnel in Alaska; telephone 

number is FTS 265-4494, -5297 or commercial 

(907) 277-0569. A warehouse at Anchorage under

A7
the immediate supervision of Harvey Haynes is 

located about 5 miles east of downtown Anchorage, just inside the boundary of Elmendorf Air 

Force Base, telephone (907) 752-3834. The address is: 5500 Oilwell Road, Elmendorf Air Force 

Base, Anchorage, Alaska 99506. A warehouse for 

the Fairbanks area located at Ft. Wainwright is 

staffed only if warranted by the level of field activity. The telephone number at Ft. Wainwright 

is (907) 353-4219.

EMERGENCY SEARCH AND RESCUE

To initiate search and rescue in cases of 

emergency, contact the Air Rescue Coordination 

Center at Anchorage at any time during the day 

or night. Communications can be made directly to 

the center, telephone (907) 277-2131, 752-2426, 

752-3437, through the Alaska Field Office, either 

telephone or radio (see section on "Radio Network"), nearest FAA Flight Service Station, military installation, or State Troopers. To the extent 

possible, specify location and nature of 

emergency, time of the accident, number of people 

involved, and the nature of possible injuries.

For the purpose of notifying headquarters and 

family of any emergency as soon as possible, contact Betty Mclntire at FTS 265-4494 or commercial (907) 277-0569. Outside of office hours contact her at (907) 272-5398.

ALASKA SURVEY COMMITTEE

The Alaska Survey Committee provides a 

means for discussion and coordination of Alaska 

activities; all divisions of the Geological Survey 

operating in Alaska are represented on the Committee. Thomas E. Taylor, Topographic Division, 

chairs the group for 1978; other members are 

Harry Hulsing, Water Resources Division; Margaret I. Erwin, Publications Division; Thomas P. 

Miller, Geologic Division; Joseph Jones, Conservation Division; George Gryc, Office of National 

Petroleum Reserve in Alaska; and Betty J. Mclntire, Administrative Division.

RADIO NETWORK

Radio officer for Alaska is Florence Weber, 

Geologic Division, Fairbanks, Alaska 99708; (907) 

479-7245. Two frequencies 5380 (5381.5) kHz and 

3211.0 (3212.5) kHz (both upper SSB) are the official frequencies for U.S.G.S. personnel. For the

1978 field season the U.S.G.S. base station in Anchorage, KWA 351, will monitor the above two 

frequencies during working hours. Alaska Public 

Fixed frequency 5167.5 (5168.9) kHz wall be 

monitored by commercial stations WKD 22 in 

Anchorage and KGA 85 "Broadmoor" in Fairbanks from 6:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 

a.m. through 10:00 p.m., respectively.

The sunspot cycle minimum lasted longer than 

usual, but we are now about one-third of the way 

up the new cycle and rising rapidly. Both 3 and 5 

mHz frequencies ought to be good for communications locally in Alaska during the day for the 

summer of 1978. Operators may find that 5 mHz 

is slightly better because of less ionospheric absorption.

ALASKA CORE LIBRARY

The Alaska Core Library is housed in three 

frame buildings located at the corner of Boyd and 

Manor Streets, Government Hill, in Anchorage. 

The library is managed by the Branch of Alaskan 

Geology on behalf of a user board that includes 

Branch of Alaskan Geology, Branch of Oil and 

Gas Resources, Conservation Division, and Office 

of National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.

The nucleus of the library is about 25,000 feet 

of cores taken in the late 1940's and early 1950's 

during exploration of Naval Petroleum Reserve 

No. 4 (NPR-4), now known as National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA). The library also 

includes some cores and a large amount of ditch 

cuttings from wells drilled on Federal land in 

other parts of Alaska. During the next few years a 

considerable addition of cores and cuttings is expected from U.S.G.S. exploration programs in 

NPRA.

LAND INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS OFFICE 

EROS PROGRAM

The EROS (Earth Resources Observation Systems) Program was established by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1966 to assist in realizing the practical benefits in earth resource and 

environment inventory and monitoring that can 

be obtained by use of photography and other remotely sensed data acquired by aircraft and space 

craft, particularly the Landsat satellite. The 

EROS Program is managed by the U.S. Geological Survey and directed by John N. DeNoyer, with 

headquarters at EROS Program, U.S. Geological

A8
Survey, 1925 Isaac Newton Square East, Reston, 

Va. 22092; (703) 860-7881 to -7885.

EROS Data Center, Sioux Falls, S. Dak. 57198; 

(605) 594-6511, is responsible for distributing 

Landsat imagery and other remotely sensed data 

to users throughout the world as well as developing techniques of application of remote sensing to 

various resource problems and assisting users in 

employing these techniques. A large staff of specialists in a variety of disciplines is available to 

assist in the development of new applications. Inquiries on specific problems or other matters, including future training opportunities, may be directed to the Branch of Applications at the Data 

Center.

In November 1974, an EROS Applications Assistance Facility was established in Alaska to improve the availability of technical assistance to 

Alaskan users. This facility, located at the 

Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, 

Fairbanks, Alaska 99708; (907) 479-7487, was 

initially established by NASA to provide assistance to Alaskan ERTS-1 investigators and is 

now being operated under contract to the EROS 

Program to provide assistance to the Alaskan 

user community. The facility is supervised by Albert E. Belon, under the general direction of John 

M. Miller. Both manual and digital interpretation 

equipment, including a color additive viewer and 

minicomputer enhancer, is available. In addition, 

files are maintained of selected Landsat images, 

NASA and other aerial photographs, and other 

remotely sensed data on various parts of Alaska.

A Landsat browse file is maintained at the 

University of Alaska's Arctic Environmental Information and Data Center (AEIDC), located at 

707 A Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; (907) 

279-4523. Visitors may view black and white imagery (scale 1:1,000,000) which represents the 

best coverage of all areas of Alaska. Complete 

U.S. and non-U.S. coverage is available on microfilm.

Alaskan Landsat imagery is also available for 

inspection at the Public Inquiries Office, U.S. 

Geological Survey, Rm. 108, Skyline Building, 

508 Second Ave., Anchorage, Alaska 99501.

GEOGRAPHY PROGRAM

The Geography Program applies knowledge 

from the geographic profession to 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. The program serves as a bridge between the 

physical and social sciences.

The Geography Program is in the fourth year of 

activity related to the nationwide mapping of 

land use and land cover on a systematic and comprehensive basis. The classification system developed by the Geological Survey in conjunction with 

other Federal and State agencies is being used in 

this mapping (Anderson, J. R., Hardy, E. E., 

Roach, J. T., and Witmer, R. E., 1976, A land use 

and land cover classification system for use with 

remote sensor data: U.S. Geological Survey Prof. 

Paper 964, 28 p.). A Geographic Information Retrieval and Analysis System has been developed 

(Mitchell, W. B., Guptill, S. C., Anderson, K. E., 

Fegeas, R. C., and Hallam, C. A., 1977, GIRAS; A 

Geographic Information Retrieval and Analysis 

System for Handling Land Use and Land Cover 

Data: U.S. Geological Survey Prof. Paper 1059,16 

p.) and is being applied to the data extracted from 

the land use/land cover and associated maps 

(political units, hydrologic units, census county 

subdivisions, Federal land ownership, and in 

some cases, State land ownership) being produced 

by the Geography Program.

Research efforts are underway in the Geography Program to develop techniques for producing 

land-use and land-cover data and maps from 

Landsat computer-compatible tape digital data. 

Landsat data are first classified by computer 

processing. Sites of typical land-use and landcover are identified in the field and then 

spectrally and geographically related to the 

Landsat data.

ALASKAN PROJECTS OF THE 

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Much of the work of the Geological Survey is 

organized and accomplished in projects in which 

the investigations of one or more scientists, engineers, and technicians are directed by a project 

chief. Some of the projects are statewide in scope,

A9
174° 171° 16B° 165' 162" 159° 153- 150° 147° 144° 141"

170° 168° 166° 16*' 162° 160° 158° 156° 154°

FIGURE 6. Regions of Alaska used in this report.
but most focus on one or more aspects of topography, hydrology, or geology in particular parts of 

Alaska. The regions into which Alaska is divided 

for this report are shown in figure 6; project locations are shown in figures 7-16. This chapter 

summarizes statewide and regional Survey projects active during 1978. Summarized in a later 

part are projects undertaken in cooperation with 

various other Federal, State of Alaska, and local 

agencies. Projects in more than one region, but 

not statewide in scope, are shown on maps and 

tables for all regions covered, with summary 

given in the primary region.

STATEWIDE PROJECTS

Project: Mineral resources of Alaska.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Edward H. Cobb, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2483.

Project objectives: As a continuing project, office 

studies of mineral occurrence data are kept 

current and special-purpose maps, reports, and 

reference lists are prepared whenever the need 

arises. Most data are organized so they are 

amenable to entry into computerized storage 

and retrieval banks.

Project status: As this is a continuing project, no 

percentage-of-completion data are applicable. 

Records are now current as of December 31,

1976. and will be current as of December 31,

1977. early in 1978.

Project: Technical Data Unit.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Mary E. Tailleur, U. S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2342.

Project objectives: The Technical Data Unit aims 

to provide prompt, complete, and up-to-date 

listings of all geologic data published on Alaska 

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 U.S.G.S. publications for geologists of the 

Alaskan Branch and other Menlo Park U. S. 

Geological Survey Branches doing research in 

Alaska.

Project status: As this is a continuing project, no 

percentage-of-completion data are applicable. 

Requests for information are filled as received.

Project: Alaskan information processing studies.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Elizabeth Yount, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2477.

Project objectives: This is an on-going project 

aimed at providing computer-based technical 

data files, maintaining contact with other 

agencies that compile or create files of Alaskan 

geologic or resource data, and providing training, assistance, and documentation on running 

computer programs.

Project status: As this is a continuing project, no 

percentage-of-completion data are applicable.

Project: Alaska core library.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: W. L. Adkison, 2525 C Street, Suite 

400, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; (907) 276-7422, 

ext. 275; Core library (907) 274-1345.

Project objectives: The main objective of the core 

library is to preserve and make 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 Naval Petroleum Reserve 

No. 4. During the next few years, the library 

will expedite the handling and storing of new 

cores and samples from the Survey's present 

exploration program in NPRA.

Project status: This is a continuing project. Repairs and renovation of the buildings were 

largely completed in late 1977, and the library 

was organized and functioning early in 1978.

Project: Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment 

Program (AMRAP).

All
to

FIGURE 7. Locations of statewide projects.
TABLE I. Statewide projects

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work Area

Mineral resources of Alaska E.H.Cobb Office studies, compilation Statewide

Technical Data Unit M.E.Tailleur, Ellen White Supply data to Geological 

Survey personnel and to 

general public

Statewide

Alaskan Branch information 

processing

Elizabeth Yount Creation, maintainence and 

promulgation of computer 

banks of geologic data

Statewide

Alaska core library W.L.Adkison Store Alaskan well cores and 

make them available for 

study

Statewide

Alaska Mineral Resource 

Assessment Program (AMRAP)

H.C.Berg and other Geologic 

Division personnel

Appraisal of mineral

resources through geologic 

mapping and geophysical and 

geochemical analyses

Statewide

Landsat imagery and

applications in Alaska 

(AMRAP)

K.R.D.Albert, W.C.Steele, 

J.R.LeCompte, snd 

Topographic Division 

personnel

Interpretation of Landsat Statewide 

imagery in support of AMRAP 

systematic snd synoptic 

objectives

Geochronology and geochemistry 

of igneous rocks and related 

ore deposits

M.L.Silberman, C.L.Connor Geochronology, geochemicsl Statewide 

sampling, geochemicsl data 

processing

Arctic Environments! Studies 

Program

0.J.Ferrians,Jr. and other 

Geologic and Water 

Resources Division 

personnel

Field snd office collection Statewide 

and use of geotechnicsl dats 

related to transportation 

corridors and other areas 

of development

Arctic engineering geology 

(TAPS); fig. 7 (area 1)

A.T.Ovenshine and other 

Geologic and Wster 

Resources Division 

personnel

Collection of basic dsta 

and report prepsrstion

Trans-Alaska pipeline 

corridor, Prudhoe Bay 

to Valdez

Hydrologic environment of 

the trsns-Alaska pipeline 

system (TAPS); fig. 7 (1)

J.M.Childers Operation of basic-data Trans-Alaska pipeline 

network of stream-gsges corridor, Prudhoe Bay 

and water-quality to Valdez 

monitoring sites, studies of 

hydrologic hazards such ss 

glaciers, icings, floods, 

and channel erosion, 

assessment of impact on 

hydrology

Alaska earthquake hazards George Plafker Evaluation of risk from 

tectonic displacement, 

seismic shaking and 

secondary geologic effects

Statewide

Alaska geothermal 

reconnaissance

T.P.Miller, R.L.Smith Geologic mapping, 

petrologic studies

Interior Alaska, Aleutian 

Islands, Alsska Peninsula, 

Wrangell Mountains

Tin, tungsten, snd

molybdenum deposits in 

Alaska; fig. 7 (2), (3)

Travis Hudson Petrology and geochemistry Western Seward Peninsula, 

Ketchikan quadrangle

Environments! geology of 

Alaska coal lands

H.R.Schmoll, L.A.Yehle, 

A.F.Chleborad, A.D.Pasch

Fieldwork and serial- Statewide, with present 

photographic mapping, emphasis in southern 

primarily of surficial Alaska 

deposits, with environmental 

interpretations

A13
TABLE 1. Statewide projects Continued

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work Area

Alasks gravity surveys D.F.Barnes Gravity surveys in support 

of AMRAP snd Wilderness 

Area projects

Statewide

Uranium potential of Tertiary 

basins, Alaska; 

fig. 7 (ares 4)

K.A.Dickinson, J.A.Campbell Stratigraphic studies, 

geochemicsl analyses

Statewide, with present 

emphasis in Cook Inlet, 

Susitns Lowlands, 

Matanuska Valley, and 

Copper River basin

Coal resources of Alaska; 

fig. 7 (5), (6), (7)

To be assigned Coal resource assessment Statewide

Psleozoic paleontology and 

stratigraphy of Alaska

J.T.Dutro.Jr., A.K. 

Armstrong, and other 

Psleontology and 

Stratigraphy Branch 

personnel

Field and laboratory 

paleontologic and 

biostrstigraphic studies

Statewide

Geothermal studies A.H.Lachenbruch, L.A.Lawver, 

R.J.Munroe, J.H.Sass

Thermal gradient measurements Statewide 

in boreholes and collection 

of samples

Land-use/lsnd-cover mapping 

snd data compilation; 

fig. 7 (8)

G.L.Loelkes Land-use snd land-cover 

mapping

Statewide, with present 

emphasis in Fsirbsnks 

quadrangle

Arctic water resources and 

environmentsl studies

J.M.Childers Investigstions of arctic 

Alaska water resources, 

hydrologic hazards to 

development and potential 

impacts on water resources 

resulting from potential 

development

Arctic and subarctic Alaska

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Program manager: Henry C. Berg, U. S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2266.

Project objectives: The major objectives of the 

AMRAP program are (1) assessment of mineral 

endowment of Alaska lands having resource potential, and (2) assessment of mineral resources 

of areas selected for classification as national 

interest (d-2) lands under the Alaska Native 

Claims Settlement Act.

Project status: Studies for objective I (above) are 

being completed at 1:250,000 scale. Final reports have been published for three quadrangles, studies are in progress in twelve areas, 

and seven projects are scheduled to start 

fieldwork in 1978.

Reports and maps at l:l,000,000-scale are 

being prepared for objective 2. They will be 

completed and published in early 1978.

Project: Landsat imagery and applications in 

Alaska (AMRAP).

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Nairn R. D. Albert, U. S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2025.

Project objectives: The principal objectives of this 

project are: (1) to furnish AMRAP team leaders 

and principal investigators with state-of-theart Landsat materials for reconnaissance purposes; (2) to provide unique geologic, structural, 

and tectonic information relevant to mineralresource assessment for each AMRAP quadrangle; and (3) to construct a controlled 

l:l,000,000-scale Lambert conformal falsecolor Landsat mosaic of Alaska.

The types of Landsat products used are: 

(1) black and white, single-band Landsat 

mosaic of Alaska; (2) computer-enhanced false 

color, color ratio, simulated color and firstA14
derivative black and white images; and (3) interactive computer displays allowing detailed 

analysis of specific areas.

Project status: The Nabesna, McCarthy, and 

Tanacross quadrangle studies have been completed and published. The Talkeetna and 

Chandalar quadrangle manuscripts are in review. Computer compatible tapes for Chignik, 

Sutwik Island, Lake Clark, Medfra, and Valdez 

quadrangles are being ordered and will be processed at the EROS Data Center in Sioux Falls, 

South Dakota, or by a local commercial digital 

processing facility. Images for the Philip Smith 

Mountains, Goodnews, Hagemeister Island, 

Ambler River, Survey Pass, Big Delta, Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, Seward, Blying Sound, and 

Talkeetna Mountains quadrangles have been 

processed by the Computer Center Division, 

Flagstaff, Arizona and are being analyzed.

Over 130 false-color images to be used in the 

l:l,000,000-scale mosaic have been generated 

by a commercial photographic laboratory. 

Photogrammetric control has been established 

for all images and rectification of images in the 

northern region was necessary. Actual construction of the mosaic of most of Alaska (excluding St. Lawrence Island, the Aleutians, and 

southeastern Alaska) is ready to begin. Recent 

decisions call for the later addition of southeastern Alaska to the mosaic.

Project: Geochronology and geochemistry of 

igneous rocks and related ore deposits in 

Alaska.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: M. L. Silberman, U. S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2267.

