GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 732

The United States Geological Survey 

in Alaska: Organization and Status 

of Programs in 1976
The United States Geological Survey 

in Alaska: Organization and Status 

of Programs in 1976

Edward H. Cobb, Editor

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 732

7976
United States Department of the Interior

THOMAS S. KLEPPE, Secretary

Geological Survey 

V. E. McKelvey, Director

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

Cobb, Edward H.

The United States Geological Survey in Alaska

(Geological Survey Circular 732)

Supt.ofDocs.no.: I 19.4/2:732

1. United States. Geological Survey. 2. Geology-Alaska. 3. Geological research-Alaska.

I. Title. II. Series: United States Geological Survey Circular 732. 

QE75.C5 no. 732 [QE76] 557.3'08s [353.008*232] 76-608088

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

Page

Abstract __________ ________________ 1

Services and responsibilities of the U.S. Geological

Survey__________________________ 1

Introduction ________________________ 1

Services _________________________ 1

Responsibilities__________________ 3

Organization of the U.S. Geological Survey.-______ 3

Organizational segments serving Alaska _____ 6

Conservation Division ______ _______ 6

Geologic Division________________ 6

Topographic Division _________________ 7

Water Resources Division ____________ 8

Publications Division _____________ 8

Administrative Division.___________ 8

Emergency search and rescue ________ 9

Alaska Survey Committee___________ 9

Radio network ________________ 9

Land Information and Analysis Office _____ 9

EROS program _____________ ____ 9

Geography program____________ 10

Page

Alaskan projects of the U.S. Geological survey ___ _ 10

Statewide projects ____________.__________ 10

Regional projects ________________________ 31

Northern Alaska _____________________ 31

East-central Alaska__________________ 38

West-central Alaska _________________ 40

Southwestern Alaska ______________ 42

Southern Alaska ________________ 45

Southeastern Alaska _______________ 49

Cooperative projects with other agencies _________ 53

Statewide projects ____________________ 53

Northern Alaska ___________________ 61

East-central Alaska.-__________________ 61

Southwestern Alaska _______________ 61

Southern Alaska ___________________ 61

Southeastern Alaska _______________ 63

ILLUSTRATIONS

Page

FIGURE 1-5. Organization charts:

1. U.S. Geological Survey __________________________________________ 3

2. Geologic Division______________________________________-____ 4

3. Conservation Division ________________________________________ _ 5

4. Water Resources Division_________________________ ____________________ 6

5. Topographic Division ________________________________________ 7

6. Map of regions of Alaska used in this report _______ ___________________________________ 11

7-10. Project location maps, U.S. Geological Survey ______________ __-_ -_- 12, 13, 14, 15

11. Photograph of R/V KARLUK, Geological Survey vessel used for investigations in the Beaufort Sea ____ 36

12. Photograph of headquarters office of a geomagnetic and seismological observatory maintained by the

Geological Survey on the campus of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks ______________ 40

13. Location map, projects of the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating agencies._____________ 54

TABLES

Page

TABLE 1. Statewide projects ________________________________________________________ 16

2-7. Regional projects:

2. Northern Alaska _________________________________________________ 32

3. East-central Alaska ____________________________________________________ 38

4. West-central Alaska __________________________ _ - 41

5. Southwestern Alaska-________________________ _ - _ 43

6. Southern Alaska _______________________________ __ __ _ 46

7. Southeastern Alaska __________________________________-_ __ - 50

8. Statewide cooperative projects ______________________ __ __ __ 55

9. Regional cooperative projects______________________ _ 57

in
The United States Geological Survey in Alaska: 

Organization and Status of Programs in 1976

Edward H. Cobb, Editor

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 U.S. Geological Survey 

activities; 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 upto-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 1975,

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 

310 First Avenue 

Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
Maps may be purchased over the counter from 

the U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division, 441 Federal Bldg., 710 West Ninth St., 

Juneau, Alaska 99801, and the U.S. Geological 

Survey, Public Inquiries Office, 108 Skyline Bldg., 

508 Second Ave., Anchorage, Alaska 99501. Book 

publications on Alaska are available from the Public Inquiries Office in Anchorage.

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

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

The scope of Alaskan studies is broad and is 

probably best illustrated by example. The list that 

follows contains a selection of recent Geological 

Survey maps and reports accompanied by a brief 

explanation of what they disclose and how they 

may be used.

Reference: Wood, G. V., and Armstrong, A. K., 1975, 

Diagenesis and stratigraphy of the Lisburne Group limestones of the Sadlerochit Mountains and adjacent areas, 

northeastern Alaska: U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 857,47 p. 

Available from: Branch of Distribution, U.S. Geological Survey, 1200 South Eads Street, Arlington, Va. 22202; $2.25. 

A scholarly study of physical characteristics and depositional 

and postdepositional history of a group of rocks that constitutes 

some of the petroleum reservoirs in northern Alaska. The 

knowledge gained from this study is readily applicable in helping predict porosity trends in the subsurface.

Reference: Wanek, A. A., 1975, Geologic reconnaissance of a 

proposed powersite on the Maksoutof River near Sitka, 

southeastern Alaska: U.S. Geol. Survey Bull. 1211-F, 

p. F1-F22.

Available from: Branch of Distribution, U.S. Geological Survey, 1200 South Eads Street, Arlington, Va. 22202; $1.35. 

The geology and feasibility of the proposed powersite are

discussed in the text and shown on maps and cross sections.

These reconnaissance data are essential to any engineering

study or land-use decision concerning utilization of this site.

Reference: U.S. Geological Survey, 1971, Wiseman D-2 quadrangle, Alaska: U.S. Geol. Survey Topog. Ser., scale 1:63,360. 

Available from: Branch of Distribution, U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 80225; 

(Alaska residents only) Distribution Section, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 310 First Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701; $0.75. 

A standard detailed topographic map at a scale of 1 inch 

equals 1 mile. In addition to the major streams, the map shows, 

by contours, the form of the land surface and its elevation above 

sea level. This map covers part of a scenic area that has been 

proposed as a National Park. Topographic maps are widely 

used by land planners and outdoor enthusiasts and are used as 

base maps for preparation of most special-purpose maps.

Reference: Clark, A. L., Berg, H. C., Cobb, E. H., Eberlein, 

G. D., MacKevett, E. M., Jr., and Miller, T. P., 1974, Metal

provinces of Alaska: U.S. Geol. Survey Misc. Geol. Inv. Map 

1-834, 1 sheet, scale 1:5,000,000. (1975)

Available from: Branch of Distribution, U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 80225; $1.00. 

A map showing large areas characterized by the presence of 

specific mineral commodities or groups of commodities and 

generalized locations of all reported metallic mineral deposits. 

An interpretive geologic map shows the ages of the rock units of 

Alaska. This publication is useful mainly to persons wishing a 

broad overview of the geology and the distribution of metallic 

minerals.

Reference: Cobb, E. H., 1975, Chromite occurrences in Alaska: 

U.S. Geol. Survey Mineral Inv. Resources Map MR-68, 2 p., 

scale 1:2,500,000.

Available from: Branch of Distribution, U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 80225; $1.00. 

A map showing the location of reported occurrences of the 

mineral chromite and a list, keyed to the map by numbers, 

giving the name of each occurrence and the reference to the 

most complete available description of it. The map is of value to 

those planning exploration for, or development of, deposits of 

this source of chromium.

Reference: Patton, W. W., Jr., Miller, T. P., Berg, H. C., Gryc, 

George, Hoare, J. M., and Ovenshine, A. T., 1975, Reconnaissance geologic map of St. Matthew Island, Bering Sea, 

Alaska, with Gravity map of St. Matthew and Hall Islands, 

by David F. Barnes and Michael B. Estlund: U.S. Geol. Survey Misc. Field Studies Map MF-642,1 sheet, scale 1:125,000 

(gravity map 1:250,000).

Available from: Branch of Distribution, U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 80225; $0.50. 

Maps, diagrams, and tables presenting geologic and geophysical data on an island near the middle of the Bering Sea. This 

map publication is a result of the first visit to the island by a 

geological field party in this century and fills a gap in our 

knowledge of both Alaska and the Outer Continental Shelf.

Reference: Hudson, Travis, Askevold, Gerald, and Plafker, 

George, 1975. A computer-assisted procedure for information 

processing of geologic field data: U.S. Geol. Survey Jour. 

Research, v. 3, no. 3, p. 369-375.

Available from: Superintendent of Documents, Government 

Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; single copy $3.15; 

subscription $18.90 a year.

This report describes the philosophies and methods used in 

developing and applying a computer-assisted procedure for 

gathering, processing, and using field data in a long-range 

project with many participants. Although no other group of 

investigators is likely to use the identical system, it can be 

modified to suit the needs of many geologic field projects.

Reference: Carter, R. D., Denman, J. M., and Pierpoint, J. G., 

1975, Geologic literature on the North Slope of Alaska, 

1969-1974: U.S. Geol. Survey open-file report 75-384, 81 p.

Available from: Alaskan Technical Data Unit, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025. 

A regional bibliography with subject index and serial list

that greatly facilitates library research on the geology,

geophysical investigations, hydrology, topography, and min-
eral resources of an area undergoing particularly rapid exploration and development of its petroleum resources.

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 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), comprised 

of six 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.

Asst. Director- -Eastern Region 

Asst. Director- -Central Region 

Asst. Director- -Western Region

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Director

Assoc. Director

Asst. Director- -Land Resources

Asst. Director- -Programs

Asst. Director- -Environmental

Conservation 

Asst. Director- -Energy &

Mineral Resources 

Asst. Director- -Administration

Land Information & Analysis Office

Earth Resources Observation Program 

Geography Program 

Earth Sciences Application Program 

Resource & Land Investigations Program 

Environmental Impact Analysis Program

FIGURE 1. Organization of the U.S. Geological Survey.
Office of Scientific Publications 

- -G. E. Becraft

Office of Mineral Resources 

- -E. W. Tooker

Branches:

Eastern- -C. E. Brown 

Central- -R. B. Taylor 

Western- -G. W. Walker 

Alaskan- -A. T. Ovenshine 

Exploration Research

- -P. K. Theobald 

Office of Resource Analyst

- -A. L. Clark

Office of the Chief Geologist

Chief Geologist- -R. P. Sheldon 

Dep. Chief Geol.- -R. E. Davis 

Dep. Chief Geol. for

Program and Budget- -D. H. Dow 

Administrative Off.- -W. E. Fichtner

Office of Environmental Geology 

--J.C. Reed, Jr.

Branches:

Eastern- -N. L. Hatch, Jr. 

Kentucky- -W. W. Olive 

Central--?. L. Williams 

Western- -M. C. Blake, Jr. 

Engineering- -R. L. Schuster 

Special Projects- -W. S. Twenhofel 

Astrogeologic Studies

--M. H.Carr 

Paleontology and Stratigraphy

--J. E. Hazel

Regional Geol., Eastern Reg

Regional Geol., Central Reg

Regional Geol., Western Re

Office of Geochemistry & Geophysics 

--R.S. Fiske

Branches: 

Experimental Geochemistry and

Mineralogy- -D. R. Wones 

Field Geochemistry and Petrology

--W. E.Hall

Isotope Geology- -Z. E. Peterman 

Regional Geochemistry

- -J. J. Connor

Analytical Laboratories--I. May 

Theoretical and Applied Geophysics

--M. F.Kane 

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

--R. I. Tilling

Office of Earthquake Studies 

- -R. M. Hamilton

Branches:

Seismic Engineering- -R. B. Metthiesen 

Seismicity and Earth Structure

- -L. C. Paleiser 

Earthquake Mechanics and Prediction

- -P. L. Ward 

Eerthquake Hazerds- -R. A- Page

Office of International Geology 

- -J. A. Rememund

Branches: 

Latin American and African Geology

- -A. H. Chidester 

Middle Eastern and Asian Geology

- -D. F. Davidson

FIGURE 2. Organization of the Geologic Division.
Office of the Division Chief

Division Chief- -R. G. Wayland 

Assoc. Chief- -R. E. Evans 

Admin. Officer- -K. Petty

Office of the Assistant Division 

Chief for Operations

Assistant Div. Chief- -J. Duletsky

Western Region- -Menlo Park 

Office of the Regional Conservation Manager

Regional Manager- -W. C. Gere 

Asst. Regional Manager- -H. A. Oden

Area Oil and Gas Supervisor- -Alaska 

Supervisor- -R. A. Smith

Area Geologist- -Alaska 

Acting Geologist- - J. E. Callahan

Area Mining Supervisor- -Alaska Pacific 

Supervisor- -L. H. Saarela

Area Hydraulic Engineer- -Western Area 

Acting Hydraulic Engineer- -J. L. Colbert

Office of the Assistant Division 

Chief for Resource Evaluation

Asst. Div. Chief- -R. L. Rioux

Central Region- -Denver 

Office of the Regional Cons. Manager

Regional Manager- -G. H. Horn

Eastern Region- -Washingto

Office of the Regional Conservat

Regional Manager- -G. E. 

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

Chief Hydrologist

J. S. Cragwall, Jr.

Associate Chief Hydrologist

O. M. Hackett

Asst. Chief Hydrologist for 

Scientific Publications and 

Data Management 

G.W. Whetstone

Asst. Chief r 

for Oper 

- -vac

Administrat 

C.S. Her

Hydrologist 

ations 

ant

ve Officer 

bert. Jr.

Asst. Chief Hydrologist for 

Research and Technical 

Coordination 

E. A. Moulder

Northeastern Regional

Hydrologist 

J. T. Callahan

Southeastern Regional 

Hydrologist 

L. B. Laird

Juneau Subdistnct 

V. K. Berwick- -Chief

Central Regional 

Hydrologist 

Alfred Clebsch, Jr.

1

Field Office 

Barrow, Alaska

1

Anchorage Subdistnct 

R. S. George- -Chief

Western Regional 

Hydrologist

- -vacant

Alaska District Chief 

Harry Hulsing

Fairbanks Subdistnct 

J. P. Meckel- -Chief

FIGURE 4. Organization of the Water Resources 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.

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 resulting from mining, geothermal, and petroleum operations, or other hazards 

that may be associated with mineral operations 

conducted under leases and prospecting permits.

All Alaskan activities 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, Oreg. 97208, and the Alaska waterpower evaluation program is a function of that 

office. The offices of both the Acting Alaska Area 

Geologist, James E. Callahan, 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, principally 

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; petroleumresource 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; and submarine sampling, subbottom profiling, and other 

geophysical studies of the ocean floor.

6
OFFICE OF THE DIVISION CHIEF

Division Chief- -R. H. Lyddan 

Associate Chief- -R. B. Southard

Office of Plans and 

Program Development 

Chief- -D. G. Frederick

Office of Research and

Technical Standards

Chief- -vacant

Eastern Mapping

Center 

Chief--P. F. Bermel

Mid-Continent

Mapping Center

Chief- -A. C. McCutchen

Rocky Mountain

Mapping Center

Chief--A. E. Letey

Western Mapping

Center 

Chief--R. R. Mullen

Special Mapping

Center 

Chief- -R. E. Fordham

Alaska Resident 

Engr.--T. Taylor

FIGURE 5. Organization of the Topographic Division.

Activities in Alaska are the responsibility of 

several groups within the Geologic Division: The 

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

and Marine Geology at the Pacific Coast Field 

Center, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

94025; the Branches of Theoretical and Applied 

Geophysics, Seismicity and Earth Structure, 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, Reston, Va. 22092. Several other branches 

of 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 St., Anchorage, Alaska 99501; (907) 272-8228, with Thomas 

P. Miller as geologist in charge, and the other at 

the University of Alaska; (907) 479-7245, with 

Florence R. Weber in charge. The Branch of 

Theoretical and Applied Geophysics maintains observatories at Fairbanks (College) and Barrow, 

both under the direction of J. B. Townshend, 

Yukon Drive on West Ridge, Fairbanks, Alaska 

99701; (907) 479-6146. The Branch of Seismicity 

and Earth Structure maintains an observatory at 

Sitka directed by W. E. 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.

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 Robert 

H. Lyddan, 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 field 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.

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 re-
search 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 and protection of the 

State's water and related land resources.

The network of data collection sites maintained 

includes the following:

Streamflow _________________

Sediment ___________________

Chemical ___________________

Biological _______________

Temperature ____________

Ground-water observation wells

Intermittent 

Daily or partial 

sites record sites

108

0

0

19

43

20

36

10

153

12

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

Western Region office and are the responsibility of 

the Regional Hydrologist, 345 Middlefield Road, 

Menlo Park, Calif. 94025. The Anchorage District 

office is in the Skyline Bldg., 218 E Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; (907) 227-5526, 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 99802; (907) 586-7217. 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.

A field office at Barrow, Alaska, has been established to support work being done on the Arctic Ice 

Dynamics Joint Experiment (AIDJEX). The address is U.S. Geological Survey, c/o AIDJEX Naval 

Arctic Research Laboratory, Barrow, Alaska 

99723; (907) 852-6588; commercial telephone is 

(907) 852-9245.

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 310 First 

Ave., Fairbanks, Alaska 99701; (907) 452-1951, 

ext. 174, 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 22 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. Erwin 

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 

LANDS AT (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 or Commercial (907) 277-0569. A 

warehouse at Anchorage under the supervision of 

Clarence (Buck) Buchanan 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 Oil well Road, 

Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska 

99506. A warehouse for the Fairbanks area located

8
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 in 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 or Buck Buchanan at FTS 

265-4494 or commercial (907) 277-0569. Outside 

office hours contact Betty Mclntire at (907) 272- 

5398 or Buck Buchanan at (907) 337-2146.

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. Harry Hulsing, Water Resources Division, 

chairs the group for 1976; other members are 

James E. Callahan, Conservation Division; 

Thomas E. Taylor, Topographic Division; Margaret I. Erwin, Publications Division; Florence R. 

Weber, Geologic Division; and Betty J. Mclntire, 

Administrative Division.

RADIO NETWORK

Radio Officer for Alaska is Florence Weber, 

Geologic Division, College, Alaska 99701 (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 1976 field season, two base stations will 

be established through commercial radio service 

facilities. Alaska Public Fixed 5167.5 (5168.9) kHz 

will be monitored from 6:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. 

daily in Anchorage and from 7:00 a.m. through 

10:00 p.m. in Fairbanks. Only emergency calls will 

be accepted outside these hours. 3211 (3212.5) kHz 

will be monitored in Anchorage and possibly in

Fairbanks. Calls of commercial stations are 

WKD22 in Anchorage and KGA85 "Broadmoor" in 

Fairbanks.