Project objectives: The objective is to study, 

within Alaska, both mineralized and unmineralized plutons, stocks, and related volcanic rocks in mining districts and AMRAP 

project areas to ascertain: (1) 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 them are hampered by 

lack of knowledge of how and why ore deposits 

form. Knowledge of the role of igneous rocks in 

ore-forming processes is vital to understanding 

ore genesis. Spatial association alone suggests 

an important causative relation that should be 

evaluated.

Project status: Work on geochemical anomalies in 

the Willow Creek mining district has been 

completed, and some progress has been made on 

isotopic age investigations of the mineralization. Final reports on the Willow Creek area 

are expected to be completed by March, 1978.

Potassium-argon age studies have been completed in various areas in the Brooks Range, 

and in the Seward and Blying Sound quadrangles. The resulting data will be included in the 

AMRAP reports for these areas. The results of 

work in the McCarthy area has been reported 

by MacKevett and others in U.S. Geological 

Survey Circular 739.

In 1977, fieldwork and sampling for 

rubidium-strontium and potassium-argon 

geochronology were begun in the Ruby and 

Medfra quadrangles of interior Alaska and in 

the Survey Pass quadrangle in northern 

Alaska. Completion of the analytical work on 

the present sample suite is estimated for January 1979. Additional fieldwork is planned for 

1978 in Medfra.

Project: Arctic Environmental Studies Program.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Program manager: Oscar J. Ferrians, Jr., U. S. 

Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, 

Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, 

ext. 2247.

Project objectives: 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,

A15
and maintaining engineering structures so that 

adverse environmental 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 either unique to or 

are 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 inpact on the environment.

Project status: Major activities of the program 

during 1977 included: (1) continuing compilation of engineering-geologic maps of the Arctic 

Coastal Plain between Prudhoe Bay and the 

Canadian border, which covers the route of the 

proposed 312-km-long Alaskan Arctic Gas 

Pipeline; (2) continuing engineering-geologic 

mapping of the Tanana Valley transportation/ 

development corridor between Fairbanks and 

the Canadian border, which covers the route of 

the proposed Alcan Gas Pipeline between Fairbanks and the Canadian border; (3) publication 

of surficial geologic maps of the Philip Smith 

Mountains and Chandalar quadrangles and 

continuing surficial geologic mapping of the 

Chandler Lake and Wiseman quadrangles, as 

well as parts of the Killik River, Survey Pass, 

Hughes, and Bettles quadrangles, all in the 

central Brooks Range; (4) publication of a 

summary report describing a seismic study of 

northern Alaska, which showed that during a 

1-year recording period, 69 earthquakes of 

magnitudes 1 to 4 were recorded in a region 

that was previously considered to be aseismic;

(5) continuing exchange program with Soviet 

scientists and engineers on pipelines, permafrost, and environmental protection; and (6) collection of geotechnical data made available during the construction of the trans-Alaska oil 

pipeline.

Project: Arctic Engineering Geology (TAPS).

Region and map key: Statewide; fig. 7 (1).

Organization designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: A. T. Ovenshine, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2231.

Project objectives: The principal objectives of this 

project include: (1) for the Technical Advisory 

Board to the Department of the Interior Task 

Force on Oil Development and for the Federal 

Task Force on Alaskan Oil Development, review reports and proposals concerning the 

trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) in terms 

of their accuracy and merit, prepare (in collaboration with other government agencies) an 

Environmental Impact Statement, prepare and 

review environmental and technical stipulations controlling the planning, construction, 

and operation of the proposed pipeline, and 

make recommendations in regard to possible 

alinement changes and special engineeringgeologic problems; (2) collect, synthesize, and 

prepare for publication engineering-geologic 

data that will aid in determining the proper 

route, design, construction, and maintenance of 

TAPS and that will provide similar aid to other 

engineering activities generated by the 

petroleum-related development of northern 

Alaska; (3) collect and synthesize basic geologic 

data concerning the character and distribution 

of permafrost, surficial deposits, and bedrock 

along the pipeline route; and (4) evaluate new 

techniques, such as remote sensing, that will 

aid in the rapid determination of the distribution and character of permafrost and other 

geologic-environmental features and consequently will facilitate solving engineeringgeologic problems.

Project status: Most of the objectives of this project have been accomplished, and the project will 

be terminated at the end of fiscal year 1978. 

More than 50 reports have been published inA16
eluding the Environmental Impact Statement, 

Environmental and Technical Stipulations, and 

preliminary engineering-geologic maps of the 

entire pipeline route. Current activities emphasize the collection of basic geologic, seismic, 

and hydrologic data that are important to the 

proper construction and safe operation of the 

pipeline.

Project: Hydrologic environment of the transAlaska pipeline system (TAPS).

Region and map key. Statewide; fig. 7 (1).

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: J. M. Childers, U.S. Geological Survey, 218 E Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; 

(907) 277-5526.

Project objectives: This project assesses the hydrologic impact of the trans-Alaska pipeline 

system (TAPS). A basic-data network of 

stream-gaging and water-quality monitoring 

stations will be maintained and operated to 

provide records of hydrologic conditions along 

the TAPS route throughout the life of the 

pipeline. Hydrologic hazards including floods, 

icings, glaciers, and channel erosion and their 

interactions with TAPS will be studied. 

Stream, lake, spring, and aquifer characteristics will be evaluated for assessing potential 

development impacts associated with TAPS. 

The studies will provide technical information 

on interactions of hydrologic processes, some of 

which are identified by the National Academy 

of Sciences, Committee on Permafrost and reported in "Opportunities for Permafrost-related 

Research Associated with the Trans-Alaska 

Pipeline System," published in 1975.

Project status: This project, begun in 1970, is 

planned for continuation through the early operation phases of TAPS. Basic water data are 

published in the Alaska District annual basicdata reports. The project has published 25 reports, including 4 in 1977.

Project: Alaska geologic earthquake hazards.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

Geology. 

Project chief: George Plafker, U. S. Geological

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park,

Calif 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2201.

Project objectives: The overall objective of this 

project is 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 project was originally a 5-year 

field program, but has been extended to 8 years. 

Fieldwork to date has resulted in detailed strip 

mapping and reconnaissance studies of 

virtually all known or suspected active faults 

that are exposed on land in Alaska. During 

1977 fieldwork focused on study and evaluation 

of faults on the Seward Peninsula, northern 

Koyukuk Basin, southern Brooks Range, 

Yukon-Tanana upland, and northern Alaska 

Range. Several reports on active faults and an 

active fault map of Alaska are in preparation. 

During 1978, the offshore continuation of the 

Fairweather fault and the submarine Chatham 

Strait fault will be investigated using the R/V 

Sea Sounder.

Project: Alaska geothermal reconnaissance.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

Geology. 

Project chief: Thomas P. Miller, U.S. Geological

Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska

99501; (907) 272-8228. 

Project objectives: The objective is to evaluate the

geothermal resources of Alaska through

geologic, geochemical, and geophysical studies

of hot springs and volcanic areas. 

Project status: Fieldwork is complete, and final

reports are in preparation.

Project: Selected studies of tin, tungsten, and 

molybdenum deposits in Alaska.

Region and map key: Statewide; fig. 7 (2), (3).

Project chief: Travis Hudson, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2134.

Project objectives: The primary objectives are to 

determine the age, petrology, geochemistry, 

and origin of the tin-granite complex of the 

Serpentine Hot Springs area, Seward Peninsula, and its relation to the associated

A17
mineralization. In addition, the project is to 

identify the general nature of tungsten and 

molybdenum deposits throughout Alaska. 

Project status: Fieldwork on the tin-granites of 

western Seward Peninsula and on intrusive 

rocks associated with molybdenum deposits in 

the Ketchikan area has been completed. A preliminary report on the tin-granite complex at 

Serpentine Hot Springs has been prepared; 

chemical, age, and isotopic studies of this and 

other tin-granite complexes of western Seward 

Peninsula are planned. Petrologic, chemical, 

and isotopic studies of intrusive rocks associated with molybdenite deposits in the Ketchikan area are continuing; two preliminary reports have been prepared.

Project: Environmental geology of Alaska coal 

lands.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Environmental Geology, Engineering 

Geology Branch.

Project chiefs: Henry R. Schmoll and Lynn A. 

Yehle, U.S. Geological Survey, Mail Stop 903 

KCG, Box 25046, Denver, Colo. 80225; (303) 

234-3290 and 234-2999, respectively.

Project objectives: The objectives of the project 

are to provide an understanding of the nature, 

location, and extent of general environmental 

concerns and potential problems caused by response of geologic materials, both 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) throughout 

Alaska. There are two phases of the project: 

(1) an overview to delineate all areas of the 

State where there is a reasonable potential for 

coal-mining activity or intense exploration, and 

to outline in general terms the environmentalgeologic aspects of each; and (2) more detailed 

studies in selected areas most likely to be sites 

of major development in the foreseeable future

Project status: To date most effort has been devoted to phase (2) above. Field investigations, 

comprising helicopter, fixed-wing, and foot 

traverses, were begun in the Capps GlacierTyonek region about 100 km west of Anchorage, where strip mining of coal is anticipated

within the next several years. Compilation of 

surficial geology of about five l:63,360-scale 

quadrangles from aerial photographs is underway. Compilation of the surficial geology map 

of Anchorage at the same scale is continuing, 

and parts of the map are nearly ready for 

open-file release.

Project: Alaskan gravity surveys.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Geochemistry and Geophysics, Branch 

of Regional Geophysics.

Project chief: David F. Barnes, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2249.

Project objectives: In the past the prime objectives 

of Alaskan gravity surveys have been the completion of a l:2,500,000-scale map of the State 

and the location of basins of sedimentary rocks 

beneath large areas of alluvial cover. Now the 

emphasis is shifting to provide data suitable for 

a few l:250,000-scale maps to study some of the 

anomalies that seem to be associated with 

mineralization and to provide background data 

for land-use decisions in cooperation with the 

Alaska Mineral Resources Assessment Program (AMRAP) and the Wilderness Area 

studies in Alaska.

Project status: Aircraft support obtained through 

cooperation of geochemical and geological field 

parties is providing coverage of 100 to 600 stations in a few 1:250,000 quadrangles that are 

being systematically studied as areas of high 

economic mineral potential. Station density is 

good enough in a few of these quadrangles to 

justify terrain corrections and the preparation 

of complete Bouguer anomaly maps. In some 

quadrangles the preparation of such complete 

Bouguer anomaly maps has been greatly aided 

by receipt of digital terrain data on magnetic 

tapes supplied by the Department of Defense. 

These data provided the basis for such a map of 

the lower elevation part of the McCarthy quadrangle, which is now in preparation. During the 

past summer, field gravity data to support 

equivalent or better maps were obtained for the 

Talkeetna Mountains, Big Delta, Chignik, 

Sutwik Island and Lake Clark quadrangles, 

and additional new data were obtained in the

A18
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and Gulf of Alaska 

coastal areas.

Project: Uranium potential of Tertiary basins, 

Alaska.

Region and map key: Statewide; fig. 7 (4).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Uranium 

and Thorium Resources.

Project chief: Kendall A. Dickinson, U.S. Geological Survey, P.O. Box 25046, Mail Stop 916, 

Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, Colo. 80225; 

(303) 234-5667.

Project objectives: Project objectives are to determine the potential for uranium resources in the 

Tertiary sedimentary rocks of Alaska.

Project status: Fieldwork in the Cook Inlet, 

Matanuska Valley, and Copper River basin 

areas is complete. Laboratory analyses are 

about 50 percent complete.

Project: Coal resources of Alaska.

Region and map key: Statewide; fig. 7 (5), (6), (7).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Coal Resources.

Project chiefs: Jack H. Medlin, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 956 National Center, Reston, Va. 

22092; (703) 860-7734; E. R. Landis, U.S. 

Geological Survey, Mail Stop 972, Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, Colo. 80225; (303) 

234-3578.

Project objectives: This project has four major objectives: (1) to evaluate coal resources in the 

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 coal distribution in 

the 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 U.S.G.S. laboratories.

Project status: 1978 is the first year of project operations. The work will be coordinated with the 

Office of National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska 

and the Branch of Alaskan Geology and concentrated in those areas presently being investigated by these groups.

Project: Paleozoic paleontology and stratigraphy 

of Alaska.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Environmental Geology, Branch of 

Paleontology and Stratigraphy.

Project chief: J. Thomas Dutro, Jr., U.S. Geological Survey, Rm E-316, Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. 20560; (202) 343-3222.

Project objectives: Principal objectives are: 

(1) field and laboratory studies of Paleozoic biostratigraphy of Alaska, with emphasis on the 

upper Paleozoic 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; and (3) inquiry into the 

paleogeographic 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 determined, in part, by the nature of 

cooperative work with other Survey geologists. 

Current work includes: Carboniferous of 

Alaska, Upper Devonian of Central Brooks 

Range, Paleozoic of Medfra quadrangle, microfacies of the Lisburne Group, carbonate petrography in the Bornite area, biostratigraphy of 

Calico Bluff Formation, and lower Paleozoic 

sedimentary rocks of the Dillinger River area 

in the Alaska Range.

Project: Geothermal studies.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Earthquake Studies, Tectonophysics 

Branch.

Project chief: Arthur H. Lachenbruch, U.S. 

Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, 

Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 

2272.

Project objectives: The project objectives are: (1) 

to determine the regional distribution of heat 

flow and its relation to tectonic processes in 

Alaska; and (2) to determine the relations

A19
among the thermal regime of permafrost, 

shoreline movements, and Pleistocene climatic 

history in the Arctic coastal regions. 

Project status: We are making thermal observations, as opportunity permits, in holes drilled 

primarily in connection with exploration for petroleum and mineral resources. Holes must be 

at least 150 m deep, and representative core or 

cuttings are desirable.

Project: Land-use/land-cover mapping and data 

compilation.

Region and map key: Statewide; fig. 7 (8).

Organizational designation: Land Information 

and Analysis Office, Geography Program, 

Compilation and Interpretation Branch.

Project chief: George L. Loelkes, U.S. Geological 

Survey, Reston, Va. 22092; (703) 860-6256.

Project objectives: The Geography Program is 

providing land-use/land-cover and associated 

maps for the entire United States on a systematic and comprehensive basis. Initial coverage 

of the U.S. is expected to be completed by 1982. 

During the first few years of the program, emphasis has been on completing maps of coastal 

areas, energy-production areas, metropolitan 

regions, and states that have entered into costsharing cooperative agreements with the 

Geological Survey. After the maps are compiled, they are digitized and entered into a geographic information system. Statistics on land 

use and land cover are then made available by 

political units (counties, etc.), hydrologic units, 

census county subdivisions, and areas of Federal land ownership.

Project status: A draft copy of the land-use/landcover map for the Fairbanks l:250,000-scale (1° 

x 3°) quadrangle has been completed. A field 

check of the map during 1977 indicated that 

revision was necessary. More recent highaltitude photographs and satellite images will 

be used to recompile the map, which will be 

released in open file in 1978. The lack of suitable source materials for most of Alaska has limited planning for mapping the remainder of the 

State.

Project: Arctic water resources and environmental studies. 

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: J. M. Childers, U.S. Geological Survey, 218 E Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; 

(907) 277-5526.

Project objectives: The project studies arctic 

Alaskan water resources to provide information 

for planning, design, and operation of development in Alaska. Hydrologic hazards including 

floods, icings, glaciers, and channel erosion are 

being evaluated in development areas. Stream, 

lake, spring, and aquifer characteristics are examined in order to assess potential development impacts. Selected sites are studied to determine causes, processes, and effects of development impacts on water resources. These 

studies include water-quality evaluation and 

attention to icings and acceleration of erosion. 

This project is designed to help develop Alaska's resources for the national need and concurrently to protect the environment in Alaska.

Project status: This study, begun in 1974, is a 

continuing project. Accomplishments include 

hydrologic surveys along the trans-Alaska 

pipeline system (TAPS) and throughout 

Alaska. Several technical reports are published 

or are being prepared. Most information from 

the project has been made available through 

open-file release for timely use in design and 

review of developments in northern Alaska.

REGIONAL PROJECTS

A large part of the Geological Survey's Alaskan 

program consists of regional projects of less than 

statewide scope. Many projects are intensive investigations that require several years to complete. As with most technical studies, final formulation and publication of results are accomplished 

at the end of the investigation. For some projects, 

interim results and findings are compiled and 

presented in "Summary of Important Results," 

part of a companion circular (772-B). Interim accounts of continuing hydrologic investigations are 

prepared and published separately by the Water 

Resources Division. Inquiries on the status of the 

various projects should be directed to the project 

chiefs at the addresses listed in the project summaries.

NORTHERN ALASKA

Project: Ambler River quadrangle (AMRAP). 

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (1). 

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

A20
171°

0 100 200 KILOMETERS 

I t i » I______I

FIGURE 8. Locations of projects, northern Alaska.

A21
TABLE 2. Regional projects, northern Alaska

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work Area

Ambler River quadrangle 

(AMRAP); fig. 8 (area 1}

I.L.Tailleur, C.H.Mayfield, 

I.F.Ellersieok, S.H. 

Hackett, N.R.D.Albert

Geologic, geochemical, 

geophysical, and 

telegeologic surveys, 

mineral-resource 

assessment

Ambler River quadrangle

Philip Smith Mountains 

quadrangle (AMRAP); 

fig. 8 (2)

H.N.Reiser, W.P.Brosge, 

J.B.Cathrall, D.E.Detra, 

R.L.Detterman, J.T.Dutro, 

Jr., K.J.Bird, D.F.Barnes,

J.H.DeYoung,Jr. 

J.R.LeCompte

John Cady,

Geologic mapping,

geochemical sampling, 

geophysical survey, 

mineral-resource 

assessment

Philip Smith Mountains 

quadrangle

Survey Pass quadrangle 

(AMRAP); fig. 8 (3)

Donald Grybeck, S.W.Nelson, 

J.B.Cathrall, D.A.Brew, 

Peter Coney, M.L.Silberman

Geologic mapping,

geochemical sampling, 

mineral-resource 

assessment

Survey Pass quadrangle

Arctic Coastal Plain (Arctic 0.J.Ferrians,Jr. 