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 

remote-sensing data acquired by aircraft and 

space craft, particularly the Earth Resources 

Technology Satellite (ERTS), now renamed 

LANDSAT. 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 Survey, 1925 Isaac Newton 

Square East, Reston, Va. 22090 (703) 860-7881 to 

-7885. The representative of the EROS Program 

for Alaska and the Pacific States is Andrew M. 

Spieker, EROS Applications Assistance Facility, 

U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, 

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

2727.

EROS Data Center, SiouxFalls, S. Dak. 57198; 

(605) 594-6511, is responsible for distributing 

LANDSAT (formerly ERTS) imagery and other 

remote sensing 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 Applications Assistance Branch of 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, College, Alaska 99701; (907) 479-7487, initially established by NASA to provide assistance to Alaskan 

ERTS-1 investigators, is now being operated 

under contract to the EROS Program to provide 

assistance to the entire Alaskan user community. 

The facility is supervised by Albert E. Belon, 

under the general direction of John M. Miller. 

Both standard and sophisticated interpretation
equipment, including a color additive viewer and 

minicomputer enhancer, are available. In addition, files are maintained on selected LANDSAT 

imagery, NASA and other aerial photography, and 

other remote-sensing data on various parts of 

Alaska.

The Applications Assistance Facility has arranged for William Stringer, of the University of 

Alaska, to spend I week each month at the Arctic 

Environmental Information and Data Center, 707 

A Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; (907) 279- 

4523, to answer questions and provide more direct 

assistance to Anchorage area users.

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.

(.KK;R\I'H\

As part of the Geography Program, the U.S. 

Geological Survey plans to provide land-use and 

land-cover maps for the entire United States on a 

systematic and comprehensive basis. A classification system has been developed by the Geological 

Survey in conjunction with other Federal and 

State agencies (Anderson, J. R., Hardy, E. E., and 

Roach, J. T., 1972, A land-use classification system 

for use with remote sensor data: U.S. Geol. Survey 

Circ. 671, 16 p.). In Alaska, mapping of the Fairbanks sheet (1° x 2°) has been completed, and publication is planned for 1976 at 1:100,000 scale. For 

information concerning these maps, contact James 

R. Anderson, Chief, Geography Program, U.S. 

Geological Survey, 710 National Center, Reston, 

Va. 22092.

ALASKAN PROJECTS OF 

THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Much of the work of the Geological Survey is 

organized and accomplished by 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, 

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; the location of 

active projects in figures 7-10. This chapter summarizes statewide and regional Survey projects 

active during 1975. 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 are listed as being 

statewide.

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. 2213.

Project objectives: As a continuing project, office 

studies of mineral occurrence data are to be kept 

current and special-purpose maps, reports, and 

reference lists to be prepared whenever the need 

becomes apparent. Data are to be so organized 

that they can be entered into computerized storage and retrieval banks by the Alaskan Branch 

information processing project (M. Elizabeth 

Yount, project chief).

Project status: As this is a continuing project, no 

percentage-of-completion data are applicable. 

Records are now current as of December 31,

1974. and will be current as of December 31,

1975. early in 1976.

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 and complete 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, and to fill requests for 

copies of open-file reports of the Alaskan Geology Branch.

Project status: With the installation of a computer 

terminal, the Technical Data Unit will be able to 

retrieve data from the Alaska bibliographic file 

upon request, beginning January 1976. As time 

permits, it is hoped to enter many more listings 

from the data now stored in the unit, such as: 

reports published in nongovernmental publications; data on the availability of topographic and

10
174" 171* 168" 165° 162° 159° 153° ISO* 147° 144° 141°

170° 168° 164° 162' 160' 158' 156° 154' 

FIGURE 6. Regions of Alaska used in this report.
174° 171° 168° 165° 162° 159° 153° 150° 147° 144° 141°

to

170° 168' 166° 160° 158° 156° 154 

FIGURE 7. Locations of projects of the U.S. Geological Survey (see also figs. 8-10).
171' 168" 165* 162° 159°

CO

FIGURE 8. Locations of projects of the U.S. Geological Survey (see also figs. 7, 9, 10).
174° 171° 168° 165' 162* 159" 153" 1ST 147° 144° 141°

170* 168' 166' 132° 130°

FIGURE 9. Locations of projects of the U.S. Geological Survey (see also figs. 7, 8, 10).
174" 17T 168° 165° 162° 159° 153° 150" 147" 144' 141°

170" 168- 166° 164° 162° 160" 158s 156° 15* 134" 132° 130"

FIGURE 10. Locations of projects of the U.S. Geological Survey (see also figs. 7-9).
TABLE 1. Statewide projects

Name of project; map key Personnel Type of work Area(s)

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

Technical Data Unit M. E. Tailleur, Elias Zendejas Supply data to Geological

Survey personnel and to 

general public

Statewide

Information processing M. E. Yount, R. H. Robinson, 

F. A. Wahl

Creation, maintenance, and Statewide 

promulgation of computer 

banks of geologic data

Alaskan mineral-deposit data G. L. Askevold, B. B. Salem, 

base M. E. Yount, E. H. Cobb,

Travis Hudson, L. J. Sanford, and other Geologic Division personnel

Apply computer technology to Statewide with national 

mineral-resources and applications 

other geologic studies

Geologic/tectonic map of the Michael Churkin, Jr. Map compilation 

Arctic

All areas bordering Arctic 

Ocean

Alaska heat-flow reconnais- A. H. Lachenbruch 

sance

Acquisition of holes deeper 

than 150 m for heat-flow 

measurements

Statewide

Alaska Tertiary uranium basins

K. A. Dickinson Library research; planning 

field program

Statewide

Late Paleozoic brachiopods 

and biostratigraphy

J. T. Dutro, Jr. Establishment of 

stratigraphic units; 

systematic paleontology

Statewide with major 

emphasis in northern 

Alaska

Cenozoic stratigraphy of 

Alaska

W. O. Addicott Biostratigraphic studies of 

Tertiary and Quaternary 

faunas

Arctic coast, Alaska

Peninsula, Gulf of Alaska

Alaska mineral resource assessment program 

(PAMRAP/AMRAP); fig. 9 

(3), (5), (7), (8), (9), (10), 

(12), (13), (15), (17)

H. C. Berg and other Geologic Appraisal of mineral

Division personnel resources through geologic

mapping and geophysical 

and geochemical analyses

Statewide

LANDSAT imagery and 

applications in Alaska 

(AMRAP)

N. R. D. Albert, P. Chavez, C. Interpretation of satellite 

Steele imagery in support of

AMRAP

Statewide

Arctic environmental studies 

program; fig. 8 (3), (7); fig. 9 

(D

O. J. Ferrians, Jr., and other Field and office collection and Statewide 

Geologic and Water Re- use of geotechnical data 

sources Division personnel related to transportation

corridors and other areas of

development

16
TABLE 1. Statewide projects Continued

Name of project; map key Personnel Type of work

Gas pipeline environmental 

impact studies (Arctic environmental studies)

O. J. Ferrians, Jr., M. E. Brit- Environmental impact 

ton, V. K. Berwick, and statement 

others

Alaska and western Canada

Environmental impact 

statement on proposed gas 

pipelines in Alaska

A. J. Feulner, L. R. Mayo, J. P. 

Meckel, and others

Water resource-related 

information for EIS for 

Alaskan segments of 

proposed gas pipeline 

system; collection of 

additional hydrologic data 

to aid in analysis of 

environmental impacts

Northern, east-central, 

southern Alaska

Arctic engineering geology 

(TAPS); fig. 7 (4)

George Gryc and other 

Geologic and Water Resources Division personnel

Collection of basic data; 

environmental impact 

statement

Trans-Alaska pipeline 

corridor, Prudhoe Bay to 

Valdez

Hydrologic environment of 

the trans-Alaska pipeline 

system (TAPS); fig. 7 (4)

J. M. Childers, C. E. Sloan, J. 

W. Nauman, J. P. Meckel, 

L. R. Mayo and others

Operation of basic-data 

network of stream gages 

and water-quality 

monitoring sites; studies of 

hydrologic hazards such as 

glaciers, icings, channel 

erosion, and floods; 

assessment of impact on 

hydrology

Trans-Alaska pipeline 

corridor, Prudhoe Bay to 

Valdez

Surficial geology, central 

Brooks Range (Arctic environmental studies); fig. 8 

(3)

T. D. Hamilton, R. M. Thorson Surficial geologic mapping; 

stratigraphic studies

Chandler Lake, Philip Smith 

Mountains, Chandalar, 

Wiseman quadrangles

Tanana Valley

transportation/de velopment 

corridor; Fairbanks to 

Canadian border (Arctic 

environmental studies); fig. 

8(7)

L. D. Carter Geologic mapping of surficial 

deposits

Tanana Valley, Fairbanks to 

Canadian border

Arctic water resources and 

environmental studies

J. M. Childers, C. E. Sloan, J. 

W. Nauman, J. P. Meckel, 

and others

Investigations of arctic 

Alaskan water resources, 

hydrologic hazards to 

development and potential 

impacts on water resources 

resulting from potential 

development

Arctic and subarctic Alaska

Glaciology studies; fig. 7 (10), 

(13), (15), (18)

L. R. Mayo, D. C. Trabant Studies of ice physics, motion, 

balance, aerial 

photographic monitoring

Gulkana, Wolverine, 

Columbia, Black Rapids 

Glaciers; statewide 

photography

17
TABLE 1. Statewide projects Continued

Name of project; map key Personnel Type of work

Alaska geothermal; fig. 7(12), T. P. Miller, Ivan Barnes, Geologic mapping; 

(14), (24), (25), (26), (27) R. L. Smith, and other Geo- geochemical sampling

logical Division personnel

Aleutian Islands, Alaska 

Peninsula, Mt. Drum 

(southwestern and 

southern Alaska)

Southeastern Alaska 

geochronology

J. G. Smith K-Ar dating of igneous rocks Southeastern Alaska and 

Talkeetna Mountains, 

Tanacross, Goodnews, Big 

Delta quadrangles

Alaska earthquake hazards; 

fig. 9 (16) in part

George Plafker, Travis Hudson, Meyer Rubin, R. G. 

Tysdal, S. J. Hunt

Geologic mapping and 

evaluation of risk from 

primary and secondary 

effects of earthquakes

Fairweather, Denali, 

Totschunda fault systems; 

central Alaska; Seward 

Peninsula

Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta 

(western Alaska Cenozoic); 

fig. 8 (9)

W. R. Dupre, D. M. Hopkins Study of geologic hazards Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta 

(west-central and 

southwestern Alaska)

Environmental studies of the 

northern Bering Sea; fig. 10 

(3)

C. H. Nelson, D. A. Cacchione, 

A. H. Sallenger, Jr., D. E. 

Drake, J. R. Dingier

High-resolution profiling; 

side-scan sonar; 

vibracoring; bottom camera 

and TV; current 

meter/nephthalometer 

tripod; storm-surge wave 

modeling

Northern Bering Sea; 

Kuskokwim River 

drainage

Environmental studies of the 

southern Bering Sea; fig. 8

(8)

T. L. Vallier, J. V. Gardner Outline and document 

seafloor instability

Bering Sea (west-central and 

southwestern Alaska)

Geologic framework and resource assessment of the 

Aleutian-Bearing Sea 

region; fig. 8 (8)

M. S. Marlow, A. K. Cooper, J. 

I. Howell, C. E. Carpenter

Marine geological and 

geophysical survey

Bering Sea (west-central and 

southwestern Alaska)

Eastern Brooks Range; fig. 10

(2)

A. E. Letey and Topographic 

Division

Topographic mapping Eastern Brooks Range 

(east-central and northern 

Alaska)

Petroleum geology, Cook 

Inlet Basin; fig. 8 (10)

L. B. Magoon, W. L. Adkison, 

 . M. A. Fisher, J. S. Kelley

Framework and petroleum 

geology

Cook Inlet region 

(southwestern and 

southern Alaska)

Gulf of Alaska Tertiary 

Province; fig. 8 (11)

George Plafker, G. R. Wink4er, Travis Hudson, R. G. 

Tysdal, Hugh McLean, M. 

A. Lanphere, Louie Marincovich

Fieldwork essentially 

completed; office 

compilation

Coastal southern Alaska; Mt. 

Fairweather quadrangle

Eastern Gulf of Alaska continental shelf; fig. 8 (13)

George Plafker, B. F. Molnia, 

P. R. Carlson, T. R. Bruns, 

G. R. Winkler

Evaluation of tectonic 

framework, petroleum 

potential, geologic hazards

Eastern Gulf of Alaska 

continental shelf (southern 

and southeastern Alaska)

18
TABLE 1. Statewide projects Continued

Name of project; map key Type of work

Erosion and deposition of B. F. Molnia, P. R. Carlson Sedimentation and seismic 

shelf sediments, eastern studies 

Gulf of Alaska; fig, 10(8)

Eastern Gulf of Alaska 

continental shelf (southern 

and southeastern Alaska)

Faulting and slope instability P. R. Carlson, B. F. Molnia Investigation of sea-floor

of shelf sediments, eastern sediments for geologic

Gulf of Alaska; fig. 10 (8) hazards

Eastern Gulf of Alaska 

continental shelf (southern 

and southeastern Alaska)

Engineering studies, coastal R. W. Lemke 

communities; fig. 7 (1), (6), 

(7), (29), (34), (35), (36)

Geologic mapping; evaluation Haines, Skagway, Wrangell, 

of geologic hazards Ketchikan, Petersburg,

Nome, Kotzebue, Barrow

Engineering studies, Sitka L. A. Yehle 

and other communities; fig. 

7 (9), (16), (20), (21), (28), 

(31), (33), (37)

Geologic mapping; evaluation Sitka, Metlakatla, Hoonah, 

of geologic hazards Yakutat, Naknek,

Dillingham, Bethel, 

Unalakleet

other base maps; air-photo coverage; aeromagnetic, seismic, and gravity coverage; and reports 

on fossil determinations, chemical analyses, and 

radiometric age determinations.

Project: Alaskan Branch information processing.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: M. 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 when 

needed. Data for the computer-based Alaskan 

economic mineral occurrence file and bibliographic file of Alaskan geologic literature are 

provided by the Mineral resources of Alaska 

project (Edward H. Cobb, project chief).

Project status: Several phases of the project are 

nearing completion. A file of Alaskan economic 

mineral occurrences, which was built in conjunction with, and is maintained by the Office of 

Resource Analysis, is being proofread, updated, 

and expanded. Computer output microfiche of 

the file will be made available through National 

Technical Information Service (Department of

Commerce) when the upgrading process is completed.

A bibliographic file, indexed by 1:250,000 

quadrangle, is now complete for U.S. Bureau of 

Mines, U.S. Geological Survey, and State of 

Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical 

Surveys through 1974. As indexing is available, 

citations for 1975 publications will be added to 

the file. Coverage for publications other than 

Federal and State will be added as available.

Rhoda Robinson, working nominally under 

this project, is converting Alaskan paleontological reports for addition to the Branch of Paleontology and Stratigraphy (P&S) computer-based 

file. P&S efforts are directed to keeping up with 

new reports and working backward in the historic reports. Robinson is starting with the earliest reports (around the turn of the century) and 

working forward.

Project: Alaska mineral-deposit data base.

Region: Nationwide, including Alaska.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Office of Resource 

Analysis.

Project Chief: Gerald L. Askevold, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2460.

Objectives: This project is designed to develop, 

test, and apply modern information-system concepts and information-processing technology 

within the context of the mission of the U.S.

19
Geological Survey. Specifically, efforts have focused on Alaska in three primary areas: (1) 

economic mineral occurrence files; (2) computer 

files of geologic field data; and (3) computerbased communication systems. 

Project status: (1) The Alaska Economic Mineral 

Occurrence File (see also Branch of Alaskan 

Geology information processing project) 

Extensive testing of an interactive computerinquiry system has been completed, including 

remote access by terminals from many points 

within the conterminous United States, Alaska, 

Hawaii, and Canada. Based partly upon user 

evaluation, additional information is being 

added to the basic file. More widespread access to 

the file is under consideration.

(2) Computer files of geologic field data An 

interactive prompting program has been developed to facilitate entry of geologic data, to 

perform error checking, and to format automatically the printed output. This program was 

tested in parallel with the use of "intelligent 

terminals" for this same purpose and found to be 

superior. Refinements of this approach are underway, along with development of x-y coordinate plotting directly from fieldnote files.

(3) Computer-based communication systems A version of FORUM, a computer telecommunications system developed by The Institute for the Future, was implemented on the 

Denver DEC-10 computer in 1975. A current 

application is coordination between geographically separated members of the 

PAMRAP/AMRAP program. Evaluation of the 

usefulness of this new medium is being conducted in conjunction with a NSF-funded 

project.

Project: Geologic/tectonic map of the Arctic.

Region: Statewide and other areas bordering Arctic Ocean Basin.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Michael Churkin, Jr., U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2256.

Project objectives: The objective is to compile a 

geologic/tectonic map of the Arctic region at the 

scale of 1:5,000,000. The map will emphasize 

features critical to understanding the platetectonic history of the Arctic and will provide a

comprehensive view of the entire Arctic so that 

detailed studies of specific areas in Alaska underway or contemplated can be placed into perspective.

Project status: The project chief traveled to the 

U.S.S.R. and Europe from April to July of 1975 

to obtain cooperation and source materials to 

start the map compilation. The trip was largely 

sponsored by an exchange program of the National Academy of Science of the United States 

and the Academy of Sciences of the U.S.S.R. 

Visits and exchanges of data were initiated at 

the following institutes: Geological Surveys of 

Sweden, Norway, Finland, Greenland, and 

U.S.S.R., Scott Polar Institute, Norsk Polar Institute, Institute of the Geology of the Arctic. 

Approximately 2 months of field excursions 

were conducted in Arctic Scandinavia, and a 

symposium on the Geology of Svalbard was attended in Oslo, Norway.

Project: Alaska heat-flow reconnaissance.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Earthquake Studies, Earthquake 

Hazards Branch.

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

Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo 

Park, Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2272.

Project objectives: Plans involve continued acquisition of holes (deeper than 150 m), drilled by 

mineral and oil exploration companies, for 

temperature measurements. Subject to the approval of the operators, and on a noninterference 

basis, plastic pipe (% inch i.d.) will be taken into 

the drilling camps for insertion into completed 

holes to preserve them for later temperature 

measurements. We will concentrate on extending our coverage of heat flow in intrusive and 

metamorphic terranes as part of continuing 

studies relating to the energetics of earthquakes 

and to geothermal reconnaissance. Persons who 

know of plans or who have plans to drill to 

depths greater than 150 m (500 ft) should contact the project chief. Any information of this 

type would be greatly appreciated.

Project status: Preliminary data that are expected 

to lead to reliable heat-flow determination have 

been obtained from 30 sites throughout the 

State.