Environmental Studies 

Program); fig. 8 (4)

Reconnaissance engineering Northeastern Alaska 

geologic studies, geologic 

mapping

North Slope Petroleun 

Program

K.J.Bird and other Geologic 

Division personnel

Appraisal of petroleum 

potential by means of 

surface and subsurface 

geological, geophysical, 

and geochemical studies

North Slope

Engineering geologic studies Reuben Kachadoorian 

in National Petroleum Reserve 

in Alaska; fig. 8 (5)

Engineering geologic studies National Petroleum Reserve

in Alaska (NPRA)

Land-use/land-cover mapping 

in Alaska; fig. 8 (5)

Leonard Gaydos Land-use and land-cover 

mapping from Landsat 

digital data

NPRA

NPRA oil and gas source rock 

study; fig. 8 (5)

L.B.Magoon, G.E.Claypool Data collection and analysis NPRA

Geophysical exploration of 

the National Petroleum 

Reserve in Alaska; 

fig. 8 (5)

J.K.Kienzle Geophysical exploration to NPRA 

locate drill sites and to 

aid in assessing petroleum 

potential

NPRA hydrology; fig. 8 (5) C.E.Sloan and other Water 

Resources Division 

personnel

Hydrologic assessment NPRA

NPRA Cenozoic paleontology, 

eastern half; fig. 8 (6)

C.A.Repenning, L.N.

Marincovich, J.E.Hazel, 

R.A.Spicer

Paleontology and 

stratigraphy

Eastern NPRA

Development and operation 

of gas fields in the Point 

Barrow area; fig. 8 (7)

R.D.Carter, R.J.Lantz Subaurface petroleum Point Barrow 

exploration and evaluation, 

gas field operation

Southeastern Brooks Range; 

fig. 8 (8)

W.P.Brosge, H.N.Reiser, Geologic mapping,

geochemical sampling

Arctic and Table Mountain 

quadrangles

Lower Cretaceous Nanushuk 

Group, Northern Alaska; 

fig. 8 (9)

T.S.Ahlbrandt and other 

Geologic Division 

personnel

Stratigraphic, paleontologic Northern Alaska 

and economic studies

Reservoir study of Lisburne 

Group; structural and 

Stratigraphic studies 

(North Slope Petroleum 

Program); fig. 8 (10)

K.J.Bird Petrographic studies of 

cores and samples; 

detailed well-log 

correlations; 

structural/stratigraphic 

profiles integrating 

geologic and geophysical 

data

Eastern part of North Slope

A22
TABLE 2. Regional projects, northern Alaska Continued

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work Area

Geologic-geophysical profile 

across the Brooks Range 

front; fig. 8 (ares 11)

K.J.Bird Gravity and magnetic 

surveys, data reduction 

and compilation

Northeastern Alaska

National Petroleum Reserve; 

fig. 8 (12)

A.E.Letey and Topographic 

Division personnel

Topographic mapping Northern Alaska

Coal resource area;

fig. 8 (13), fig. 9 (6), 

fig. 10 (6)

A.E.Letey and Topographic 

Division personnel

Topographic mapping Northern Alaska

Eastern Brooks Range; 

fig. 8 (14)

A.E.Letey and Topographic Topographic mapping 

Division personnel

Northern Alaska

Pipeline revision;

fig. 8 (15), fig. 9 (7)

R.E.Fordham and Topographic Revision of topographic 

Division personnel maps

Northern Alaska

Surficial geology, central 

Brooks Range (Arctic 

Environmental Studies 

Program); fig. 8 (16), 

fig. 9 (1)

See table 3 and section entitled "Regional projects, east-central Alaska.

Hughes-Shungnak area; 

fig. 8 (17), fig. 10 (5)

See table 1 and section entitled "Regional projects, west-central Alaska."

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: C. F. Mayfield, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2147.

Project objectives: Reconnaissance geologic, 

geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic 

mapping is being used to produce a resource 

assessment of the quadrangle. The final report 

will consist of a series of components including: 

(1) a geologic map at 1:250,000 scale; (2) a 

geochemical survey showing high concentrations of selected elements; (3) an 

aeromagnetic map with lineaments and 

anomalies; (4) a telegeologic map with lineaments and anomalies; and (5) a mineral occurrences and resources map.

Project status: Fieldwork was completed in 1976. 

Compilation of the various components of the 

project is continuing; they will be released as an 

open-file series early in 1978. Regional gravity 

data collected during field studies will be included if time permits.

Project: Philip Smith Mountains quadrangle

(AMRAP). 

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (2).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology and Branch of Exploration Research.

Project chiefs: John B. Cathrall (party chief), U.S. 

Geological Survey, Building 53, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 80225; (303) 234-3131, ext. 

4813; Hillard N. Reiser and William P. Brosge 

(team leaders), U.S. Geological Survey, 345 

Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

(415) 323-8111, ext. 2387 and 2316, respectively.

Project objectives: Reconnaissance geologic, 

geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic 

mapping will provide the data for a rapid assessment of the mineral resources of the quadrangle. Fieldwork included: (1) geologic mapping at 1:250,000 scale, study of the Sadlerochit 

Group, and reconnaissance study of the Devonian rocks; (2) a geochemical survey; (3) completion of the regional gravity survey; (4) an 

aeromagnetic survey; (5) analysis of hydrocarbon potential of shales and reservoir potential 

of Mississippian carbonate rocks; and (6) mapping of surficial geology, done as part of the 

Arctic Environmental Studies Program.

Project status: All field work and about 40 percent 

of the preparation of reports have been comA23
pleted. A fence diagram of the Sadlerochit 

Group by R. L. Detterman was published in

1976 (MF-744), and a generalized geologic map 

was placed in open file in 1977. Thomas D. 

Hamilton has completed the surficial geologic 

map. Geochemical data from stream sediments 

and panned concentrates and a report on an occurrence of sphalerite were placed in open file 

in 1977. Results of the aeromagnetic survey 

made late in 1976 were placed in open file in

1977 and will be interpreted by John Cady. 

J. R. LeCompte has made preliminary telegeologic maps from Landsat imagery. The new 

gravity data have been reduced by David F. 

Barnes and will be used in making the resource 

assessment. All maps and reports should be 

completed by July 1978.

Project: Survey Pass quadrangle (AMRAP).

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (3).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Donald Grybeck, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 272-8228.

Project objectives: Project objectives are reconnaissance geologic, geochemical, geophysical, 

and telegeologic mapping to provide data for 

assessment of mineral resources in the Survey 

Pass quadrangle. Fieldwork consists primarily 

of: (1) geologic mapping at 1:250,000 scale* 

(2) geochemical investigations primarily 

through the use of stream-sediment, pannedconcentrate, and altered or mineralized rock 

samples to delineate areas of metal concentrations; and (3) regional geophysical surveys.

Project status: Geologic mapping and geochemical sampling for this two-year project began in 

1977. A previously completed preliminary 

geologic map by W. P. Brosge (U.S.G.S.) and 

G. H. Pessel (Alaska Division of Geological and 

Geophysical Surveys) was published in 1977 

and provided the geologic framework on which 

this year's mapping was based. Approximately 

50 percent of the quadrangle was mapped during the summer of 1977. Geochemical sampling 

of 75 percent of the quadrangle was completed 

this summer. The Alaska Division of Geological 

and Geophysical Surveys has open filed 

stream-sediment surveys of the remaining 25

percent of the quadrangle; these studies were 

completed in 1975. Chemical analyses, including uranium and thorium content of 40 samples 

of orthogneiss and granite of the Arrigetch 

Peaks and Mount Igikpak plutons, are in progress. Samples for geochronologic studies of part 

of the southwest Brooks Range mineral belt 

and the Arrigetch Peaks and Mount Igikpak 

plutons are also in progress. Twenty-eight fossil 

collections out of the 33 collected have been 

identified and have provided critical data to 

refine the stratigraphy and facies interpretation of sedimentary rocks in the northern onethird of the quadrangle.

Project: Arctic Coastal Plain, northeastern 

Alaska (Arctic Environmental Studies Program).

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (4).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Oscar J. Ferrians, Jr., U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-11, ext. 2247.

Project objectives: The major objective is to complete reconnaissance engineering-geologic investigations that will provide base-line 

geotechnical data needed in planning, designing, operating, and maintaining engineering 

structures in this region. Planned fieldwork includes engineering-geologic mapping at a scale 

of 1:250,000. Studies of permafrost conditions, 

geomorphic features, permafrost-related processes, and other geologic processes important to 

arctic engineering will be emphasized. Potential geotechnical problems that require special 

consideration include: 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 engineeringgeologic maps of the entire region. After these 

maps have been prepared, 3 to 4 weeks of 

fieldwork will be required to prepare the final 

maps. Preliminary engineering-geologic maps 

will be completed for open files or the Miscellaneous Field Studies Map Series in 1978.

A24
Project: North Slope Petroleum Program.

Region: Northern Alaska.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and 

Gas Resources.

Program manager: Kenneth J. Bird, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2116.

Project objectives: 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 history, hydrocarbon 

source potential, and relations of extracted hydrocarbons to known North Slope oils; and 

(6) the geologic history of the basin as it relates 

to potential reservoirs, source and seal rocks, 

hydrocarbon formation and migration, and 

present structural trends.

Project status: Most of the projects listed below 

are being done on a cooperative basis with the 

Office of National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska 

(ONPRA). Individual projects and active personnel include a reservoir study of the Lisburne 

Group, K. J. Bird; a subsurface, seismic, gravity, magnetic, and stratigraphic study of the 

structural style of the eastern Brooks Range 

foothills, K. J. Bird, D. M. Giovannetti; a comprehensive reservoir study of the Cretaceous 

Nanushuk Group, T. Ahlbrandt, K. Bird, J. 

Fox, K. Huffman, F. May, G. Mull, I. Pasternak, R. Scott, W. Sliter, S. Bartsch-Winkler; a 

geochemistry study of NPRA to assess petroleum source rock potential, L. Magoon, G. 

Claypool; and helium "sniffer" survey in NPRA 

and Prudhoe Bay areas to determine the effectivfcness of the technique in the Arctic, A. 

Roberts.

Project: Engineering-geologic studies in National

Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. 

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (5). 

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Reuben Kachadoorian, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2262.

Project objectives: The primary objective is to 

make engineering-geologic investigations to 

provide geotechnical analyses needed for petroleum exploration of NPRA. Investigations include, but are not limited to, (a) determining 

sources of construction materials, and 

(b) evaluating site locations of such facilities as 

airstrips, roads, drill sites, and construction 

camps. Also project personnel will consult with 

participants in the NPRA program on (a) engineering geology and permafrost-related engineering problems, and (b) engineeringgeologic effects of exploration activities in the 

Reserve.

Project status: The project provides engineeringgeologic expertise needed to fulfill responsibilities assigned to the Geological Survey 

through provisions of the "Naval Petroleum 

Reserves Production Act of 1976." Therefore, 

the project will continue until the responsibilities of the Geological Survey are fulfilled 

in accordance with the Act.

Project: Land-use and land-cover mapping in 

Alaska based on Landsat digital data.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (5).

Organizational designation: Land Information 

and Analysis Office, Geography Program, Research and Analysis Branch.

Project chief: Leonard Gaydos, U.S. Geological 

Survey, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett 

Field, Calif. 94035; (415) 965-6368.

Project objectives: The Geography Program is 

undertaking land-use and land-cover mapping 

in certain parts of Alaska by computer 

classification of digital data acquired by scanners aboard the Landsat satellites. A data base 

comparable to that being constructed for the 

rest of the Nation is being established but from 

source material that was originally in digital 

form. This project demonstrates the flexibility 

of the data base for attaining the maximum 

possible information using digital scanner data 

which can be aggregated for different purposes. 

The objective of the project during 1977 and 

1978 is to map land cover and vegetation within

A25
the 38,000 square miles of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA). 

Project status: Landsat data for NPRA were acquired and pre-processed during 1977, and unsupervised classifications were created. The 

preliminary maps were field checked during the 

summer of 1977, and the field data are being 

incorporated into refinements of the preliminary classifications. Revised classifications will 

be completed by spring of 1978 and will be incorporated into the environmental assessment 

of NPRA being conducted by the Geological 

Survey and the land-use study being conducted 

by the Task Force composed of various agencies 

of the Department of the Interior, coordinated 

by the Bureau of Land Management.

Project: NPRA oil and gas source rock study.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (5).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and 

Gas Resources.

Project chief: Leslie B. Magoon, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2979.

Project objectives: The objective of this study is to 

provide the data and interpretations necessary 

to assess the oil and gas source potential of various potential 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. A final report will be 

written by January 1980 to be submitted to 

Congress.

Project status: Analytical data needed for this 

study will be provided by Geochem Research, 

Inc., Houston, and Global Geochemistry, Los 

Angeles. To date over 2,000 analyses have been 

completed. Petroleum Information, Denver, is 

building and maintaining the data file of these 

analyses and implementing graphical displays.

Project: Geophysical exploration of the National 

Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (5).

Organizational designation: Office of National 

Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (ONPRA).

Project chief: J. K. Kienzle, ONPRA, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2116.

Project objectives: The objective is to acquire and 

interpret common depth point siesmic, gravity, 

and aeromagnetic data for use in locating drilling sites for exploratory wells and to aid in assessing the petroleum potential of NPRA.

Project status: This project originated on June 1, 

1977, when management of Naval Petroleum 

Reserve No. 4 was transferred from the Department of the Navy to the Department of the 

Interior. The project is scheduled to be completed in fiscal year 1980. Through Husky Oil 

Operations, Inc., the contractor to ONPRA, and 

Geophysical Service, Inc., a subcontractor to 

Husky Oil, approximately 3,200 km of CDP 

seismic and gravity data will be acquired in 

NPRA in 1978. The gravity and seismic data 

will be processed by GSI, and the interpretation 

will be done by Tetra Tech, a subcontractor to 

Husky Oil, and by ONPRA. Also in 1978 

ONPRA plans to purchase a proprietary gradient and total field aeromagnetic survey and 

interpretation from Aero Service Corporation. 

This survey was flown north of 70° N. latitude 

in NPRA and will include approximately 

12,200 line miles of vertical gradient data and 

10,950 line miles of total field data.

Project: Geologic section of Environmental Impact Assessment of NPRA.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (5).

Organizational designation: Land Information 

and Analysis Office, Environmental Impact 

Analysis Program.

Project chief: Warren Yeend, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2541.

Project objectives: The project objective is to 

gather data to permit compilation of the 

geologic sections of the Environmental Impact 

Assessment of NPRA, with particular emphasis 

on the effects of petroleum development.

Project status: The project is in the data gathering and map compilation stage.

Project: NPRA hydrology.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (5).

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: Charles E. Sloan, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 218 E Street, Skyline Building, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; (907) 277-5526.

A26
Project objectives: This project is to gather hydrologic information including streamflow characteristics, flood risk zones, lake and stream limnology, ground-water occurrence, and snow 

hydrology to provide data for an environmental 

assessment and a land-use study of NPRA.

Project status: Field studies were done in 1977. A 

reconnaissance snow survey was made in April; 

a reconnaissance water quality assessment of 

lakes and streams was made in June and July; 

indirect measurements of flood flows were made 

in August; and streamflow was monitored at 

four locations from breakup in early June until 

September. The field data have been compiled 

and submitted to the land-use study team.

Project: NPRA Cenozoic Paleontology, eastern 

half.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (6).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Environmental Geology, Branch of 

Paleontology and Stratigraphy.

Project chief: C. A. Repenning, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2366.

Project objectives: This project aims to obtain evidence of the age of thin but complex Pleistocene 

cover and the underlying Prince Creek Formation (and intertonguing marine units) previously considered to be of Cretaceous age but 

now believed to include Tertiary deposits. This 

evidence will provide a basis for a better interpretation of the geologic history of the area, 

of value in interpreting the history of structural 

activity, times of hydrocarbon accumulation, 

and correlation with Tertiary hydrocarbon 

horizons to the east and Cretaceous deposits to 

the west. Considerable work will be devoted to 

modern evaluation of old paleobotanical collections.

Project status: The project began this year. A 

4-day reconnaissance was made in August 1977 

to evaluate project potential. Sufficient new information was obtained to indicate good prospects for further study.

Project: Development and operation of gas fields

in the Point Barrow area.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (7). 

Organizational designation: Office of National

Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.

Project chiefs: Robert D. Carter and Robert J. 

Lantz, ONPRA, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 

Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

(415) 323-8111, ext. 2116.

Project objectives: Project objectives are to explore the Barrow, Alaska, area by geologic and 

geophysical methods, to determine the presence 

or absence of hydrocarbon accumulations, especially gas, by drilling wells, to determine the 

reserves of known or newly discovered fields, 

and to develop and maintain such fields. All 

these activities are undertaken in an attempt to 

assure an adequate supply of energy for the 

North Slope in the vicinity of Point Barrow for 

the reasonably foreseeable future.

Project status: The South Barrow gas field presently supplies gas to the village of Barrow and 

to various government installations nearby. 

According to a recent engineering study, gas 

reserves are sufficient to meet demand requirements only through 1986. A dry hole 

drilled in the field in 1977 may suggest a revision of this estimate. Considerable work is indicated to increase gas production and to 

upgrade field facilities and the transmission 

system.

Wells drilled in 1974 and 1977 east of the present producing area indicate another gas, and 

possibly oil, accumulation. Further drilling will 

be necessary to confirm this deposit and its size 

and to explore other possible gas-bearing structures in the area. Exploratory and developmental drilling will probably continue for a 

number of years in order to prove or disprove 

the existence of gas reserves sufficient for the 

needs of the Barrow area.

Project: Southeastern Brooks Range geology.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (8).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: William P. Brosge, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2316.