Project: Alaska Tertiary uranium basins.

20
Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Uranium 

and Thorium Resources.

Project Chief: Kendell A. Dickinson, U.S. Geological Survey, 1010-lOth Street, Mail Stop 953, 

P.O. Box 25046, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 

80225; (303) 234-5038.

Project objective: The objective of this project is to 

assess the uranium potential for Tertiary rocks 

in Alaska.

Project status: The project began July 1,1975, and 

is in the initial stages of literature search, planning field work, and preliminary determinations of areas to receive emphasis.

Project: Late Paleozoic brachiopods and biostratigraphy.

Region: Statewide (largely northern Alaska).

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-325, Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. 20560; (202) 343-3222.

Project objectives: Principal objectives are: (1) field 

and laboratory biostratigraphic studies of the 

Paleozoic of Alaska, with emphasis on the upper 

Paleozoic of the Brooks Range; (2) systematic 

description of brachiopods, relating their distribution in time and space to the geologic development of Alaska and the Arctic regions; (3) 

inquiry into the paleogeographical and depositional implications of the faunal assemblages 

and correlations with other sequences in the 

Arctic; and (4) in cooperation with geologists 

from Branch of Alaskan Geology, stratigraphic 

studies that involve measuring sections and collecting fossils from Paleozoic rocks, with detailed geologic mapping in selected areas.

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. Recent 

results include: revision of the type Mankomen 

Formation in the eastern Alaska Range; mapping and biostratigraphic studies in the Philip 

Smith Mountains quadrangle, central Brooks 

Range; and reconnaissance stratigraphic 

studies in the Nixon Fork area. Manuscripts on 

biostratigraphy of the Calico Bluff Formation, 

brachiopods of the Sadlerochit Group, and Devonian brachiopods of the central and western 

Brooks Range are in progress.

Project: Cenozoic stratigraphy of Alaska.

Region: Statewide (northern, southwestern, 

southern Alaska).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Environmental Geology, Branch of 

Paleontology and Stratigraphy.

Project chief: Warren O. Addicott, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2767.

Project objectives: This project supplies biostratigraphic study of Tertiary and Quaternary molluscan faunas in support of regional geologic 

mapping and topical research on marine basins 

of deposition.

Project status: Recent work involves study of late 

Tertiary faunas from the Arctic coast in cooperation with D. M. Hopkins, L. D. Carter, and Arthur Grantz. Extensive late Tertiary megafossil 

collections made by Carter along the Colville 

River during the 1975 field season are currently 

being investigated for age and environmental 

significance. Additional late Paleocene marine 

mollusks referable to the "Meganos" Stage were 

identified from a collection from the foothills of 

the Saint Elias Mountains, confirming an earlier determination made on a single gastropod 

specimen collected by George Plafker in 1971.

Program: Alaskan Mineral Resource Assessment 

Program (AMRAP and PAMRAP).

Region and map keys: Statewide; fig. 9 (3), (5), (7), 

(8), (9), (10), (12), (13), (15), (17).

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.

Program purpose and objectives: The vast and 

largely unstudied State of Alaska has long been 

known as the Nation's last frontier, a region rich 

in natural attributes, including mineral resources. Current efforts to tap oil on the Arctic 

slope are focusing attention on Alaska's 

storehouse of fuels, but what are the State's resources of metallic minerals and nonmetallic 

commodities other than petroleum? The Nation 

needs to know, both to develop long-range mineral policies that will assure the Nation of con21
tinued mineral supplies and to make the difficult decisions now pending on the disposition 

and development of Alaskan lands during the 

next decade. For these critical decisions, information from this program will help insure the 

best possible use of Alaska's natural endowment.

The Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment 

Program, the continuation of a 2-year pilot (prototype) study called PAMRAP, was started by 

the Geological Survey in 1975 as a 10-year effort 

to supply this resource information. The program aims at rapid evaluations of the mineral 

potential of the state using systematic geologic, 

geochemical, and geophysical mapping, information from satellite imagery, computerized 

data storage, and geostatistical projections of 

the mineral resources. One of the 1° x 3° 

(1:250,000 scale) quadrangles (Nabesna) to be 

studied under the program has already been 

completed and the results published as a folio 

report consisting of a text and 12 maps. Studies 

of 13 additional quadrangles are in progress, 

and 18 others are programmed. This area totals 

about 170,000 mi2 and contains about half of the 

exposed bedrock regions now considered to have 

significant potential for mineral resources in 

Alaska.

Program status: The first year of the program has 

resulted in important new information, including: identification of a significant potential for 

copper, molybdenum, gold and silver, as well as 

several nonmetallic commodities in the 

Nabesna quadrangle; and recognition that this 

concentrated program effort, largely in inhospitable regions is a practical and efficient 

method of obtaining resource information.

Detailed information on the status of 

l:250,000-scale Alaskan quadrangles now being 

studied under AMRAP and PAMRAP is listed in 

the following sections under the individual 

quadrangles.

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. 2348.

Project objectives: The principal objectives of this 

project are to furnish the various AMRAP team 

leaders with LANDSAT imagery materials for 

reconnaissance purposes and to provide additional geologic and structural information for 

each AMRAP quadrangle relevant to mineral 

resource assessment that may not be obtained 

by methods other than LANDSAT imagery. The 

types of LANDSAT products used are: (1) black 

and white, single-band photomosaic of Alaska; 

(2) computer-enhanced false color, color ratio, 

and simulated natural color images; (3) interactive computer displays allowing detailed 

analysis of specific areas.

Project status: LANDSAT imagery computer 

compatible tapes have been ordered and received from the EROS Data Center, Sioux Falls, 

S. Dak., for 9 AMRAP-PAMRAP areas. Tapes 

for four of these areas are being processed at the 

Center of Astrogeology, Flagstaff, Ariz. The 

McCarthy quadrangle images have been processed and are undergoing analysis. The Nabesna 

quadrangle study has been completed.

Project: Arctic Environmental Studies Program.

Region and map keys: Statewide; fig. 8 (3), (7); fig. 

9 (1).

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, and maintaining engineering structures so that adverse 

environmental impacts will be minimized; to 

evaluate feasibility of proposed engineering 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 with special emphasis 

being given to 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;

22
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 relations to geologic conditions and processes. This will allow an evaluation of the adequacy of the technical stipulations in controlling 

adverse environmental impacts and make it 

possible to improve stipulations for future engineering projects that would have a significant 

impact on the environment.

Project status: This program, begun in the fall of 

1974, has initiated the following activities: (1) 

reconnaissance engineering geologic investigations of the Arctic Coastal Plain between 

Prudhoe Bay and the Canadian border; (2) reconnaissance surficial/engineering geologic 

mapping of the central Brooks Range; (3) 2-year 

seismic study of northeastern Alaska; (4) exchange program with Soviet scientists and engineers in regard to pipelines, permafrost, and 

environmental protection; (5) office studies of 

the transportation/development corridors between Fairbanks and the Canadian border along 

the Tanana Valley, and between Fairbanks and 

Anchorage along the rail belt; and (6) collection 

of pertinent geotechnical data made available 

during construction of the trans-Alaska oil 

pipeline. This program is scheduled for completion in 1982.

Project: Gas pipeline environmental impact 

studies (Arctic Environmental Studies).

Region: Alaska and western Canada.

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.

Project objectives: The primary objective is to prepare a large part of the consolidated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the prime 

and alternative pipeline routes for transporting 

Alaskan natural gas from Prudhoe Bay to market in the conterminous states. This includes 

complete responsibility for the Canadian part of 

the EIS and, in Alaska, responsibility for describing the existing environment and evaluating the environmental impact of the proposed 

project in regard to geology, hydrology, and topography.

Project status: The 17-volume, 9,000-page draft 

EIS was published in July 1975. The final EIS is 

scheduled for publication in February 1976.

Project: Environmental impact statement on 

proposed gas pipelines in Alaska.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources Division, Alaska District Office.

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

(907) 277-5526.

Project objectives: The major objectives are to prepare a report on the water resources-related aspects of an environmental impact statement for 

the Alaskan sections of the proposed gas 

pipeline and to collect and disseminate additional hydrologic data that would aid in the 

analysis of environmental impacts of the proposed pipeline.

Project status: The final environmental impact 

statement is in preparation. A report covering 

information about glaciers, icings (aufeis), and 

ice thickness is being prepared. Field data collection along the proposed coastal route on 

streamflow and water quality was completed in 

November and results will be included in a 

planned reconnaissance report of the area. A 

test-drilling program for the same area is also 

planned in April to define thawed water-bearing 

zones beneath river channels; results will be 

included in a North Slope water-resources 

study.

Project: Arctic engineering geology (TAPS).

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: George Gryc, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2214.

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 transAlaska Pipeline System (TAPS) in terms of their 

accuracy and merit, prepare (in collaboration 

with other government agencies) an Environ23
mental 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 engineering geologic 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 facilitate solving engineering geologic problems. 

Project Status: Most of the objectives of this project 

have been accomplished. More than 50 reports 

have been published, including 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 critical to the proper construction 

and safe operation of the pipeline.

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

Region and map key: Statewide, Prudhoe Bay to 

Valdez; fig. 7 (4).

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 TAPS. 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 and permafrost-related parameters and 

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" (1975). 

Project Status: This project, begun in 1970, is 

planned for continuation through the construction and early operation phases of TAPS. Basic 

water data are published in Alaska District annual basic-data reports. The project has begun 

29 additional reports, 22 of which have been 

published (3 in 1975).

Project: Surficial geology of the central Brooks 

Range (Arctic Environmental Studies).

Project region and map key: Statewide (northern, 

east-central Alaska); fig. 8 (3).

Organization 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 major objective is to provide data essential for investigations of energyrelated transportation corridors across the central Brooks Range and for other studies involving land-use analysis and classification. This 

will be accomplished through the preparation of 

reconnaissance-scale surficial geologic maps for 

the central Brooks Range and the development 

of a general stratigraphic framework for the 

Quaternary deposits of this region. The maps 

also will be of value to programs involving 

geochemical studies or resource assessments of 

unconsolidated sediments. The stratigraphic 

framework, which will tie together glacial and 

nonglacial deposits of northern and southern 

Brooks Range, will provide a model to which 

other Quaternary events in northern Alaska can 

be related.

Project status: Field mapping and ancillary 

studies were carried out in the Philip Smith 

Mountains, Chandalar, and Chandler Lake 

quadrangles during June and July, 1975. Mapping was completed in about 70 percent of the 

Philip Smith Mountains quadrangle and 60 per24
cent of the Chandalar quadrangle; most of the 

work within the Chandler Lake quadrangle was 

of a reconnaissance nature.

Mapping during the summer of 1976 is 

scheduled to be completed in the Philip Smith 

Mountains and Chandalar quadrangles and to 

be extended westward into the Chandler Lake 

and Wiseman quadrangles. Surficial geologic 

maps for the Philip Smith Mountains and Chandalar quadrangles are expected to be completed 

during the winter of 1976-77.

Project: Tanana Valley transportation/development corridor; Fairbanks to the Canadian border (Arctic Environmental Studies).

Region and map key: Statewide (east-central, 

southern Alaska); fig. 8 (7).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: L. D. Carter, U.S. Geological Survey, 

345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

(415) 323-8111, ext. 2406.

Project objectives: The project objective is to compile a map of the distribution of the various 

kinds of unconsolidated surficial deposits within 

the transportation/development corridor that 

extends southeastward up the Tanana Valley 

from Fairbanks to the Canadian border. A tabular text will accompany the map, and will consist 

of a description of lithology, topography, and 

geologic hazards in terms of the map units. 

Planned field work includes geologic mapping at 

a scale of 1:125,000 in parts of the Fairbanks, 

Big Delta, Eagle, Mt. Hayes, Tanacross, and 

Nabesna quadrangles. This project is part of the 

Arctic Environmental Studies Program formulated to provide base-line geotechnical data 

needed in planning, designing, operating, and 

maintaining engineering structures in this 

region.

Project status: Existing geologic mapping has been 

compiled at a scale of 1:125,000. Field checking 

and additional geologic mapping will be undertaken in the summers of 1976 and 1977. A preliminary geologic map will be completed for the 

open files or the Miscellaneous Field Studies 

Map Series in 1978.

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 developmental 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 work 

along the trans-Alaska pipeline system (TAPS) 

route as well as on the central and eastern North 

Slope of Alaska. Several technical reports have 

been 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 the TAPS oil pipeline and the 

proposed Arctic Gasline.

Project: Glaciology studies.

Region and map keys: Statewide (mainly southern 

Alaska); fig. 7 (10), (13), (15), (18).

Organizational designation: Water Resources Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: L. R. Mayo, U.S. Geological Survey, 

310 First Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701; 

(907) 452-1951, ext. 176.

Project objectives: Objectives are: (1) long-term 

monitoring of the interactions between general 

climate, mass balance, runoff, and ice motion of 

Gulkana and Wolverine Glaciers. Data obtained 

are used to guide the analysis of glacier activity 

throughout Alaska, which is monitored by 

aerial photographic reconnaissance; (2) 

monitoring of specific, potential hazards: outburst floods from glacier-dammed lakes and volcanoes, glacier advances and surges, and tidal 

glacier activity; and (3) addressing specific questions about glacial activity and potential

25
hazards related to glaciers and other surface ice 

forms.

Project status: Continuing activities are: yearround field work on Gulkana and Wolverine 

Glaciers on mass balance, ice motion, and the 

collection of high-altitude air-temperature and 

precipitation data; studies on the mechanism of 

surging and photographic documentation of 

glacier surges in Alaska; aerial observations of 

changes and potential hazards on Mount 

Wrangell where volcanic activity is increasing; 

monitoring of aufeis activity and unusual aufeis 

events in the State; increased aerial photographic reconnaissance of glaciers, glacierdammed lakes, glacier-clad volcanoes, and aufeis deposits; and intensified field and aerial 

monitoring of Columbia Glacier.

Radar depth-sounding studies are planned on 

Wolverine and Snow Glaciers to aid in understanding ice kinematics and ice dams at 

glacier-dammed lakes. The precision survey net 

at Wolverine Glacier was resurveyed in August 

1975, and ice kinematics for the first 7 months 

have been calculated. Reduction and analysis of 

the data from glaciers is ongoing.

Project: Alaska geothermal project.

Region and map keys: State wide (southern, southwestern Alaska); fig. 7 (12),U4),(24),(25),(26),(27)

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: Reconnaissance geologic and 

geochemical investigations of areas of recent 

volcanism and hot springs in Alaska are the 

project objectives. Fieldwork included: (1) 

geologic mapping and sampling of all geologically recent calderas and silicic volcanic centers 

in that part of the Aleutian volcanic arc extending from near Mount Spurr to Umnak Island and 

in the western Wrangell Mountains; (2) collecting samples for C-14 and K-Ar age dating from 

these areas; (3) a gravity survey of Mount Drum 

in the western Wrangell Mountains; and (4) reconnaissance geochemical sampling of selected 

hot springs in all parts of Alaska.

Project: Southeastern Alaska geochronology.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: James G. Smith, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2484.

Project objectives: The principal objectives of this 

project are: (1) to use K-Ar dating techniques to 

help unravel the geologic history of the Coast 

Range plutonic metamorphic complex in southeastern Alaska; and (2) to assist other geologists 

in solving their geochronology problems. This 

help includes advice as well as determination of 

K-Ar ages on minerals and rocks from all of 

Alaska. For this fiscal year, more than half of the 

project's dates were from areas outside southeastern Alaska, chiefly AMRAP quadrangles.

Project status: Fieldwork in southern southeastern Alaska is largely complete. Preliminary results were presented at the Cordilleran section 

meeting of the Geological Society of Canada. A 

paper on the intrusive and metamorphic history 

of the Coast Range in the Ketchikan area, based 

on the K-Ar data, is in preparation. Fieldwork in 

the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Study 

Area is complete, and determination of ages is 

underway. This work will give a K-Ar transect 

across northern southeastern Alaska. Outside 

southeastern Alaska, problems currently under 

study include: age of Tertiary volcanic rocks in 

the Talkeetna Mountains; age of plutonic intrusions in Tanacross and Goodnews quadrangles; 

age of ore deposits and relation to Tertiary volcanic rocks in Tanacross and Big Delta quadrangles; time of emplacement of ultramafic 

rocks in Big Delta quadrangle, Goodnews quadrangle, and Tracy Arm area; and timing of latest 

movement on the Togiak-Tikchik fault.

Project: Alaska earthquake hazards.

Region and map key: Statewide; fig. 9 (16) in part.

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.

26
Project status: The project is a 5-year program, 

fieldwork to be completed by September 1977 

and final reports prepared in 1978. The 1975 

fieldwork focused on geochronology studies of 

marine terraces near Lituya Bay to determine 

regional uplift rates in this area, detailed mapping and C-14 dating of moraines along the 

southern trace of the active Fairweather fault to 

determine the nature and amount of recent displacements, and reconnaissance investigations 

of the major tectonic features of Chichagof and 

Baranof Islands. This work completes project 

field investigations in southern Alaska. Remaining fieldwork includes a regional study of 

the Denali-Totschunda fault system and reconnaissance studies of faults with known or suspected Holocene displacement in north-central 

Alaska and Seward Peninsula. Several maps 

and reports have been completed and others are 

being prepared.

Project: Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (western 

Alaska Cenozoic).

Region and map key: Statewide (west-central, 

southwestern Alaska); fig. 8 (9).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chiefs: William R. Dupre, Department of 

Earth and Environmental Sciences, Wesleyan 

University, Middletown, Conn. 06547, and 

David M. Hopkins, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 

Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

(203) 347-9411, ext. 282, and (415) 323-8111, 

ext. 2659, respectively.

Project objectives: The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, 

one of the least known and logistically most difficult parts of Alaska, plays a crucial role in the 

life-cycle of a large population of migratory 

birds, feeds large volumes of sediment and nutrients into northern Bering Sea, and is the 

home of a large human population living a subsistence economy. This project is intended to 

provide basic data on geologic hazards on 

Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta for use in evaluating 

the impact of possible transportation corridors 

there. It is designed to determine: rates and directions of change in the position of the coast 

line; cause and frequency of large-scale channel 

diversions; distribution, ice content, and stability of permafrost; pattern of sedimentation; and 

distribution, character, magnitude, and age of 

young faults.

Project status: Effort to this time has consisted of 

searching out maps and aerial images that provide sequential views of changes in the shoreline 

and the positions of major channels; a photogeologic analysis (still incomplete), of the delta 

itself, and a 2-week field visit devoted mainly to 

obtaining an aerial overview, planning future 

logistics and obtaining minimal ground-truth 

for the photogeologic study. A preliminary report will be submitted in 1976.