Project objectives: Objectives are: (1) geologic field 

mapping at 1:250,000 scale of the unmapped 

two-thirds of Arctic and Table Mountain quadrangles; (2) biostratigraphic and lithofacies 

studies of the Carboniferous Lisburne and 

Permian and Triassic Sadlerochit Groups; and

A27
(3) reconnaissance geochemical sampling and 

study of mineralized areas for resource assessment.

Project status: Fieldwork on the project has not 

begun. A preliminary geologic map of the Table 

Mountain quadrangle based on the previously 

available field data and photointerpretation 

was placed on open file in 1976. Some geochemical sampling and mineral investigation have 

also been done previously; the results have 

been outlined in a preliminary report on the 

mineral resource potential of the Arctic National Wildlife Range placed on open file in 

1976. Stream-sediment geochemical data in an 

area of lead mineralization were placed on open 

file in 1977.

Project: Cretaceous Nanushuk Group, North 

Slope, Alaska.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (9).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and 

Gas Resources.

Project chief: Thomas S. Ahlbrandt, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, MS 940, 

Lakewood, Colo. 80225; (303) 234-4642.

Project objectives: The objective is 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: Twenty-two sections, which include approximately 19,090 m of strata in the 

Nanushuk Group, were measured during the 

1977 field season, and 1,500 geochemical, 

paleontologic, and petrographic samples were 

collected. A study of well logs and cores from 

NPRA wells that penetrate the Nanushuk 

Group is underway. Studies in progress include 

biostratigraphic zonation of the Nanushuk by 

pollen, dinoflagellates, and foraminifers, 

uranium and thorium assessment of the sequence, source rock analysis, and sandstone 

diagenesis, provenance, and depositional environment studies. Preliminary results of these 

investigations will be summarized in Circular 

772-B to be published in the spring of 

1978. The 1978 summer field program will conclude the outcrop investigations for the project.

Project: Reservoir study of Lisburne Group 

(North Slope Petroleum Program).

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (10).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and 

Gas Resources.

Project chief: Kenneth J. Bird, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2116.

Project objectives: The goal is to map reservoir 

trends by determining the relation of reservoir 

characteristics to lithofacies, and then to construct a series of lithofacies maps. Analysis of 

Lisburne well logs and selective study of well 

samples and thin sections are designed to determine reservoir characteristics and mapable 

lithofacies.

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 will 

allow extension of the study into NPRA and 

will provide information for the construction of 

lithofacies maps.

Project: Geologic-geophysical profile across the 

Brooks Range front, northeastern Alaska.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8(11).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and 

Gas Resources.

Project chief: Kenneth J. Bird, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2116.

Project objectives: The objective is 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 

16 km wide by 64 km 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 stations along this profile have been 

reduced and analyzed by D. M. Giovannetti. 

Rock samples from wells and outcrop have been

A28
measured for their density and magnetic susceptibility. This information is being releases 

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. 

Data will be released in open file as soon as 

each phase of the study is completed. Final publication will be as a Bulletin.

Project: National Petroleum Reserve.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8(12).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

Project chief: A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky Mountain 

Mapping Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 

80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project will provide new 

l:50,000-scale topographic maps for that part of 

the National Petroleum Reserve presently 

mapped only at 1:250,000 scale.

Project status: The project consists of 82 quadrangles to be mapped at 1:50,000 scale with 

metric contours. Control has been generated 

using special aerotriangulation techniques. It 

is planned to have this project compiled and advance manuscript copy available by the end of 

FY 1978.

Project: Coal resource area.

Region and map key: Northern, east-central, and 

west-central Alaska; fig. 8 (13), fig. 9 (6), 

fig. 10 (6).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

Project chief: A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky Mountain 

Mapping Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 

80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The objective is to provide new 

l:50,000-scale topographic maps for an area 

presently mapped only at 1:250,000 scale.

Project status: The project consists of 45 quadrangles to be mapped at 1:50,000 scale with 

metric contours. Control will be generated in 

FY 1*978 using special aerotriangulation techniques. Advance manuscript copy should be 

available in FY 1979.

Project: Eastern Brooks Range.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 8 (14).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

Project chief: A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky Mountain 

Mapping Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 

80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project aims to provide 

new l:63,360-scale topographic maps in an area 

previously unmapped at this 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 area. The present schedule 

calls for advance manuscript copy to be available for these quadrangles in about 1980.

Project: Pipeline revision.

Region and map key: Northern and east-central 

Alaska; fig. 8 (15), fig. 9 (7).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Special Mapping Center.

Project chief: Roy E. Fordham, Chief, Special 

Mapping Center, 1925 Newton Square East, 

Reston, Va. 22090; (703) 860-7760.

Project objectives: The project will revise forty 

l:63,360-scale and nine l:250,000-scale maps 

from Prudhoe Bay to the vicinity of Fairbanks 

to show the trans-Alaska pipeline, service road, 

and other related features.

Project status: The l:63,360-scale revision has 

been completed and the maps are either published or awaiting publication. The 1:250,000- 

scale revision is expected to be completed in FY 

1978.

EAST-CENTRAL ALASKA

Project: Yukon-Tanana.

Region and map key: East-central Alaska; 

fig. 9 (1).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Helen L. Foster, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2331.

Project objectives: Primary objectives are to complete geologic mapping and geochemical sampling, assess mineral resource potential, and

A29
100 200 KILOMETERS

FIGURE 9. Locations of projects, east-central Alaska.

carry on special geologic studies of the YukonTanana upland. In the Tanacross and Big Delta 

quadrangles (AMRAP projects) a team approach is being used, and geologic, geochemical, 

geophysical, and Landsat data are being 

applied to geologic interpretation and mineralresource assessment.

Project status: In the Tanacross quadrangle 

fieldwork has been completed, and most reports 

have been published. Fieldwork has been completed in the Eagle quadrangle, and most results have been published. A little work is continuing on the granitic and ultramafic rocks. 

These projects will be finished this year. In the 

Big Delta quadrangle fieldwork is complete, 

and compilation of maps, analysis of samples, 

and compilation of data are in progress. Preliminary data will be open filed in the spring of 

1978. Fieldwork will begin in the Circle quadrangle in 1978.

Project: Chandalar quadrangle (AMRAP). 

Region and map key: East-central Alaska; 

fig. 9 (2).

TABLE 3. Regional projects, east-central Alaska

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work Area

Yukon-Tanana; fig. 9 

(area 1)

H.L.Foster,I.E.C.Keith, Geologio mapping, Eagle, Tanaoroas, Circle,

C.Dusel-Bacon, F.R.Weber, geochemical sampling, and Big Delta quadrangles

T.D.Hessin, and other mineral-resource assessment,

Geologio Division personnel special geologic studies

Chandalar quadrangle 

(AMRAP); fig. 9 (2)

S.P.Marah, W.P.Brosge, H.N. 

Reiser, J.H.DeYoung, Jr., 

J.Cady, N.R.D.Albert

Geochemicel sampling, 

geophysical survey, 

mineral-resource assessment

Chandalar quadrangle

Tanana Valley

transportation-development 

corridor; Fairbanka to 

Canadian border (Arctic 

Environmental Studies 

Program); fig. 9 (3), 

fig. 12 (17)

L.D.Carter, J.P.Galloway Geologio mepping of 

surfioial deposits

Tanana Valley, Fairbanks 

to Canadian border

Surfioial geology, central 

Brooks Range (Arctic 

Environmental Studies 

Program); fig. 9 CO, 

fig. 8 (16)

T.D.Hamilton Surficial geologic mapping, Philip Smith Mountains, 

stratigraphic studies Chandalar, Wiseman,

Chandler Lake, Killik 

River, and Survey Pass 

quadrangles

Christian East; fig. 9 (5) A.E.Letey and Topographic Topographic mapping 

Division personnel

East-central Alaska

Coal resource area;

fig. 9 (6), fig. 8 (13), 

fig. 10 (6)

See table 2 and section entitled "Regional projects, northern Alaska."

Pipeline revision;

fig. 9 (7), fig. 8 (15)

See table 2 and section entitled "Regional projects, northern Aleska."

A30
Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology and Branch of Exploration Research.

Project chiefs: Sherman P. Marsh (party chief), 

U.S. Geological Survey, Building 25, Federal 

Center, Denver, Colo. 80225; (303) 234-3131, 

ext. 3283; William P. Brosge and Hillard N. 

Reiser (team leaders), U.S. Geological Survey, 

345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2316, 2387, respectively.

Project objectives'. Geochemical, geophysical, 

telegeologic, surficial geologic and mineraldeposit mapping will be combined with the 

available geologic reconnaissance map and 

aeromagnetic survey to provide the data for a 

rapid assessment of the mineral resources. 

Fieldwork included a geochemical survey, 

study of selected mining claims, and mapping of 

surficial geology done as part of the Arctic Environmental Studies Program.

Project status: All fieldwork and about 90 percent 

of report preparation have been completed. The 

stream-sediment data were placed in open file 

in 1976, and the panned concentrate data in 

1977; production of computer-generated maps 

and statistical data is in progress. The 

mineral-resource map has been prepared by 

John H. DeYoung, Jr., an aeromagnetic interpretation map by John Cady, and a surficial 

geology map by Thomas D. Hamilton. David F. 

Barnes has compiled a map of Alaska showing 

the regional gravity field in the quadrangle, but 

scarcity of data will preclude specific geologic 

interpretation. Interpretive maps of Landsat 

imagery are being prepared by Nairn R. D. Albert. All maps and reports should be completed 

in early 1978.

Project: Tanana Valley transportationdevelopment corridor: Fairbanks to the Canadian border (Arctic Environmental Studies 

Program).

Region and map key: East-central and southern 

Alaska; fig. 9 (3), fig. 12 (17).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: L. David Carter, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2682.

Project objectives: The project objective is 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 the 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 and 1977. A strip map of 

the surficial deposits along the proposed route 

of the Alcan gas pipeline from Fairbanks to the 

Canadian border will be prepared in 1978, and 

a preliminary map of the surficial deposits of 

the project area will be prepared in 1979.

Project: Surficial geology of the central Brooks 

Range (Arctic Environmental Studies Program).

Region and map key: East-central and northern 

Alaska; fig. 9 (4), fig. 8 (16).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Thomas D. Hamilton, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2156.

Project objectives: The project will provide data 

essential for assessment of transportation corridors across the central Brooks Range and for 

other studies involving land-use analysis and 

land classification. This objective is being accomplished through preparation of 1:125,000- 

scale surficial geologic maps showing 

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

debris flows, and other hazard zones. The maps 

are also of value to resource-oriented programs 

involving geochemical surveys or evaluation of 

construction materials. A general stratigraphic 

framework, based on measured sections, 

radiocarbon dates, soil analyses, and geomorphic age criteria, is also being developed for the

A31
region. This framework which will tie together 

glacial and nonglacial deposits of the northern 

and southern Brooks Range, will provide a 

basic structure to which other Quaternary 

events in northern and north-central Alaska 

can be related.

Project status: Surficial geologic maps of the 

Philip Smith Mountains and Chandalar quadrangles are currently in press. Field mapping 

and ancillary studies of the Wiseman quadrangle were completed during the summer of 

1977, and this map will be placed in open file 

early in 1978. Field mapping during the summer of 1978 will be carried out in the Chandler 

Lake quadrangle and parts of the Killik River, 

and Survey Pass quadrangles. Surficial 

geologic maps for the Chandler Lake and 

Wiseman quadrangles should be submitted for 

publication during the winter of 1978-79.

Project: Christian East.

Region and map key: East-central Alaska; 

fig. 9 (5).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

Project chief: A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky Mountain 

Mapping Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 

80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The objective is to provide four 

new l:63,360-scale quadrangle maps 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 for 

printing in FY 1979.

WEST-CENTRAL ALASKA

Project: Medfra quadrangle (AMRAP).

Region and map key: West-central Alaska; 

fig. 10 (1).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: William W. Patton, Jr., U.S. 

Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, 

Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; (415 323-8111, ext. 

2248.

Project objectives: The primary objective is a detailed stratigraphic study of the Precambrian to

100 200 KILOMETERS

FIGURE 10. Locations of projects, west-central Alaska.

A32
TABLE 4. Regional projects, west-central Alaska

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work Area

Medfra quadrangle UMRAP); 

fig. 10 (area 1}

W.W.Patton.Jr., J.T.Dutro, 

Jr., R.M.Chapman

Stratigraphic studiea, 

reconnaissance geologic 

mapping

Medfra quadrangle

Arctic mineral resources; 

fig. 10 (2)

R.M.Chapman, W.W.Patton.Jr., 

M.L.Silberman

Reconnaisaance geologic 

mapping, geochemical 

sampling

Ruby quadrangle

Western Alaska uranium; 

fig. 10 (3)

T.P.Miller, B.R.Johnson Geologic mapping, detailed 

petrologic studies

Seward Peninsula; parts of 

Selawik, Snungnak, Hughes, 

Candle, Melozitna quadrangles

Preliminary investigation of Ernest Sloan, Gerald Shearer Coal-resource assessment 

coal outcrops near Farewell, 

Alaska; fig. 10 (4), 

fig. 12 (18)

Hughes-Shungnak area;

fig. 10 (5), fig. 8 (17)

A.E.Letey and Topographic 

Division personnel

Topographic mapping

McGrath and Talkeetna 

quadranglea

Mostly in Hughes and 

Shungnak quadrangles

Coal resource area;

fig. 10 (6), fig. 9 (6), 

fig. 8 (13)

See table 2 and section entitled "Regional projects, northern Alaska."

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 Nixon Fork region was selected for 

these initial investigations because it is one of 

the few areas with good bedrock exposures 

within the densely vegetated terrain of the 

Ruby geanticline. In addition to the stratigraphic studies, fieldwork includes reconnaissance mapping of the Medfra quadrangle. 

Project status: Project objectives will be completed as a part of the Alaska Mineral Resource 

Assessment Program (AMRAP). Field stratigraphic studies and reconnaissance mapping 

are largely completed. Fieldwork in 1978 and 

1979 will be focused primarily on geochemical 

sampling and mineral-resource investigations 

of the Medfra quadrangle. Completion of final 

reports is planned for 1980.

Project: Arctic mineral resources.

Region and map key: West-central Alaska;

fig. 10 (2). 

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

Geology.

Project chief: Robert M. Chapman, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2670.

Project objectives: Geologic mapping and related 

studies in the Ruby quadrangle are part of a 

program that will provide an adequate geologic 

base for assessments of mineral-resource potential, regional geologic interpretations, and 

land-use evaluations in central Alaska. This 

quadrangle includes a critical and heretofore 

incompletely mapped part of the Ruby geanticline, a major geologic feature in interior 

Alaska. Specific objectives are to identify the 

extent, ages, structures, and geochemical 

characteristics of the major rock units and to 

establish regional correlations of these units 

with those mapped elsewhere along the Ruby 

geanticline.

Project status: The geologic field mapping, begun 

in 1975, was completed in 1977 by R. M. Chapman and W. W. Patton, Jr. M. L. Silberman collaborated for several days in the field to collect 

rock samples for age "dating. Completion of a 

quadrangle geologic map is planned for the latter part of 1978. Reports on geochemical and 

geochronological samples will be completed 

when the analyses are available, probably by 

early 1979.

A33
Project: Western Alaska uranium.

Region and map key: West-central Alaska; 

fig. 10 (3).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology, and Office of Energy Resources, 

Branch of Uranium and Thorium Resources.

Project chief: Thomas P. Miller, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 272-8228.

Project objectives: The objective is to evaluate the 

uranium-thorium potential of selected areas in 

western Alaska. The investigation includes 

geologic mapping and petrologic studies in 

order to determine the characteristics and possible extent of mineralized areas.

Project status: Approximately 60 percent of the 

project has been completed. Reports on the results of these studies are in preparation.

Project: Preliminary investigation of coal outcrops near Farewell, Alaska.

Region and map key: West-central and southern 

Alaska; fig. 10 (4), fig. 12 (18).

Organizational designation: Conservation Division, Office of the Area Geologist, Alaska Area.

Project chiefs: Ernest Sloan and Gerald Shearer, 

U.S. Geological Survey, 800 A Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; (907) 278-3571.

Project objectives: The purpose of this reconnaissance investigation is to determine the extent 

and quality of coal cropping out along the north 

front of the Alaska Range between Big River 

and the Boundary of Mount McKinley National 

Park. Outcrops of coal were mapped, measured, 

and extensively sampled. The data gathered 

will be used in the initial classification of these 

lands and provide a base for more detailed resource evaluation of these coal occurrences.

Project status: Fieldwork was completed during 

the summer of 1977. The samples collected are 

being studied and tested at the present time. 

An open-file report should be released by the 

middle of 1978.

Project: Hughes-Shungnak area.

Region and map key: West-central and northern 

Alaska; fig. 10 (5), fig. 8 (17).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

Project chief: A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky Mountain

Mapping Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 

80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project will provide new 

l:63,360-scale topographic maps in an area 

previously unmapped at this scale.

Project status: The project consists of 55 

l:63,360-scale quadrangles. Mapping control is 

about 50 percent complete. This project has 

been deferred because of higher priority requirements in the National Petroleum Reserve 

and Coal Resources area. The present schedule 

calls for the remaining control to be obtained in 

FY 1979 and advance manuscript copy to be 

available in 1980.

SOUTHWESTERN ALASKA

Project: Goodnews and Hagemeister Island quadrangles region (AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

11 (1).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chiefs: J. M. Hoare and W. L. Coonrad, 

U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, 

Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 

2372 and 2608, respectively.

Project objectives: The principle objective is to assess the mineral resources using reconnaissance geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and 

telegeologic mapping. Fieldwork also includes 

sampling of an old metamorphic terrane and 

intrusive bodies for radiometric dating.

Project status: The fieldwork and analysis of 

geochemical specimens are complete. The Circular and the 26 maps that constitute the final 

report will be placed in open file early in 1978.

Project: Chignik-Sutwik Island quadrangles 

(AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

11 (2).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Robert L. Detterman, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2244.

Project objectives: The project objective is to use 

reconnaissance geologic, geochemical, geophysA34
FIGURE 11. Locations of projects, southwestern Alaska.

ical, and telegeologic mapping to provide data 

for rapid assessment of mineral and energy resources of the quadrangles. Fieldwork includes: 

(1) geologic mapping at 1:250,000 scale; (2) 

geochemical sampling of stream sediments, 

panned concentrates, and altered or 

mineralized bedrock; (3) sampling mineralized 

areas for age determinations and for trace element and stable-isotope studies; (4) regional 

gravity study; and (5) geothermal investigations of volcanic centers.

Project status: This is the second year for the 

2-year project. Reconnaissance geochemical 

sampling is completed; some detailed work in 

mineralized areas will be completed this year. 

Geologic mapping is about 50 percent complete. 

The aeromagnetic survey has been flown, but 

interpretation is still to be completed. Preliminary maps and reports are scheduled for 1978, 

and the final reports and Miscellaneous Field 

Studies folio are scheduled for completion by 

the middle of 1979.

A35
TABLE 5. Regional projects, southwestern Alaska

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work Area

Goodnews and Hagemeister 

Island quadrangles region 

(AMRAP); fig. 11 (area 1)

J.M.Hoare, W.L.Coonrad, 

T.D.Hessin and other 

Geologic Diviaion 

personnel

Geologic mapping,

geochemical sampling, 

geophysical interpretation, 

mineral-resource assessment

Goodnews and Hagemeister 

Island quadrangles, parts 

of Bethel, Taylor Mountains, 

Dillingham, and Nushagak Bay 

quadrangles

Chignik-Sutwik Island 

quadrangles (AMRAP); 

fig. 11 (2)

R.L.Detterman, T.P.Miller, 

M.E.Yount, D.E.Detra and 

other Geologic Division 

personnel

Geologic mapping,

geochemical sampling, 

mineral-resource asaessment

Chignik and Sutwik Island 

quadrangles

Lake Clark quadrangle 

(AMRAP); fig. 11 (3)

W.H.Nelson, B.L.Reed, M.A. 

Lanphere, J.E.Case, W.D. 

Crim, H.D.King, D.Cohen

Geologic mapping,

geochemical sampling, 

mineral-resource assessment

Lake Clark quadrangle

Petroleum potential of the 

Cold Bay area and adjacent 

offshore basins, Alaska 

Peninsula; fig. 11 (4)

Hugh McLean, D.G.Howell, 

Claus Engelhardt

Sedimentologic and

stratigraphic studies

Alaska Peninsula

Russian Mission, Bethel, 

Goodnews; fig. 11 (5)

A.E.Letey and Topographic 

Diviaion personnel

Topographic mapping Russian Mission, Bethel, and 

Goodnews quadrangles

Port Moller; fig. 11 (6) A.E.Letey and Topographic 

Division personnel

Topographic mapping Port Moller and Cold Bay 

quadrangles

Petroleum geology of Cook 

Inlet basin; fig. 11 (7), 

fig. 12 (8)

See table 6 and section entitled "Regional projects, southern Alaska."

Project: Lake Clark quadrangle (AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

11 (3).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Willis H. Nelson, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2274.

Project objectives: Reconnaissance geologic, 

geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic 

mapping will provide data for a rapid assessment of the mineral resources of the quadrangle. Fieldwork includes: (1) geologic mapping at 1:250,000 scale; (2) collection and 

geochemical analysis of stream-sediment and 

bedrock samples; (3) aeromagnetic survey and 

interpretation; (4) augmentation of a regional 

gravity survey; and (5) isotopic investigations 

of intrusive rocks.

Project status: Fieldwork was finished in more 

than half the quadrangle at the end of 1977 and 

will be completed during 1978. Preliminary 

maps and reports are scheduled for 1978.

Project: Petroleum potential of the Cold Bay area

and adjacent offshore basins, Alaska Peninsula.

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

11 (4).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and 

Gas Resources.

Project chief: Hugh McLean, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2802.

Project objectives: Project objectives are: (1) to 

map the geology of the outermost part of the 

Alaska Peninsula; (2) to gather and evaluate 

data on source and reservoir rocks; (3) to determine the stratigraphy and sedimentology of 

Tertiary sedimentary rocks; and (4) to tie onshore geology with offshore geophysical data.

Project status: We are presently evaluating data 

collected during one month of fieldwork in the 

summer of 1977. Geologic maps and stratigraphic cross sections are in preparation. Samples will be selected to study source and reservoir rock quality.

Project: Russian Mission, Bethel, Goodnews. 

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

11 (5).

A36
Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

Project chief: A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky Mountain 

Mapping Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 

80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project is to prepare three 

new l:250,000-scale maps to replace the reconnaissance maps of that series. This revision was 

made possible by mapping the remaining 

twenty-four l:63,360-scale maps of this area.

Project status: Advance manuscript copy is available for the twenty-four l:63,360-scale quads, 

and they are scheduled to go to publication in 

FY 1978. The Goodnews l:250,000-scale map 

will be published in FY 1978; the Bethel and 

Russian Mission l:250,000-scale maps should 

be finished in FY 1979.

Project: Port Moller.

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

11 (6).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

Project chief: A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky Mountain 

Mapping Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 

80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project will prepare eight 

new l:63,360^scale topographic maps of the 

Port Moller area.

Project status: Two quadrangles have been compiled, and advance copy is available. Advance 

manuscript copy of the remaining six 1:63,360- 

scale quads should be available by the end of 

FY 1978.

SOUTHERN ALASKA

Project: Mount Hayes quadrangle (AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 12 (1).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Warren J. Nokleberg, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2277.

Project objectives: Reconnaissance geologic, 

geochemical, and geophysical mapping will 

provide data for a rapid mineral-resource assessment of the quadrangle. Fieldwork will include: (1) geologic mapping at 1:250,000 scale;

(2) detailed studies of the mineral deposits;

(3) geochemical sample surveying of stream

sediments and mineralized rocks; (4) isotopic 

studies of mineralized rocks; (5) interpretation 

of aeromagnetic survey; (6) regional gravity 

survey; and (7) geochronologic investigations of 

igneous rocks.

Project status: The project is planned for two and 

one-half field seasons. Fieldwork in 1978 will 

consist of geologic mapping and geochemical 

sampling along two north-south traverses in 

the central and western parts of the quadrangle. The fieldwork in 1978 will provide a 

basis for planning the geologic, geochemical, 

and geophysical mapping during 1979 and 

1980.

Project: Seward-Blying Sound quadrangles 

(AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 12 (2).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Russell G. Tysdal, U.S. Geological 

Survey, Office of Mineral Resources, 12201 

Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Va. 22091; (703) 

860-6566.

Project objectives: The objectives of the project 

are reconnaissance geologic, geophysical, 

geochemical, and telegeologic mapping to provide data for rapid assessment of mineral resources of the quadrangles. Fieldwork included: 

(1) geologic mapping at 1:250,000 scale; (2) 

geochemical surveying for metals by sampling 

and analysis of stream sediments and panned 

concentrates; (3) aeromagnetic survey of the 

entire quadrangle; (4) obtaining additional 

gravity data to enhance existing map; (5) telegeologic mapping using Landsat imagery; (6) 

detailed geologic mapping in gold district near 

Hope, Alaska including mapping and geochemical sampling in mines; and (7) sampling of 

greenstone on Resurrection Peninsula and 

Knight Island for paleomagnetic studies.

Project status: Fieldwork was completed during 

the 1977 field season. Project work is now focusing on preparation of. a folio that includes 

geochemistry, geophysics, telegeology, and 

mineral economics, in addition to the geologic 

data. A detailed study of the Hope gold district 

is being done by P. A. Mitchell. Paleomagnetic 

study of greenstones is being done by J. H. 

Hillhouse and C. S. Gromme. The folio is 

scheduled for completion during early 1978.

A37
153'

59'

138°

GULF OF ALASKA

100 200 KILOMETERS i i____I

153<

59'

GULF OF ALASKA

FIGURE 12. Locations of projects, southern Alaska.

A38
TABLE 6. Regional projects, southern Alaska

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work Area

Mount Hayes quadrangle 

fig. 12 (area 1)

W.J.Nokleberg,J.L.Brown Geologic mapping,

geochemlcal and geophysical 

studies, mineral-resource 

assessment

Mount Hayes quadrangle

Seward-Blying Sound 

quadrangles (AMRAP); 

fig. 12 (2)

R.G.Tysdal, J.E.Case, G.R. 

Winkler, P.A.Mitchell, 

C.S.Gromm4, J.Hillhouse, 

R.Tripp, W.Crimm, 

M.L.Silberman

Geologic mapping, Seward and Blying Sound 

geochemical and geophysical quadrangles 

studies, mineral-resource 

assessment

Talkeetna Mountains 

quadrangle (AMRAP); 

fig. 12 (3)

Bela Csejtey.Jr., R.J. 

Miller

Geologic mapping,

geochemical sampling

Talkeetna Mountains quadrangle

Valdez quadrangle (AMRAP); 

fig. 12 (M)

G.R.Winkler, E.M.MacKevett, Geologic mapping and

Jr., J.R.Williams, C.D. mineral-resource assessment 

Holloway, and other Geologic 

Division personnel

Valdez quadrangle

Healy quadrangle (AMRAP); 

fig. 12 (5)

Bela Csejtey, Jr. Geologic mapping,

geochemical sampling

Healy quadrangle

Southwestern Copper River J.R.Williams 

basin (Arctic Environmental 

Studies); fig. 12 (6)

Glacial geology Southwestern Copper River 

basin

Earthquake hazards mapping, 

Upper Cook Inlet-Susitna 

Lowlands; fig. 12 (7)

0.J.Ferrians, Jr. Earthquake hazards mapping Upper Cook Inlet-Susitns 

Lowlands

Petroleum geology of Cook 

Inlet basin; fig. 12 (8), 

fig. 11 (7)

L.B.Magoon, R.M.Egbert, 

G.E.Claypool, M.A.Fisher, 

S.M.Lankford

Framework and petroleum 

geology

Cook Inlet region

Impact of Outer Continental H.F.Lins 

Shelf (OCS) development on 

coastal land and environmental 

resources;; fig. 12 (9)

Land-use and land-cover 

analysis

Kenai Peninsula

Alaska seismic studies; 

fig. 13

J.C.Lahr, C.D.Stephens, 

J.Roger

Assessment of level of 

seismicity and potential 

seismic risk, operation of 

50 seismic stations

Cook Inlet to Yakutat Bay

Bering Glacier-Mount Saint 

Elias area; fig. 12 (10)

Whittier; fig. 12 (11)

Willow South: fig. 12 (12)

Seward; fig. 12 (13)

Cordova; fig. 12 (1M)

Anchorage; fig. 12 (15)

Valdez; fig. .12 (16)

A.E.Letey and Topographic 

Division personnel

A.E.Letey and Topographic 

Division personnel

A.E.Letey and Topographic 

Division personnel

A.E.Letey and Topographic 

Division personnel

A.E.Letey and Topographic 

Division personnel

A.E.Letey and Topographic 

Division personnel

A.E.Letey and Topographic

Topographic mapping

Topographic mapping

Topographic mapping

Topographic mapping

Topographic mapping

Topographic mapping

Topographic mapping

Bering Glacier, Mount Saint 

Elias, and Yakutat 

quadrangles

Whittier area

Southern Alaska

Seward area

Cordova area

Anchorage area

Valdez area

Division personnel

A39
TABLE 6. Regional projects, southern Alaska Continued

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work Area

Tanana Valley

transportation-development 

corridor, Fairbanks to 

Canadian border (Arctic 

Environmental Studies 

Program); fig. 12 (area 17), 

fig. 9 (3)

See table 3 and section entitled "Regional projects, east-central Alaska."

Preliminary investigation of See table 4 and section entitled "Regional projects, west-central Alaska, 

coal outcrops near Farewell, 

Alaska; fig. 12 (18), 

fig. 10 CO

Engineering geology studies, See table 7 and section entitled "Regional projects, southeastern Alaska, 

certain coastal communities; 

fig. 12 (19), fig. 14 (6), 

fig. 14 (7)

Project: Talkeetna Mountains quadrangle

(AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 12 (3). 

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

Geology. 

Project chief: Bela Csejtey, Jr., U.S. Geological

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park,

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2613. 

Project objectives: The principal objective is the

evaluation of the mineral resources of the

quadrangle through reconnaissance geologic,

geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic

mapping. 

Project status: Fieldwork has been completed.

Final reports are scheduled for completion in

late 1978.

Project: Valdez quadrangle (AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 12 (4).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chiefs: Gary R. Winkler (team leader) and 

E. M. MacKevett (co-scientist), U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2795 and 

2310, respectively.

Project objectives: The project objective is evaluation of the mineral resources of the Valdez 1° x 

3° quadrangle through geologic, geochemical, 

geophysical, and telegeologic mapping. 

Fieldwork is to include (1) geologic mapping of 

the entire quadrangle at 1:250,000 scale; (2) a 

geochemical survey for metals, primarily

through the use of stream sediments, panned 

concentrates, and altered or mineralized rocks; 

(3) detailed geologic and geochemical studies of 

known mineral deposits and investigation of 

potential for stratabound 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: This new project is planned for two 

field seasons. A 50-day, helicopter-supported 

season in 1978 will emphasize geologic mapping and geochemical and geochronologic sampling. The relatively well known geology of the 

Wrangell Mountains will be extended into the 

northeast corner of the quadrangle, permitting 

further evaluation of the copper resources of the 

Kotsina district. Detailed mapping of the diverse Paleozoic and younger(?) rocks north of 

the Border Ranges fault system and south of 

the Copper River lowlands and the Chitina Valley will be carried out in order to evaluate more 

fully their age, structural style, potential for 

stratabound sulfide deposits, and extent and 

nature of included mafic and ultramafic complexes. Scattered mapping in the upper 

Mesozoic Valdez terrane adjacent to the 

Richardson Highway will be extended into less 

accessible parts of the quadrangle 

particularly westward to include nearly unknown country near the headwaters of the Nelchina, Tazlina, Columbia, and Valdez Glacier 

systems.

A40
Project: Healy quadrangle (AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 12 (5).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Bela Csejtey, Jr., U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2613.

Project objectives: The principal objective is the 

evaluation of the mineral resources of the 

quadrangle through reconnaissance geologic, 

geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic 

mapping.

Project status: The project is tentatively scheduled to start in July 1978. Only a few days of 

reconnaissance work is anticipated for the 

summer of 1978. Much of the geology of the 

quadrangle has already been mapped by University and Alaska State Survey geologists, and 

the compilation and integration of these data, 

perhaps through cooperative measures, are 

planned as the initial phase of the project.

Project: Southwestern Copper River basin, 

Alaska (Arctic Environmental Studies Program).

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 12 (6).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: John R. Williams, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2924.

Project objectives: On the basis of four summers' 

field investigation of the distribution, stratigraphy, thickness, and physical characteristics 

of the unconsolidated deposits, objectives were 

to prepare terrain analyses, including effect on 

military trafficability, and reports on availability of construction materials, foundation 

conditions, and maps of surficial deposits and 

their engineering characteristics.

Project status: Reports on terrain, trafficability, 

and engineering geology were supplied to the 

military between 1955 and 1960. The project 

was then recessed until 1976, when compilation 

was begun of a glacial/surficial deposits map 

and engineering summary for publication at a 

scale of 1:125,000 in the Miscellaneous Field 

Studies series. Compilation is about 20 percent 

complete.

Project: Earthquake hazards mapping, Upper 

Cook Inlet-Susitna Lowland.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 12 (7).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskart 

Geology.

Project chief: Oscar J. Ferrians, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2247.

Project objectives: The Upper Cook Inlet-Susitna 

Lowland region, which is within an extremely 

active seismic zone, undoubtedly will be the region of greatest development and population 

growth in Alaska. It occupies a strategic location for land and air transportation in Alaska; 

includes the largest city in Alaska (Anchorage); 

has oil, gas, and coal reserves; and is the site 

(near Willow) of the new State capital. As a 

means of providing the information needed for 

proper planning and development, an investigation of this earthquake-prone region is being 

undertaken in order to obtain the data necessary for earthquake hazards identification and 

evaluation. The primary field objective will be 

engineering-geologic mapping of the region, 

with emphasis given to assessing the response 

of surficial materials to earthquakes.

Project status: This project was initiated October 

1, 1977; consequently, no significant accomplishments have been made, although aerial photographs of the region have been ordered 

and field plans are being made.

Project: Petroleum geology of Cook Inlet basin.

Region and map key: Southern and southwestern 

Alaska; fig. 12 (8), fig. 11 (7).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and 

Gas Resources.

Project chief: Leslie B. Magoon, U.S, Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2979.

Project objectives: The major objectives are concurrent study of the geologic framework and petroleum geology to assess more accurately the 

oil resources of the Cook Inlet basin. The principal parts of this study include: (1) a geologic 

map which displays those elements that relate 

to oil and gas activity; (2) structural and 

stratigraphic framework that ties subsurface to 

surface geology; (3) oil and gas source rock

A41
evaluation; and (4) examination of the composition and diagenesis of possible reservoir 

sandstones.

Project status: The geologic map of Cook Inlet 

basin by L. B. Magoon, W. L. Adkison, and 

R. M. Egbert has been published. A paper by 

M. A. Fisher and L. B. Magoon discussing the 

structural framework of Lower Cook Inlet is in 

press. Fieldwork in the Kamishak Hills-Cape 

Douglas and Seldonia areas is completed, and 

papers are being written. R. M. Egbert will 

start fieldwork in the Tuxedni Bay area in 

1978. A paper by L. B. Magoon and G. E. 

Claypool containing the preliminary results of 

the oil and gas source rock study is in the review process; a final paper is planned for 1978. 