Project: Environmental geologic studies of the 

northern Bering Sea.

Region and map key: Statewide (southwestern, 

west-central Alaska); fig. 10 (3).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources and 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, regions of active 

slumping and significant sediment scour by ice, 

currents, and large mammals; (3) sediment 

dynamics, including significant sediment transport by strong dynamic currents and storm 

surges and important sites of deposition off 

major river sources; and (4) contaminant dispersal pathways of artificially and naturally introduced materials.

Assessment of the mineral-resource potential 

of near-surface sedimentary materials will be 

completed.

Project status: Analyses of trace- and heavymetals content has been completed for all 

offshore and shoreline sediments in the study 

area. All data has been entered into RASS computer files and retrieved into STATPAC format. 

Computer analysis and data compilation have 

been completed for all Kuskokwim River and 

Bay samples and will be undertaken for all other 

northern Bering Sea samples this year. Offshore 

cruises for environmental assessment will begin 

in the summer of 1976 and will continue offshore 

until 1978. Work in the summer of 1976 is 

planned for the offshore area surrounding the 

Yukon Delta and the Norton Sound region.

27
Shipboard research in 1977 will extend to 

Chirikov Basin and to inshore regions surrounding the Yukon delta. Ancillary studies on coastal regions began in the summer of 1975 and will 

continue until 1978.

Project: Environmental geologic studies of the 

southern Bering Sea.

Region and map key: Statewide (west-central, 

southwestern Alaska); fig. 8 (8).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources and Marine Geology, 

Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology.

Project chief: T. L. Vallier, U.S. Geological Survey, 

345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

(415) 323-8111, ext. 2971.

Project objectives: The project is designed to outline and document problems related to sea-floor 

instability along the outer continental shelf and 

upper continental slope of the southern Bering 

Sea. From the data, environmental hazards related to petroleum recovery and transportation 

can be evaluated.

Project status: A cruise of 4 to 6 weeks is planned 

for the summer of 1976 and data analysis will 

continue throughout 1976 and 1977. The completion of a number of reports is planned for 

1978.

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

Region and map key: Statewide (west-central, 

southwestern Alaska); fig. 8 (8).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources and Marine Geology, 

Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology.

Project chief: M. S. Marlow, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

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

Project objectives: Current plans are for a 6-week 

geophysical and geologic survey of the southern 

Bering Sea shelf and adjacent slope and basin. 

The R/V S. P. LEE will be equipped to collect 

24-channel seismic reflection, gravity, magnetic, bathymetric, and intermediate and highresolution seismic reflection data during the 

summer of 1976. Dredge samples may be taken.

Project status: Plans for 1975 called for the collection of geophysical data from 5,000 km of 

traverse, but owing to a breakdown of the rudder 

on the R/V S. P. LEE, only 740 km of data were 

recovered. Hence approximately 5,000-7,000 

km of data, including 24-channel seismic reflection information, remains to be collected in 

1976. Because of the vast size of the Bering Sea, 

these lines are entirely reconnaissance in nature. Preliminary assessments of the resource 

potential of the area are expected to be complete 

by 1977.

Project: Eastern Brooks Range; Table Mountain, 

Arctic, Demarcation Point, Mt. Michelson, 

Christian and Coleen quadrangles.

Region and map key: Statewide (northern, eastcentral Alaska), fig. 10 (2).

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:63,360-scale topographic maps for an area 

proposed as a possible gas pipeline route to and 

through Canada. The project area consists of 57 

l:63,360-scale quadrangles.

Project status: Seventeen maps have been published and five quads await publication. Three 

quadrangles have advance manuscript copy 

available; 30 quadrangles will be compiled as 

soon as aerial photography is obtained.

Project: Petroleum geology of Cook Inlet Basin.

Region and map key: Statewide (southwestern, 

southern Alaska); fig. 8 (10).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources and Marine Geology, 

Branch of Oil and Gas Resources, Branch of 

Pacific-Arctic Geology.

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

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: The major objectives are to provide a geologic framework and the petroleum 

geology of the Lower Cook Inlet for inclusion in 

the Environmental Impact Statement required 

by law for the anticipated Federal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) lease sale. To accomplish 

these objectives, the following items are being 

pursued: (1) in the Cape Douglas area, describe 

and sample stratigraphic sections of Jurassic, 

Cretaceous, and Tertiary rocks; (2) prepare new 

geologic maps (1:63,360) of the Cape Douglas 

and Seldovia areas; (3) prepare a Cook Inlet 

geologic map (1:250,000); and (4) collect and interpret 300 miles (480 km) of 3600 %0 CDP marine

28
seismic data. From this work, the onshore geology will be extended into the subsurface of 

Lower Cook Inlet.

Project status: Field work was completed in the 

summer of 1975. In June and July, L. B. Magoon 

and W. L. Adkison, assisted by R. M. Egbert and 

S. M. Lankford, measured sections, collected 

samples and fossils, and mapped geology in the 

Cape Douglas area. J. A. Wolfe collected Tertiary leaf floras in this area, at other places on 

the west side of Cook Inlet, and in the Homer 

area. In July and August J. S. Kelley, assisted by 

D. M. Peterson, mapped geology and collected 

samples in the Seldovia area. M. A. Fisher collected marine seismic data in July. Rock samples have been submitted for micropaleontological study, geochemical and hydrocarbonmaturity analyses, thin-section study, and 

porosity and permeability determinations. 

Marine megafossils and additional leaf fossils 

have been distributed to D. L. Jones and J. A. 

Wolfe, respectively. The seismic data are partly 

processed, and preliminary interpretation is 

started. Geologic maps for the Cape Douglas and 

Seldovia areas are being prepared for open-file 

release in 1976. The Cook Inlet geologic map is 

being prepared. Other reports are scheduled for 

1976.

Project: Gulf of Alaska Tertiary province.

Region and map key: Statewide (southern, southeastern Alaska); fig. 8 (11).

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: This is an ongoing project 

aimed at delineation of the major geologic features of the Tertiary basin, evaluation of its resources, and study of the adjacent pre-Tertiary 

terranes.

Project status: Fieldwork was essentially completed during the 1975 season. Work in preparation for publication includes: (1) an analysis of 

Tertiary sandstone reservoir characteristics; (2) 

a paper on the Paleogene Orca Group; (3) a paper 

on intrusive igneous and metamorphic rocks of 

the Saint Elias Mountains; (4) a geologic map of 

the Ragged Mountains (Cordova A2, B2 quadrangles); and (5) reconnaissance geologic maps 

of the Yakutat, Mount Saint Elias, Bering

Glacier, Icy Bay, Cordova, and Middleton Island 

1:250,000 quadrangles.

Project: Eastern Gulf of Alaska continental shelf.

Region and map key: Statewide (southern, southeastern Alaska); fig. 8 (13).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources and Marine Geology, 

Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology.

Project chief: George Plafker, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

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

Project objectives: Evaluation of the tectonic 

framework, petroleum potential, and geologic 

hazards of the eastern Gulf of Alaska Outer Continental Shelf are the project objectives.

Project status: Geophysical surveys and bottom 

sampling were approximately two-thirds completed during 1974 and 1975 field seasons. 

Open-file reports completed or in preparation 

based primarily on the 1974 cruise of R/V 

THOMAS G. THOMPSON include: (1) submarine slides and near-surface faults, northern 

Gulf of Alaska by Carlson and others; (2) preliminary structural map of part of the offshore 

Gulf of Alaska Tertiary Province by Bruns and 

Plafker; (3) refraction profiling on the OCS between Kayak Island and Icy Bay, Gulf of Alaska, 

by Core and others; (4) petroleum resource potential and geologic hazards of the OCS of the 

Gulf of Alaska Tertiary Province by Plafker and 

others; (5) preliminary isopach map of Holocene 

sediments, northern Gulf of Alaska, by Carlson 

and Molnia; (6) surface-sediment distribution 

map, northern Gulf of Alaska, by Molnia and 

Carlson; and (7) base map of the northern Gulf of 

Alaska by Molnia and Carlson. Tentative plans 

for 1976 are to collect fill-in multichannel seismic data aboard the R/V S. P. LEE, to carry out a 

deep dredging program with an as yet unspecified vessel, and to make a near-shore highresolution seismic and bottom-sampling survey 

with a chartered small boat.

Project: Erosion and deposition of shelf sediments, eastern Gulf of Alaska.

Region and map key: Statewide (southern, southeastern Alaska); fig. 10 (8).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources and Marine Geology, 

Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology.

Project chiefs: Bruce F. Molnia and Paul R. Carlson, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield

29
Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, 

ext. 2804, 2853, 2612.

Project objectives: This project was originated to 

locate areas of high erosion, of high deposition, 

and of sediment by-passing on the continental 

shelf. The methods used in locating the areas of 

sediment activity are: high-resolution seismic 

profiling, sediment sampling, analysis of aerial 

photography and satellite imagery, and analysis 

of water-column suspended material.

Project status: This project has been active since 

September 1974. Three geophysical research 

cruises and one sediment-sampling cruise have 

been staged to the area. More than 18,000 km of 

geophysical profiles and 400 sediment samples 

have been collected. These profiles and samples 

and photographic images of the area are in various stages of analysis. To date, the analyses 

have produced a sediment-distribution map and 

an isopach map of Holocene sediment, released 

to open files. Future products will include: maps 

of sediment size variation; maps of primary sediment sources and sinks; maps delineating areas 

of principal sedimentary structures and surface 

bedforms; maps of areas of erosion, deposition, 

and bypassing; and a series of interpretive 

reports.