Preliminary data on the composition and 

diagenesis of sandstone are being compiled by 

S. M. Lankford. Further work in the Tuxedni 

Bay and other parts of the basin are to be completed over the next few years.

Project: Impact of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) 

development on coastal land and environmental resources.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 12 (9).

Organizational designation: Land Information 

and Analysis Office, Geography Program, Research and Analysis Branch.

Project chief: Harry F. Lins, Jr., U.S. Geological 

Survey, Reston, Va. 22092; (703) 860-7645.

Project objectives: The impact of offshore oil and 

gas development on onshore land use and land 

cover in the Cook Inlet-Kenai Peninsula area is 

being evaluated. Historical and recent aerial 

photographs are being analyzed to evaluate 

their utility in documenting land-use and 

land-cover changes resulting from offshore development.

Project status: Commercial, residential, and institutional developments in the town of Kenai 

were mapped and studied, as well as the industrial development in Nikiski. The Cook Inlet 

area was chosen as a test site because it was a 

frontier area with respect to energy development. The land-use and land-cover changes 

that have occurred in Kenai were almost entirely the result of the offshore oil and gas activity. Results indicate that remotely sensed 

data are useful in documenting land-use and 

land-cover changes that occur because of

offshore petrochemical development. Research 

results will be released through normal Geological Survey publications.

Project: Alaska seismic studies.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Earthquake Studies, Earthquake 

Hazards Branch.

Project chief: John C. Lahr, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2510.

Project objectives: The fundamental goal of this 

project is 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-sized 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: the detailed configuration of the Benioff zone below 

Cook Inlet; review of the seismicity of the 

Prince William Sound and Valdez regions; and 

study of the relation of seismic activity to the 

1976 eruption of Augustine Volcano. Open-file 

reports summarizing the data collected to date, 

with quarterly listings of earthquake parameters and epicenter maps, are in preparation.

Project: Bering Glacier-Mt. St. Elias area.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 12 

(10).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

Project chief: A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky 

Mountain Mapping Center, Federal Center, 

Denver, Colo. 80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project objective is to provide new l:63,360-scale topographic maps in an 

area previously unmapped at this scale.

Project status: This project area consists of fifty 

l:63,360-scale quadrangles. Five quadrangles 

have been compiled, and advance manuscript 

copy is available. Work on the remaining quadA42
I I « I I

USGS ALASKA SEISMIC NETWORK 

1977

ALASKA

£ Single component, Z

V Three component

3USGS/Univ. Alaska 

I i____

62° N

60°

58°

154° 150° 146° 142° W. 

FIGURE 13. Location of high-gain seismographs operating in the USGS seismic network during 1977.

rangles has been deferred because of higher 

priority mapping requirements in (the National 

Petroleum Reserve and Coal Resources area.

Project: Whittier.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 12

(11).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

Project chief: A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky 

Mountain Mapping Center, Federal Center, 

Denver, Colo. 80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project aims to provide 

modern large-scale maps of Whittier and 

vicinity, including Portage and part of 

Turnagain Arm.

Project status: The project consists of seven 

l: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 1980.

Project: Willow South.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska, fig. 12

(12).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

Project chief: A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky 

Mountain Mapping Center, Federal Center, 

Denver, Colo. 80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project will provide largescale topographic maps of the new State capital 

site near Willow.

Project status: The project consists of four 

l:25,000-scale maps with metric contours. Aerial photography was obtained in 1977. The 

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

be available in 1980.

Project: Seward.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 12 

(13).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

Project chief: A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky 

Mountain Mapping Center, Federal Center, 

Denver, Colo. 80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project will provide modern 

large-scale maps for Seward and vicinity.

A43
Project status: The project consists of six 

l: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 1980.

Project: Cordova.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 12

(14)

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

Project chief: A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky 

Mountain Mapping Center, Federal Center, 

Denver, Colo. 80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project aims to provide 

modern large-scale maps for Cordova and 

vicinity.

Project status: The project consists of four 

l:25,000-scale quadrangles with metric contours. Field control was established in 1977. 

Advance manuscript copy should be available 

by the end of FY 1978.

Project: Anchorage.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 12

(15).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

Project chief: A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky 

Mountain Mapping Center, Federal Center, 

Denver, Colo. 80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project objective is 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 late FY 1978.

Project: Valdez.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 12

(16).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

Project chief: A. E. Letey, Chief, Rocky 

Mountain Mapping Center, Federal Center, 

Denver, Colo. 80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project will provide 

modern large-scale topographic maps for this 

developing area.

Project status: The project consists of five 

l:25,000-scale quadrangles with metric contours. Field control was established during 

1977. Advance manuscript copy should be 

available by the end of FY 1978.

SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA

Project: Ketchikan-Prince Rupert quadrangles 

(AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 

14 (1).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chiefs: Henry C. Berg and Raymond L. 

Elliott, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield 

Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; (415) 323- 

8111, ext. 2266 and 2614, respectively.

Project objectives: The main goal of this project is 

to assess the mineral-resource potential of the 

Ketchikan and Prince Rupert l:250,000-scale 

(1° x 2°) quadrangles. The area has been

135'

60°

58°

56°

54C

FIGURE 14. Locations of projects, southeastern Alaska.

A44
TABLE 7. Regional projects, southeastern Alaska

Name of Project; nap key Personnel Type of work Area

Ketchikan-Prinoe Rupert 

quadrangles (AMRAP); 

fig. 14 (area 1)

H.C.Berg, R.L.Elliot, J.G. 

Smith, R.D.Koch

Geologic mapping, mineralreaource asseaamentKetchikan and Prince Rupert 

quadrangles

Bradfield Canal quadrangle 

(AMRAP); fig. 14 (2)

R.L.Elliott, R.D.Koch, 

M.F.Diggles

Geologic napping,

geochemical and geophyaical 

studiea, mineral-resource 

aasessnent

Bradfield Canal quadrangle

Petersburg quadrangle; 

fig. 14 (3)

To be aaaigned Geologic and geochenical Petersburg quadrengle 

napping, nineral-resource 

assessment

Juneau investigations; 

fig. 14 (4)

D.A.Brew, A.B.Ford Geologic and geochenical Juneeu and Taku River 

napping, nineral-resouroe quedrangles 

assessment

Craig quadrangle; 

fig. 14 (5)

G.D.Eberlein, Michael 

Churkin, Jr.

Geologic napping,

atretigraphic, petrologic, 

and atructural studies

Craig quadrangle

Engineering geology studies, L.A.Yehle 

certain coastal connunities; 

fig. 14 (6), fig. 14 (7), 

fig. 12 (19)

Geologic napping, evaluation Yakutat, Hoonah, Sitka,

of geologic hazards Metlaketla, Haines, Skagway,

Petersburg, Wrangell, and 

Ketchikan

Sitka Observetory; 

fig. 14 (7)

W.E.Osbakken Geomagnetic and seisnic 

studies

Sitka

mapped geologically and surveyed systematically by geochemical and geophysical methods, 

including interpretation of space-satellite imagery. The project incorporates and extends the 

results of four recently completed geologic and 

mineral-resource investigations within the 

quadrangles.

Project status: Geologic mapping of Revillagigedo 

Island and Cleveland Peninsula was completed 

during the 1977 field season by Berg, Elliott, 

James G. Smith, and Richard D. Koch. Koch 

also spent 2 weeks studying the Cape Fox pluton and adjacent units in the Prince Rupert D-3 

quadrangle. Over 1,500 stream-sediment 

geochemical samples were collected during the 

field season, and analyses of these samples have 

been completed. All phases of project fieldwork 

are now complete; further project work will involve preparation of a folio that will include a 

l:250,000-scale geologic map as well as several 

geochemical, geophysical, telegeologic, and 

mineral resource maps. These maps and other 

project reports are scheduled for completion in 

1978.

Project: Bradfield Canal quadrangle (AMRAP). 

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 14

(2).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Raymond L. Elliott, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2614.

Project objectives: Reconnaissance geologic, 

geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic 

mapping will provide the data for a rapid assessment of the mineral resources of the quadrangle. Fieldwork is to include: (1) geologic 

mapping at l:250,000-scale; (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: The project is planned for two field 

seasons. Fieldwork in 1978 will consist of 

geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, and 

investigations of mineralized areas. Preliminary maps and reports are scheduled for 1979.

Project: Petersburg quadrangle. 

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 

14 (3).

A45
Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Not yet assigned, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025.

Project objectives: The major objectives are reconnaissance geologic and geochemical mapping and mineral-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. D. 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 project is scheduled to start 

fieldwork in late July 1978.

Project: Juneau investigations.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 

14 (4).

Organizational designation: Geologic Divison, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: D. A. Brew, U.S. Geological Survey, 

345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2178.

Project objectives: The major objectives are reconnaissance (in part) and detailed (in part) 

geologic and geochemical mapping and 

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 hightemperature facies series along the international boundary. Geochronologic studies of the 

transect are made in cooperation with the Coast 

Range geochronology project, J. G. Smith, 

Chief. 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: The project has been active since 

1964 with full or near-full seasons devoted to 

fieldwork in 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1970, and 

1973. To date, detailed (1:31,380) mapping of 

about three quadrangles has been completed 

and published, six short papers have been published, and three more submitted for publication. Completion of the reconnaissance geologic 

mapping of the remainder of the Juneau and 

Taku River 1:250,000 quadrangles will require 

one more full season with helicopter support, 

not anticipated for the near future. In the 

meantime, Brew and A. B. Ford (who are 

primarily engaged in other projects) continue 

compilation and office studies and attempt 

every season to map a few more square miles. 

Completion of the final report depends on completion of the field studies.

Project: Craig quadrangle.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 

14 (5).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chiefs: G. Donald Eberlein and Michael 

Churkin, Jr., U.S. Geological Survey, 345 

Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

(415) 323-8111, ext. 2210 and 2256, respectively.

Project objectives: The primary objective is to 

provide the public and other Government agencies with a modern geologic map of the Craig 

quadrangle at 1:250,000 scale as a frame of reference for resource appraisal, development, and 

multi-use planning. Secondary objectives relate 

to developing the stratigraphic, petrologic, and 

structural data needed to understand, especially in the light of modern plate-tectonic concepts, the geologic evolution of a major part of 

the Alexander Archipelago.

Project status: Fieldwork was completed in 1975. 

Map compilation is underway to formulate a 

map explanation that will permit H. C. Berg, 

A. L. Clark, and A. T. Ovenshine to compile 

parts of the 1:250,000 quadrangle that are peripheral to the central part of the quadrangle 

being compiled by Eberlein and Churkin. 

Open-file compilation is scheduled for 1978.

A46
Publication plans also call for releasing 

Geologic Quadrangle Maps of the Craig C-5 

and C-6 subquadrangles (1:63,360) and openfile maps of other subquadrangles where warranted by available control. Reports, mainly in 

the form of topical papers, are in various stages 

of completion.

Project'. Reconnaissance engineering geology of 

certain coastal communities, Alaska.

Region and map key: Southeastern and southern 

Alaska; fig. 14 (6), 14 (7), fig. 12 (19).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Environmental Geology, Engineering 

Geology Branch.

Project chief: Lynn A. Yehle, U.S. Geological 

Survey, Mail Stop 903 KCG Box 25046, Denver, 

Colo. 80225; (303) 234-2999 or (303) 234-3721.

Project objectives: Objectives are to evaluate by 

reconnaissance field methods the general and 

engineering geology of certain Alaskan communities for geologic hazards including earthquakes and to present the results on maps and 

in reports.

Project status: Reconnaissance fieldwork has 

been completed and open-file reports released to 

the public for Metlakatla, Sitka, and Yakutat, 

and (under earlier project chief, R. W. Lemke) 

Haines, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Wrangell. 

An open-file report on Petersburg is in final review; a formal report on Yakutat is in process, 

and one on Metlakatla is in review. Reports on 

other communities (several in southwestern, 

west-central, and northern Alaska) will be prepared when time allows because the project 

chief was diverted to another project.

Project: Sitka Observatory.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 

14 (7).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Geochemistry and Geophysics, Branch 

of Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism.

Project chief : Willis E. Osbakken, U.S. Geological 

Survey, Box 158, Sitka, Alaska 99835; (907) 

747-3332.

Project objectives: The observatory operates 

seismic instruments for acquiring information 

on the global occurrence of earthquakes; telemeters seismic and tide station data to the NOAA 

Tsunami Warning System Observatory at

Palmer; and continuously records and measures the various elements of the Earth's magnetic field and distributes these data to scientists either directly or through the Branch of 

Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism at 

Denver.

Project status: This project is a continuing one; 

the station has functioned as a geomagnetic observatory since 1902 and as a seismic station 

since 1925. The station furnishes seismic recordings to the National Earthquake Information System for epicenter studies. Telemetered 

data furnished to Palmer are considered vital to 

the Warning System, as Sitka Observatory is 

the only data source south of Yakutat. As a 

geomagnetic observatory, Sitka plays an important role in the international scientific 

community, being 1 of 13 selected observatories 

used in the derivation of KP, the planetary 

geomagnetic activity index. Geomagnetic data 

collected at the station find a wide vatiety of 

uses, including the compiling of magnetic 

charts, radio propagation studies, and ionospheric studies.

OFFSHORE ALASKA

Project: Marine geologic processes of the 

Beaufort Sea shelf and coastal regions.

Region and map key: Offshore Alaska; fig. 15 (1).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of Pacific Arctic Geology.

Project chiefs: Peter Barnes and Erk Reimnitz, 

U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, 

Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 

2114, 2695 respectively.

Project objectives: This project is studying 

geologic processes that are unique to the arctic 

shelf environment, where ice plays a dominant 

role. Owing to the likelihood of petroleum development on the inner shelf (0-30 m), the 

studies to date have emphasized this area. The 

present emphasis of the project is on: (1) understanding the year-round processes of arctic 

delta fronts; (2) defining the repetitive rates of 

ice gouging in differing ice regimes; (3) defining 

storm surge history; (4) understanding barrier 

island processes and stability; and (5) defining 

inner shelf sedimentation history and sediment 

trajectories.

A47
FIGURE 15. Locations of projects, offshore Alaska.
TABLE 8. Regional projects, offshore Alaska

Name of Project; nap key Personnel Type of work Area

Harine geologic processes of 

the Beaufort Sea shelf and 

and coastal regions; 

fig. 15 (area 1)

P.W.Barnes, Erk Reimnitz, 

D.E.Drske, L.J.Toimil

Evaluation of aretie shelf 

geologic processes, in 

particular the role of ice

Beaufort and Chukchi Seas 

continents! shelves

Environmental geologic studies 

of the northern Bering Sea; 

fig. 15 (2)

C.H.Nelson, J.D.Howard, D.R. 

Thor, M.Larsen, R.Williams

High-resolution seiSBio 

profiling, side-scan sonar 

profiling, vibracoring, 

Soutar van Veen sampling, 

box core sampling, underwater 70 mm camera and TV, 

current neter/transmissometer/ 

CTD measurements

Northeastern Bering Sea

Geologic framework and

resource assessment of the 

Aleutian-Bering Ses area; 

fig. 15 (3)

H.S.Marlow, A.K.Cooper, D.W. 

Scholl, Hugh McLean, Janes 

He in

Geophysical and geologic 

mapping

Bering Ses

Environmental geology 

investigations of lower 

Cook Inlet and off Kodiak 

Island; fig. 15 (4)

A.H.Bouma, H.A.Hampton Analysis of geologic haxards Lower Cook Inlet

Project status: The project is a continuing study 

of arctic processes that has been underway 

since 1970. Reports have been prepared on the 

following aspects of the Beaufort and Chukchi 

Sea shelf: river overflow, strudel scour, ice 

gouge distribution, rates of ice gouging, the 

stamukhi zone, trace metal distribution, coastal currents, sediment facies distribution, sediment structures, barrier island movement, suspended sediment distribution, bathymetric and 

coastline changes, shallow water bedforms, 

Holocene sedimentation, distribution of shelled 

benthic fauna, sediment strength and interstitial salinites. Work is continuing on rates of ice 

gouging, island and coastal stability, storm 

surge history, Holocene sediment thickness and 

character, sediment character and structure, 

and river delta front processes.

Project: Environmental geologic studies of the 

northern Bering Sea.

Region and map key: Offshore Alaska; fig. 15 (2).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of Pacific Arctic Geology.

Project chief: C. Hans Nelson, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2603.

Project objectives: The following environmental 

geologic factors are to be assessed in preparation for the Outer Continental Shelf leasing

program: (1) tectonic stability, including active 

faulting and seismicity; (2) sediment stability, 

including thickness and engineering properties 

of recent sediment bodies and regions of active 

gas cratering and thermogenic gas seeps; 

(3) sediment dynamics, including significant 

sediment transport by storm surges, and important sites of deposition off major river sources; 

and (4) contaminant dispersal by pathways of 

artificially and naturally introduced materials. 

Assessment of the mineral-resource potential of 

near-surface sedimentary minerals will also be 

completed.

Project status: A 3-week cruise to the northern 

Bering Sea during July, 1977 covered 2,900 km 

of geophysical tracklines and collected 3.5 kHz, 

12 kHz, 200 kHz, Uniboom, minisparker, sidescan sonar, and 120 kJ single-channel sparker 

seismic data. Forty-eight stations were occupied; 29 box cores, 10 vibracores, and 11 

Soutar van Veen grab samples were collected. 

In addition, 18 hours of underwater video tapes 

of the bottom were recorded, 38 current meter 

profiles from water surface to sea floor were 

completed, and 12 bottom penetrometer stations were occupied.

Sediment cores were logged for lithology, 

photographed, radiographed, and subsampled 

at sea. Gas composition and geotechnical properties of cores were also measured at sea. 

Selected subsamples from cores are presently

A49
undergoing laboratory analyses for texture, 

mineralogy, paleontology, radiocarbon dates, 

lead-210 dates, carbon content, hydrocarbon 

fractions, and trace elements.

These data are presently being reduced and 

analyzed for presentation in open-file reports 

and papers in scientific journals. Plans for 1978 

field season include: (1) use of a small boat (R/V 

Karluk) to gather vibracores and highresolution seismic data in and around the 

shoals of the Yukon prodelta and major delta 

distributaries, and nearshore areas of northern 

Norton Sound; and (2) gathering additional 

seismic profiles and gas sample data aboard the 

R/V Sea Sounder to continue assessment of environmental geologic hazards in northern Bering Sea, particularly those associated with active thermogenic gas seeps and biogenic gas 

cratering.

Project: Geologic framework and resource assessment of the Aleutian-Bering Sea area.

Region and map key: Offshore Alaska; fig. 15 (3).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of Pacific Arctic Geology.

Project chief: Michael S. Marlow, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2656.

Project objectives: The primary objective is to 

map the Bering Sea geologically and geophysically on a regional basis in order to evaluate the 

resource potential of the area. Data gathered 

have included marine seismic reflection profiles, gravity, magnetics, bathymetry, and 

dredge samples. Another important objective is 

the evaluation of several large subshelf basins 

adjacent to Alaska as to their oil and gas 

potential.

Project status: Approximately half the Bering 

Sea area has been traversed with regional 

geophysical profiles. Approximately 6,000 km 

of 24 channel seismic-reflection data collected 

in 1976 and 1977 are currently being processed 

and interpreted and will be published in 1978. 

Fieldwork in 1978 will consist of a 2-week sampling cruise along the eastern continental margin and 1-week geophysical cruise in the Aleutian arc.

Project: Environmental geology investigations of 

lower Cook Inlet and off Kodiak Island.

Region and map key: Offshore Alaska; fig. 15 (4).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of Pacific Arctic Geology.

Project chiefs: Arnold H. Bouma and Monty A. 

Hampton, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 

Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

(415) 323-8111, ext. 2912, 2973 respectively.

Project objectives: The primary objective is to 

study offshore geologic hazards. 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 shelf and upper slope off Kodiak, volcanic ash of the 1916 Katmai eruption is used to 

establish the influence of recent sediment 

transport. Large and small slumps on the upper 

continental slope are being studied and their 

activity correlated with the tectonic activity of 

the various subareas. Geotechnical studies 

form an essential part of the slump analyses.

Project status: A cruise in both areas was completed late in 1977; the results are now being 

analyzed.

COOPERATIVE PROJECTS WITH 

OTHER AGENCIES

Certain projects of the Geological Survey are 

undertaken to meet specific needs of city or State 

governments or to provide scientific or technical 

data required by other Federal agencies. These 

projects are funded jointly and are termed 

cooperative projects. In addition to joint funding 

for cooperative projects, members of the participatory agencies may collaborate in the scientific work. 

Listed in this section are the cooperative projects of the U.S. Geological Survey. Most cooperative projects concern the hydrology of Alaska and 

are statewide in scope; others have a regional 

focus. Project locations are shown in figure 16.

STATEWIDE PROJECTS

Project: Metamorphic facies map of Alaska.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

A50
FIGURE 16. Locations of projects of the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating agencies.
TABLE 9. Statewide cooperative projects

Name of Project; nap key

Metanorphic facies 

nap of Alaska

Geologic map of 

Alaska

TAP& construction 

hydrology; 

fig. 16 (area 1)

Floods fron ana 11 

drainage areas

Project chief

D. A. Brew, Bela Csejtey, 

Jr. , A. B. Ford, H.L. 

Foater, T. P. Miller, 

H.N.Reiaer

H.M.

J.M.

S.H.

Beiknan

Childers

Jones

Type of work Area(s)

Office compilation Statewide

Office compilation Statewide

Evaluation of pipeline Statewide 

construction inpact 

on water resources

Flood peak data Statewide 

collection fron a 

network of creatstage gages

Cooperating agencies

State of Alaska, Division 

of Geological and 

Geophysical Surveys

State of Alaska, Division 

of Geological and 

Geophysioal Surveys

State of Alaska, Alaska 

State Pipeline 

Coordinator's Office

State of Alaska, 

Departnent of Highways, 

U.S. Forest Service

Surface-water stationa R.D.Lamke Monitoring a network 

of strean, lake and 

estuary gaging 

stationa

Statewide

Ground-water inventory L.L.Dearborn Ground-water data S 

collection,

conpilation and summary 

of conditions

Alaska Power Adniniatration, 

U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers, U.S. 

Forest Service, State 

of Alaska, Departnent of 

Fish and Cane, Departnent 

of Highways, Department 

of Natural Resources, 

Municipality of Anchorage, 

Kenai Peninaula Borough

State of Alaska,

Department of Natural 

Resources

Ground-water stations L.L.Dearborn Monitoring water levela 

in a network of 

observation wells

State of Alaska,

Departnent of Natural 

Reaources, Kenai Peninsula 

Borough, Municipality 

of Anchoraga

Quality-of -water R.J.Madison 

stations

Municipal water G.L. Nelson 

supply atudies and

evaluations at 

selected Alaskan 

communities

Training programs in D.M.Carneggie, W.G. 

remote sensing for Rohde 

Department of 

Interior personnel

Monitoring a network Statewide 

of water quality 

stations

Hydrologic data Statewide 

collection and

Instruction in remote Statewide 

sensing applications

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 

U.S. Forest Service, 

State of Alaaka, Department 

of Fish and Game, Department 

of Environmental Conservation

State of Alaska, Department 

of Natural Reaources,

Conservation

U.S. Bureau of Land Management, 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: David A. Brew, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2178. (Chairperson of committee whose other members are 

Bela Csejtey, Jr., A. B. Ford, H. L. Foster, T. P. 

Miller, and H. N. Reiser.)

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Division of 

Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

Project objectives: Compilation of a 1:2,500,000-

scale metamorphic facies map of Alaska showing metamorphic 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 (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

A52
Geological Sciences) and as a joint U.S. Geological Survey-State of Alaska Geological Survey 

publication.

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

metamorphic facies maps at 1:1,000,000 scale 

for all of the state, coding of background 

metamorphic mineral locality information, and 

start of the compilation of the final 

l:2,500,000-scale map.

Project: Geologic map of Alaska

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Helen M. Beikman, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2330.

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Division of 

Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

Project objectives: The objective of this project, 

which is now completed, was to prepare a multicolor geologic map of Alaska at a scale of 

1:2,500,000. The new map is a summary of 

mapping done by hundreds of geologists who 

have worked in Alaska at various times since 

geologic mapping was begun there in the late 

1800's. This wall map, when printed, will serve 

a nationwide audience by providing a ready 

visual reference upon which planning for future 

geologic studies, such as earthquake hazard 

evaluation, mineral-resource estimates, and 

exploration programs for new mineral resources, can be based. The map will be printed 

on one sheet and will also show the bathymetry 

of adjacent ocean areas.

Project status: Five uncolored geologic maps at a 

scale of 1:1,000,000 covering the entire State, 

which are preliminary compilations on which 

the final multicolor map is based, have been 

published. These include Miscellaneous Field 

Studies Maps MF-611 (covering the southwestern part of the State), MF-612 (covering the 

south-central part), MF-673 (covering southeastern Alaska), MF-674 (covering the Alaska 

Peninsula and Aleutian Islands), and MF-789 

(covering northern Alaska). An uncolored preliminary version of the l:2,500,000-scale map 

will be released in the MF series in the first half

of 1978. The multicolor wall map is now in cartographic preparation, which will require more 

than a year.

Project: Trans-Alaska pipeline hydrology.

Region and map key: Statewide (trans-Alaska 

pipeline corridor, Prudhoe Bay to Valdez); fig. 

16 (1).

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: J. M. Childers, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 218 E Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 277-5526.

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Alaska 

State Pipeline Coordinator's Office.

Project objectives: This project evaluated the impacts of pipeline construction on water resources, particularly regarding the effects on 

water quality resulting from waste disposal, 

construction disturbance, and oil spills.

Project status: This project, begun in 1975, measured changes in water quality and aquatic 

habitat at selected sites along the trans-Alaska 

pipeline during and after construction disturbances. Study sites included reaches of streams 

impacted by fuel oil spillage or sewage at construction camps and reaches of streams impacted by sediment and turbidity during 

pipeline burial. During 1977 data collection 

was completed at all sites except for the Little 

Tonsina River near Tonsina, where more data 

are needed. Results for this project are published in the Alaska District annual basic-data 

reports.

Project: Floods from small drainage areas.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: Stanley H. Jones, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 218 E Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 277-5526.

Cooperating agencies: State of Alaska, Department of Highways; U.S. Forest Service.

Project objectives: This project collects and publishes flood-peak data from a network of smallstream crest-gaging stations for the purpose of 

defining the magnitude and frequency of floods 

within Alaska.

Project status: This is a continuing project; all

A53
data are published in the annual series "Water 

Resources Data for Alaska." The 1977 report 

will be completed by September 1978. A flood 

frequency and magnitude analysis by 

multiple-regression methods will be made to 

define a set of equations that can be used to 

estimate flood magnitudes for selected recurrence intervals at any site on ungaged 

streams in Alaska. The equations will relate 

floods to drainage-basin characteristics. The 

flood-frequency analysis will be completed by 

June 1978.

Project: Surface-water stations.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: R. D. Lamke, U.S. Geological Survey, 218 E Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; 

(907) 277-5526.

Cooperating agencies: Alaska Power Administration; U.S. Air Force; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Forest Service; State of Alaska, 

Department of Fish and Game, Department of 

Highways, and Department of Natural Resources; Municipality of Anchorage; Kenai 

Peninsula Borough.

Project objectives: The Geological Survey operates a network of gaging stations to provide 

data on (1) streamflow, (2) flood discharges and 

stages, (3) lake stage and contents, and (4) estuary flow conditions. This program is part of 

an ongoing national assessment of the nation's 

water resources. 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 impact 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 Alaska." The 1977 report is 

expected to be completed by September 1978.

Project: Ground-water inventory.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources

Division, Alaska District Office. 

Project chief: L. L. Dearborn, U.S. Geological

Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

-99501; (907) 27&-1563. 

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Department

of Natural Resources, Division of Geological 

and Geophysical Surveys.

Project objectives: The purpose of the project is to 

collect, compile, and publish basic groundwater data and to conduct special studies related to ground-water availability and development in various areas of the state. Work 

plans include field inventories to acquire newly 

available data, water-quality sampling, and 

geophysical logging.

Project status: Conversion of existing groundwater data files to the U.S.G.S. National 

Ground-Water Site-Inventory Data Base has 

begun. Data for the Kenai, North Kenai, 

Matanuska and Susitna Valleys, Kodiak, Valdez to Copper Center, Cordova, and Yakutat 

areas have been processed within the system. A 

summary of ground-water conditions prepared 

within the project is to be published in 1978. 

Personnel of the U.S.G.S. and the Division of 

Geological and Geophysical Surveys are working to develop a joint operating procedure to 

coordinate field data collection, compilation, 

and report preparation within this project.

Project: Ground-water stations.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: L. L. Dearborn, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 27&-1563.

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Department 

of Natural Resources, Division of Geological 

and Geophysical Surveys; Kenai Peninsula 

Borough; Municipality of Anchorage.

Project objectives: This project maintains a network of observation wells to provide data on 

ground-water levels throughout Alaska. 

Water-level data indicate the status of ground 

water in storage or in transit and the availability of water supplies, permit estimation and 

forecast of base flow of streams, and identify 

areas where changes in ground-water levels 

may affect current or planned land use and 

water supply development. The core of the 

monitoring network provides long-term records 

for regional or watershed studies that in turn 

serve as a basis for correlation of short-term 

hydrologic records and data collection activities 

for specific purposes.

A54
Project status: Continuing water-level records for 

long-term (Federal) observation wells are to be 

published annually in "Water Resources Data 

for Alaska." Data from Special-purpose or 

project-oriented water-level networks are processed for use and selected for publication in 

project reports.

Project: Quality-of-water stations.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: R. J. Madison, U.S. Geological Survey, 218 E Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; 

(907) 277-5526.

Cooperating agencies: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Forest Service; State of Alaska, 

Department of Environmental Conservation, 

Department of Fish and Game.

Project objectives: This project provides 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 from 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 will be accomplished by operation of 

a network of water-quality stations.

Project status: This is a continuing project; all 

data are published in the annual series "Water 

Resources Data for Alaska."

Project: Municipal water supply studies and 

water resource evaluations at selected Alaskan 

communities.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: G. L. Nelson, U.S. Geological Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 279-1563.

Cooperating agencies: State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, and Department 

of Environmental Conservation.

Project objectives: To evaluate the availability 

and quality of the water resources, determine 

current water-use patterns, monitor critical 

hydrologic variables, and determine potential 

for water-resource development in several

Alaskan communities, particularly coastal 

communities that will be affected by anticipated development of offshore petroleum reserves.

Project status: A summary of the status of the 

water-resources information for the various 

communities has been prepared. A priority list 

for community studies has been established on 

the basis of the adequacy of understanding of 

the hydrologic system to meet the project objectives and the anticipated degree and timing of 

impact of growth and development in each of 

the communities. Water-resource evaluations 

have begun in the Seward and Cordova areas, 

and a report on the Seward area is planned for 

publication in 1978.

Project: Training programs in remote sensing for 

Department of the Interior personnel.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Land Information 

and Analysis Office, EROS Program, Applications Branch.

Project chiefs: David M. Carneggie and Wayne G. 

Rohde, EROS Data Center, Applications 

Branch, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57198; (605) 

549-6511, ext. 114.

Cooperating agencies: U.S. Bureau of Land Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Project objectives: One of the major activities of 

the Applications Branch is to transfer remote 

sensing technology to other Department of the 

Interior agencies. One of the ways to effect this 

transfer is to conduct training courses on remote sensing for U.S. Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

personnel. Regularly scheduled courses emphasize (a) basic principles of manual interpretation of aircraft and Landsat imagery, and 

(b) digital analysis techniques for Landsat 

data. These courses have been offered to Alaska 

resource managers to teach them about the 

availability of remote sensing data and 

methods for analyzing the data.

Project status: Personnel from the EROS Data 

Center and Bureau of Land Management conduct four basic training courses and one digital 

analysis course each year for BLM resource 

managers. In addition, EROS Data Center and 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel conduct two or three basic photo-interpretation

A55
courses at EDC.

In January 1977, EDC personnel conducted a 

short course on remote sensing for the Alaskan 

chapters of the American Society of Photogrammetry and the American Congress for 

Surveying and Mapping in Anchorage, Alaska. 

Over 80 participants attended the 3-day course, 

which emphasized manual techniques for 

image analysis using Landsat and color infrared aerial photographs. Personnel from the 

Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, 

also participated, presenting examples of the 

uses of various remote sensing data for addressing resource inventory problems in Alaska.

NORTHERN ALASKA

Project: Land-use study of National Petroleum 

Reserve in Alaska (NPRA).

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 16 (2).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Oscar J. Ferrians, Jr., U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2247.

Cooperating agencies: U.S. Bureau of Land Management; U.S. Bureau of Mines.

Project objectives: This project will carry out surficial geologic investigations and mineral resource assessment studies of NPRA.

The surficial geologic investigations include 

the following activities: (1) determination of 

distribution and character of natural construction materials (for example, gravel deposits); 

(2) investigation of geologic hazards such as 

thawing of permafrost, unstable bentonitic 

soils, 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) study of the character and distribution of 

various types of surficial deposits to determine 

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.

The mineral resource assessment study includes: (1) determination of the distribution, 

character, and stratigraphic and structural relation of rocks that 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: The first field season has been 

completed, and preliminary reports covering 

the surficial geologic investigations and the 

mineral resource assessment studies have been 

completed and transmitted to the U.S. Bureau 

of Land Management. Final reports will be 

completed after the second field season.

Project: NPRA data release.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 16 (2).

Organizational designation: Office of National 

Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (ONPRA).

Project chief: Robert D. Carter, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2116.

Cooperating agency: Environmental Data Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Project objectives: The objective is to gather, inventory, organize, and make available to the 

public all geophysical and geological data generated in the petroleum exploration of NPRA 

by the U.S. Navy and by the Office of National 

Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.

Project status: The project will be an ongoing 

program so long as ONPRA is responsible for 

the petroleum exploration of NPRA. Most of the 

data covering operations on the Reserve since 

1955 have been gathered from various sources 

and are being assembled in Houston. The initial release of material on the 17 wells drilled 

since 1955 should be ready for reproduction and 

dissemination by the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration, Boulder, Colo., 

early in 1978. Geophysical data releases will 

follow in chronological order. Detailed descriptions of the releases and instructions for 

ordering them will be extensively advertised by 

NOAA.

EAST-CENTRAL ALASKA

Project: Geohydrology of Fairbanks-North Star

Borough. 

Region and map key: East-central Alaska; fig. 16

(3).

A56
TABLE 10. Regional cooperative projects

Name of Project; map key

Land-use study of 

National Petroleum 

Reserve in Alaska; 

fig. 16 (area 2)

NPRA data release; 

fig. 16 (2)

Geohydrology of 

Fairbanks-North 

Ster Borough; 

fig. 16 (3)

Geohydrology of the 

Delta-Clearwater 

area; fig. 16 (<t)

Project chief Type of work Area(s)

0. J.Ferrians, Jr. Surficial geology, National Petroleum 

mineral reaource Reserve in Alaska 

(NPRA)

R.D. Carter Data collection end NPRA 

releese

G.L. Nelson Monitoring observation East-cantral Alaaka 

wells, water-quality 

sampling, interpretive 

studies

G.L. Nelson Seepage measurements, Delta area 

aquifer testing, 

water-quality sampling, 

report preparation

Cooperating agencies

U.S. Bureau of Land Management, 

U.S. Bureau of Minea

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Adminiatration

Fairbanks-North Star Borough

State of Alaska, Department 

of Natural Reaources

St. Lawrence Island 

stratigraphic 

project; fig. 16 (5)

I.F.Palmer Meaaurement of St. Lawrence laland 

stratigrephic aections

State of Aleaka, Department of 

Naturel Reaources, Division of 

Geological and Geophysicel 

Surveys

Stratigraphic study 

of the Alaska 

Peninsula; 

fig. 16 (6)

I.F.Palmer Assess petroleum

reservoir and aource 

rock potential

Southwestern Alaake State of Alaska, Department of 

Natural Resourcea, Division of 

Geological and Geophysical 

Surveys

Water resource studies G.L.Nelson 

of the Kenai-North 

Kenai area; fig. 16 (7)

Baaic hydrologio data 

collection, analysis, 

and interpretation

Kenai Peninsula Kenai Peninsula Borough, State 

of Alaska, Department of 

Natural Reaources

Hydrologic studies 

related to coal 

mining; fig. 16 (8), 

(9), (10)

D.R.Scully Collection of baaic 

hydrologic data in 

areas with proven 

coal reaerves and 

in an area of active 

coal mining

Upper Cook Inlet end 

Healy coel field

U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency

Hydrologic data

compilation for Cook 

Inlet area; 

fig. 16 (11)

G.W.Freethey Collection and

oompiletion of besic 

hydrologic data, for 

agency and public use

Cook Inlet State of Alaska, Department 

of Natural Reaourcea, 

Division of Geological and 

Geophyaical Surveya, Kenai 

Peninaula Borough, Municipality 

of Anchoraga

Hydrologic data D.R.Scully 

summary for tha Cook 

Inlet area; fig. 16 (11)

Summary of hydrologic 

data

Cook Inlet area Water Resourcaa Council, Level 

B Study Southcentral Alaska

Geohydrology of tha 

Anchorage area; 

fig. 16 (12)

R.S.George Hydrologic data

collection, groundwatar rasourca 

evaluation, monitoring 

urban affecta on 

hydrologic syatam

Anchorage area Municipality of Anchorage

Classification of 

vegatation in the 

Danali, Alaaka araa; 

fig. 16 (13)

W.G.Rohda Vagetation

classification from 

digital Landaat data

Southarn Alaska U.S. Bureau of Land Management

Application of remote J.K.Richard 

sensing data for 

ground-watar analysia 

near Denali, Alaska; 

fig. 16 (13)

Ground-water analysis Southern Alaska U.S. Bureau of Land Management

A57
TABLE 10. Regional cooperative projects Continued

Name of Project;map key Project chief Type of work Area(s) Cooperating agencies

Computer enhancement 

of Landsat digital 

data for mapping 

material-related 

geomorphic features 

near Denali, Alaska; 

fig. 16 (araa 13)

Cynthia Sheehan Enhancement of digital 

Landsat data

Southern Alaska U.S. Bureau of Land Management

Eastern Gulf of Alaska 

seismioity; 

fig. 16 (14)

J.C.Lahr Seismic network to 

monitor earthquake 

activity

Prince William Sound 

to Yakutat

National Oceanic and

Atmoapheric Administration

Glacier Bay National 

Monument Wilderness 

Study Area; 

fig. 16 (15)

D.A.Brew Report preparation Glacier Bay National 

Monument

U.S. Bureau of Mines, Alaaka 

Field Operations Center, 

Juneau

West Chiehagof-Yakobi 

Wilderness Study 

Area; fig. 16 (16)

B.R.Johnson Gaologic mapping 

geochemical and 

geophysical surveys, 

mineral-resource 

assessment

Western Chichagof and 

Yakobi Islands

U.S. Bureau of Mines, Alaska 

Field Operations Center, 

Juneau

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: G. L. Nelson, U.S. Geological Survey, Federal Building and Courthouse, Box 11, 

101 12th Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701; 

(907) 452-1951, ext. 214.

Cooperating agency: Fairbanks-North Star 

Borough.

Project objectives: Overall project objectives are 

to evaluate the quality and availability of 

water resources in the Fairbanks-North Star 

Borough. Specific objectives for FY 1978 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: A report summarizing the first 

three years of the program is in review and 

should be released during FY 1978. A map depicting the distribution of arsenic, nitrate, iron, 

and hardness in ground water has also been 

prepared and is being reviewed. A report summarizing arsenic studies during FY 77-78 will 

be prepared during the spring of 1978.

Project: Geohydrology of the Delta-Clearwater

area. 

Region and map key: East-central Alaska;

fig. 16 (4). 

Organizational designation: Water Resources

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: G. L. Nelson, U.S. Geological Survey, Federal Building and Courthouse, Box 11, 

101 12th Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701; 

(907) 452-1951, ext. 214.

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Department 

of Natural Resources.

Project objectives: The objectives of this project 

are to produce hydrologic data that can be used 

to assess the environmental impact of agricultural development in the Delta-Clearwater 

area and provide a hydrologic interpretation of 

the area that can be used to plan for and manage orderly agricultural development.

Project status: This project was initiated in 

August 1977. Existing U.S. Geological Survey 

hydrologic data for the area has been compiled. 

Field data collection has begun: several discharge measurements have been made, 

surface-water quality samples have been collected, and three test wells have been completed in the aquifer. A report on the results of 

studies conducted during the first year should 

be completed by December 1978.

WEST-CENTRAL ALASKA

Project: St. Lawrence Island stratigraphic 

project.

Region and map key: West-central Alaska; 

fig. 16 (5).

Organizational designation: Conservation Division, Office of the Alaska Area Geologist.

Project chief: I. F. Palmer, U.S. Geological SurA58
vey, 800 A Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; 

(907) 278-3571.

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Department 

of Natural Resources, Division of Geological 

and Geophysical Surveys.

Project objectives: The objective is to conduct potential petroleum reservoir and source rock investigations in upland areas adjacent to proposed OCS sale areas to facilitate extrapolation 

of geologic data into the OCS area for prospect 

area and block economic evaluations.

Project status: This project is in the planning 

stages.

SOUTHWESTERN ALASKA

Project: Stratigraphic study of the Alaska Peninsula.

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

16 (6).

Organizational designation: Conservation Division, Office of the Alaska Area Geologist.

Project chief: I. F. Palmer, U.S. Geological Survey, 800 A Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; 

(907) 278-3571.

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Department 

of Natural Resources, Division of Geological 

and Geophysical Surveys (co-project chief, 

W. M. Lyle).

Project objectives: The project aims to assess petroleum reservoir and source rock potential and 

determine the hydrocarbon maturation level 

within the basin.

Project status: All fieldwork is completed, and 

most laboratory analyses have been completed. 

Drafting of stratigraphic sections is nearing 

completion, and report writing is in progress. 

The data will be released through the State of 

Alaska open-file publication series.

SOUTHERN ALASKA

Project: Water resource studies of the KenaiNorth Kenai area.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 16 (7).

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: G. L. Nelson, U.S. Geological Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 27&-1563.

Cooperating agencies: Kenai Peninsula Borough;

State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources.

Project objectives: Project objectives are (1) to 

maintain a basic hydrologic data collection and 

monitoring network on streamflow, groundwater levels, and lake levels in the KenaiNorth Kenai areas, and (2) to define the 

hydrologic system in order to evaluate the hydrologic effects of ground-water withdrawal 

from the confined aquifer in the North Kenai 

area.

Project status: Existing data are being evaluated 

and new data collected in light of increasing 

demands for industrial water sources throughout the Kenai Peninsula area, but most immediately in the North Kenai area. The water 

tables and lake levels have been declining concurrently with lowering potentiometric levels 

in confined aquifers. Such decreases in water 

levels are apparently related to a combination 

of the effects of ground-water pumping and 

below normal precipitation from 1968 through 

1976. However, after near-normal precipitation 

in 1977, significant water-table and lake level 

rises were measured. Water level recorders 

have been installed at several wells and lakes 

considered critical to definition of surface 

water-ground water relations. Additional 

geologic and hydraulic data were collected during test drilling and aquifer tests conducted in 

late 1977.

Project: Hydrologic studies related to coal 

mining.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 16 (8), 

(9), (10).

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: D. R. Scully, U.S. Geological Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 279-1563.

Cooperating agency: Environmental Protection 

Agency.

Project objectives: This project is designed 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

A59
constituents, minor-element concentrations, 

sediment, and temperature; (3) stream-basin 

characteristics; and (4) aquatic benthic invertebrate communities.

Project status: Field investigations were started 

in 1975 and will continue through 1978 in the 

Beluga, Healy, and Peters Creek coal areas. A 

report will be published in 1979.

Project: Hydrologic data compilation for Cook 

Inlet area.

Region and map key: Southern and southwestern 

Alaska; fig. 16 (11).

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: Geoffrey W. Freethey, U.S. Geological Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, 

Alaska 99501; (907) 279-1563.

Cooperating agencies: State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys; Kenai Peninsula 

Borough; Anchorage Municipality.

Project objectives: The purpose of the project is to 

collect, compile, and make available to 

cooperating agencies existing hydrologic data 

for the Cook Inlet area. The information to be 

compiled encompasses all ground-water, 

surface-water, and quality-of-water data in files 

and publications of the U.S. Geological Survey 

and the State of Alaska, as well as new data to 

be collected during field inventories of the study 

area. The amassed data may be used as a foundation for investigations involving:

(1) ground-water availability and quality in 

rapidly developing areas, including landfills;

(2) changes in ground-water levels; and

(3) surface-water resources of the agricultural, 

recreational, and developing residential areas. 

Project status: Data collection and compilation 

for the Susitna, Matanuska, and Knik drainages, the west shore of Cook Inlet, and the 

western drainages of the Kenai Peninsula, and 

the surface-water compilation for the Anchorage Municipality are complete. The ongoing 

ground-water compilation for the Anchorage 

Municipality is approximately 25 percent complete. Two open-file reports are currently being 

prepared for publication in 1978. One is an 

index of ground-water hydrologic data; the 

other is a surface-water discharge and water 

temperature data compilation.

Project: Hydrologic data summary for the Cook 

Inlet area.

Region and map key: Southern and southwestern 

Alaska; fig. 16 (11).

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: D. R. Scully, U.S. Geological Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 279-1563.

Cooperating agency: Water Resources Council, 

Level B Study Southcentral Alaska.

Project objectives: The purpose of this project is to 

provide a ground-water atlas report summarizing ground-water availability and a surfacewater report summarizing streamflow data and 

providing regional analysis of certain 

streamflow characteristics. These reports will 

be used to provide baseline hydrologic resource 

information for the Water Resources Council 

Southcentral Alaska Level B Study assessing 

water problems and defining alternate solutions in the next 10 to 25 years.

Project status: Previously compiled surface-water 

data will be used to summarize monthly and 

annual statistics (39 sites), flood-frequency 

analysis (47 sites), and low-flow frequency and 

flow duration (30 sites). Regional flow characteristics will be shown on maps or by regression 

equations. Ground-water data will be used in 

conjunction with surficial geology, baseflow 

predictions, and unconsolidated sediment 

thickness to prepare an atlas of ground-water 

availability. Schematic sections of the more developed areas will be used to show the varied 

aquifer systems within the basin.

Project: Geohydrology of the Anchorage area.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 16 

(12).

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Divison, Alaska, District Office.

Project chief: Raymond S. George, 1209 Orca 

Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; (907) 279- 

1563.

Cooperating agency: Municipality of Anchorage.

Project objectives: The project aims to assess the 

water resources of the Anchorage area, the 

State's largest population center, particularly 

with respect to the availability of water for increasing water supply demands and the effects 

of urbanization on the hydrologic system. In

AGO
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 

of this area and potential for urban hydrology 

were described early in this 12-year-old project. 

Current project activities include continued operation of a basic hydrologic data collection 

network, evaluation of ground-water resources 

at Eagle River (a residential center north of 

Anchorage), and hydrologic model analysis of 

the confined ground-water system at Anchorage. Preliminary reports on the last two elements will be completed by mid-1978.

Project: Classification of vegetation in the Denali, Alaska area with digital Landsat data.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 16 

(13).

Organizational designation: Land Information 

and Analysis Office, EROS Program, Applications Branch.

Project chief: Wayne G. Rohde, EROS Data Center, Applications Branch, Sioux Falls, South 

Dakota 57198; (605)594-6511, ext. 114.

Cooperating agency: U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

Project objectives: The purpose of this project is to 

provide BLM personnel with training and experience in Landsat digital image analysis for resource mapping and inventory. Specific objectives are to demonstrate the application of 

Landsat digital data for classifying and mapping wildland vegetation over approximately 

118,623 ha (293,000 acres) near Denali, Alaska.

Project status: Personnel from the EROS Data 

Center and Bureau of Land Management, Denver, will perform the image analysis using an 

interactive system at the EROS Data Center. A 

sampling scheme will be used to estimate the 

classification accuracy of the vegetation map 

overlays. The classified Landsat data will be 

geometrically corrected and plotted with a 

flat-bed plotter to produce l:63,360-scale map 

overlays. The classification and analysis will be 

completed in 1977. A report describing the 

analysis techniques, vegetation classification 

scheme, classification accuracy, and cost will be 

prepared in 1978.

Project: Application of remotely sensed data for 

ground-water analysis near Denali, Alaska.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 16 

(13).

Organizational designation: Land Information 

and Analysis Office, EROS Program, Applications Branch.

Project chief: James K. Richard, EROS Data Center, Applications Branch, Sioux Falls, South 

Dakota 57198; (605) 594-6511, ext. 114.

Cooperating agency: U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

Project objectives: The purpose of this investigation is to demonstrate the application of Landsat imagery and l:30,000-scale color infrared 

aerial photography for identifying areas suitable for ground-water exploration in a typical 

subarctic, glaciated environment. Materials 

developed from this project will also be used in 

subsequent training courses in geology and hydrology applications of remotely sensed data.

Project status: The project area includes approximately 4,200 km2 near Denali, Alaska. Landsat imagery at a scale of 1:250,000 will be 

analyzed and interpreted to develop a series of 

overlays presenting hydrogeologic and geologic 

information. More detailed image analysis will 

be done for selected areas with l:30,000-scale 

color infrared photographs. Overlays illustrating features important to the development of a 

ground-water targeting strategy will be made. 

A field trip will be made to the Denali area to 

field check the interpretation results and make 

necessary modifications. It is anticipated that a 

final report will be written in 1978.

Project: Computer enhancement of Landsat digital data for mapping material-related geomorphic features near Denali, Alaska.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 16 

(13).

Organizational designation: Land Information 

and Analysis Office, EROS Program, Applications Branch.

Project chief: Cynthia Sheehan, EROS Data Center, Applications Branch, Sioux Falls, South 

Dakota 57198; (605) 594-6511, ext. 114.

Cooperating agency: U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

Project objectives: The purpose of this project is to

A61
demonstrate the application of digitally enhanced imagery for mapping surficial deposits 

in the Denali area and to develop training materials for BLM/EROS training courses in 

geologic applications of remotely sensed data. 

Project status: A series of digitally contrasted, 

enhanced images were made from Landsat digital 

data taken on August 1, 1976, over an area 

near Denali, Alaska. This area covers a 1,200- 

km2 area of the Susitna River Valley. All processing and analysis were completed in 1977. 

The enhanced images will be evaluated to determine the application of digitally enhanced 

data for mapping surficial geology.

Project: Eastern Gulf of Alaska seismicity.

Region and map key: Southern and offshore 

Alaska; fig. 16 (14).

Organizational designation: Geologic Divison, 

Office of Earthquake Studies, Earthquake 

Hazards Branch.

Project chief: John C. Lahr, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2510.

Cooperating agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NO A A).

Project objectives: The objective of this research 

project is 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 Prince William Sound and 

Yakutat Bay. Much interest is currently centered on the Icy Bay region, which has been the 

source of a concentration of microearthquakes. 

Quarterly and annual reports are published by 

NOAA as "Alaskan OCS Principal Investigators' Reports."

SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA

Project: Glacier Bay National Monument Wilderness Study Area.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 

16 (15).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Wilderness Program and Branch of Alaskan Geology.

Project chief: David A. Brew, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2178.

Cooperating agency: U.S. Bureau of Mines, 

Alaska Field Operations Center.

Project objectives: The principal objective is an 

appraisal of 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 suitability of the area for inclusion in the National 

Wilderness Preservation System established by 

the Wilderness Act of 1964.

Project status: The project started in the 1975 

field season with the main emphasis on verification testing of geochemical data from the 

1966 studies, reconnaissance geologic mapping 

in previously unmapped areas, and reconnaissance bedrock geochemical sampling. 

Aeromagnetic, paleomagnetic, and gravity surveys were completed in 1976, as were reconnaissance bedrock geologic and geochemical 

studies in the westernmost part of the Monument. Reconnaissance geologic and geochemical mapping of the high part of the Fairweather 

Range was done in 1977. Manuscript submittal 

is scheduled for June 1978, and the report will 

be open filed by August 1978.

Project: West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness

Study Area. 

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig.

16 (16). 

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Wilderness ProA62
gram and Branch of Alaskan Geology.

Project chief: B. R. Johnson, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2769.

Cooperating agency: U.S. Bureau of Mines, 

Alaska Field Operations Center.

Project objectives: The principal objective is an 

appraisal of the mineral-resource potential of 

an area at the northwest 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 containing anomalous concentrations of 

selected metallic elements.

Project status: The project will begin with a 

four-week field season during the summer of 

1978; a second field season is projected for the 

summer of 1979. The aeromagnetic survey is 

scheduled to be flown in 1978. Manuscript submittal is tentatively planned for mid-1980.

A63