Project: Faulting and instability of shelf sediments, eastern Gulf of Alaska.

Region and map key: Statewide (southern, southeastern Alaska); fig. 10 (8).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources and Marine Geology, 

Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology.

Project chiefs: Paul R. Carlson and Bruce F. Molnia, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield 

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

ext. 2612 and 2804, respectively.

Project objectives: The continental shelf of the 

eastern Gulf of Alaska is tectonically active; 

therefore, the sea floor must be thoroughly 

examined prior to any activities related to petroleum exploration. The critical hazards being investigated are (1) location, magnitude, and age 

of offshore, near-surface faults, and (2) presence 

of and potential for ground failures, such as 

submarine slumps or slides.

Project status: Geophysical cruises on the R/V 

THOMPSON (Sept.-Oct., 1974) and the NOAA 

SURVEYOR (April-May, 1975) have provided 

about 12,000 km of high-resolution seismic reflection lines from the continental shelf of the

eastern Gulf of Alaska. About 50 percent of 

these profiles have been analyzed and preliminary maps have been released as open-file reports dealing with (1) submarine slides and 

near-surface faults, (2) thickness of Holocene 

sediments, (3) distribution of sea-floor sedimentary units, and (4) submarine morphology. Surficial sediments have been sampled on a reconnaissance grid and are currently being analyzed 

for physical properties. Additional seismic and 

sediment data will be gathered in 1976 to provide more information about the age, sense of 

motion, and continuity of near-surface faults. 

Submarine slides and areas of potential slides 

will be scrutinized with TV and bottom cameras 

and will be selectively sampled with piston and 

box corers.

Project: Engineering geology reconnaissance 

studies of selected coastal communities.

Region and map keys: Statewide (southeastern, 

west-central, northern Alaska); fig. 7 (1), (6), (7), 

(29), (34), (35), (36).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Environmental Geology, Branch of Engineering Geology.

Project chief: R. W. Lemke, (W.A.E.) U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, 

Colo. 80225; (303) 234-3546 or 234-3818.

Project objectives: The main objective of the project was to perform engineering geology studies 

and evaluate, by reconnaissance methods, the 

earthquake damage potential and other geologic 

hazards of significant coastal communities not 

already adequately investigated or included as 

separate projects.

Project status: Fieldwork has been completed in 

the following eight community areas: Haines, 

Skagway, Wrangell, Ketchikan, Petersburg, 

Nome, Kotzebue, and Barrow. Open-file reports 

on the first four of these community areas and a 

regional open-file report pertaining to southeastern Alaska have been released. Preparation 

of short reports on the other communities is 

planned.

Project: Reconnaissance engineering geology of 

Sitka area and certain other coastal communities, Alaska.

Region and map keys: Statewide (southeastern, 

southwestern, west-central Alaska); fig. 7 (9), 

(16), (20), (21), (28), (31), (33), (37).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

30
Office of Environmental Geology, Branch of Engineering Geology.

Project chief: L. A. Yehle, U.S. Geological Survey, 

Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 80225; 

(303) 234-2999 or 234-3818.

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 present the results on maps and 

in reports.

Present status: Reconnaissance fieldwork has 

been completed for the communities of Sitka, 

Metlakatla, Hoonah, Yakutat, Naknek, Dillingham, Bethel, and Unalakleet. Open-file reports on Sitka and Yakutat have been completed 

and released to the public. Reports on other 

communities will be prepared.

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 (733). Interim accounts of the 

continuing hydrologic investigations are prepared 

and separately published 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: Philip Smith Mountains quadrangle 

(AMRAP).

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 9 (3).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chiefs: Hillard N. Reiser and William P. 

Brosge, 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 is to provide the data for a rapid assessment of the mineral resources of the quadrangle. Planned fieldwork includes: (1) geologic

mapping at 1:250,000 scale, coupled with detailed studies of the Lisburne and Sadlerochit 

Groups and reconnaissance study of the Endicott Group and older rocks; (2) a geochemical 

sample survey for metals and examination of 

mineral claims; (3) completion of the regional 

gravity survey and one profile across the eastern 

part of the quadrangle; (4) an aeromagnetic survey; (5) sampling of shale units to assess their 

hydrocarbon potential.

Project status: The project was planned for two 

field seasons. In June and July 1975, Reiser, 

Brosge, Robert L. Detterman, and J. Thomas 

Dutro, Jr., completed about two-thirds of the 

geologic mapping and subdivided parts of the 

Endicott Group into local members. Field 

studies of the Sadlerochit by Detterman were 

essentially completed. Shale of Devonian 

through Cretaceous age was sampled in the various structural zones. The two to three months' 

fieldwork still to be done includes: geochemical 

sampling; investigation of prospects; gravity 

and aeromagnetic surveys; the Lisburne Group 

study; completion of geologic mapping and 

further study of the Endicott Group. A preliminary geologic map and Sadlerochit fence diagram will be submitted in 1976. Final project 

reports are due in 1977.

Project: Ipewik-Kukpuk.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 9 (4).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: I. L. Tailleur, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2254.

Project objectives: Originally focused on the structural knot at the west end of the Brooks Range 

fold belt, the project now encompasses the geology and mineral resources of the western half of 

the fold belt and of the North Slope petroleum 

province. Work has been merged in informal 

cooperation with that of the southwestern 

Brooks Range project of the Alaska Division of 

Geological and Geophysical Surveys and the 

North Slope Petroleum Program of the Branch 

of Oil and Gas Resources.

Project status: Much of the fold belt has been 

studied; a critical and logistically costly region 

in the west remains inadequately mapped and 

assessment of its resource incomplete. Progress 

in 1975 consisted largely of an evaluation of the

31
TABLE 2. Regional projects, northern Alaska

Name of project; map key Personnel Type of work

Philip Smith Mountains H. N. Reiser, W. P. Brosge, Geologic mapping;

quadrangle (AMRAP); fig. R. L. Detterman, J. T. mineral-resource

9(3) Dutro, Jr. assessment

Philip Smith Mountains 

quadrangle

Ipewik-Kikpuk; fig. 9 (4) I. L. Tailleur, C. F. Mayfield, 

R. B. Forbes, G. H. Pessel

Geologic mapping; petroleum Mainly Ambler River, Baird 

and coal-resource studies Mountains, Survey Pass

quadrangles

Beaufort-Chukchi Arthur Grantz, Gary 

continental shelf; fig. 8(1) Boucher, S. L. Eittreim, O.

T. Whitney

Subsea surveys to assess 

mineral-fuel and 

mineral-resource potential

Beaufort and Chukchi Seas

Environmental geologic P. W. Barnes, Erk Reimnitz, 

studies of the Beaufort and D. E. Drake, L. J. Toimil 

Chukchi Seas; fig. 8(1)

Arctic shelf sedimentary 

processes

Beaufort and Chukchi Seas 

continental shelves

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

environmental studies); fig. 

9(1)

Reconnaissance engineering 

geologic studies; geologic 

mapping

Northeastern Alaska

Gubik Formation (western L. D. Carter, D. M. Hopkins 

Alaska Cenozoic); fig. 7 (2)

Stratigraphic analysis, 

including paleomagnetic 

and paleontologic studies

Umiat to Prudhoe Bay

North Slope petroleum 

program; fig. 8(2)

R. D. Carter and other 

Geologic Division 

personnel

Appraisal of petroleum 

potential by means of 

surface and subsurface 

geology, geophysics, and 

geochemistry

North Slope

Geophysical investigations 

(North Slope petroleum 

program)

B. A. Kososki Acquisition of data through 

fieldwork and purchase, 

interpretation thereof

Eastern part of North Slope

Reservoir study of Lisburne 

group; structural and 

stratigraphic studies 

(North Slope petroleum 

program)

K. J. Bird Petrographic studies of cores 

and samples; detailed 

well-log correlations; 

s tructural/stratigraphic 

profiles integrating 

geologic and geophysical 

data

Eastern part of North Slope

Outcrop investigations 

(North Slope petroleum 

program)

C. G. Mull, I. L. Tailleur, C. F. 

Mayfield, G. H. Pessel, G. 

W. Newman, P. J. 

Swetland, J. E. Fox, R. E. 

Hunter

Outcrop observations to 

determine structure, facies 

relationships, reservoir 

potential; sampling for 

geochemical and 

paleomagnetic analyses

Northern Alaska

Northern Alaska petroleum; 

fig. 10(1)

H. N. Reiser, R. L. Detterman, 

and other Geologic Division 

personnel

Geologic mapping; detailed 

stratigraphic studies

Demarcation Point, Mount 

Michelson quadrangles

32
TABLE 2. Regional projects, northern Alaska Continued

Name of project; map key Personnel Type of work Area! si

Barrow Observatory; fig. 7(1) J. B. Townshend Geomagnetic observatory Barrow

Beechey Point revision; A. E. Letey and Topographic Topographic mapping 

fig. 7 (3) Division

Beechey Point quadrangle

Anaktuvuk Pass phosphate G. Shearer, T. MacKinnon Resource evaluation for land Anaktuvuk Pass 

and oil shale resources; fig. classification

7 (5)

Kokolik-Utukok River coal J. E. Callahan 

investigations; fig. 9 (2)

Geologic mapping, coal 

sampling

Point Lay, Utukok River 

quadrangles

hydrocarbon potential of the Arctic and a revision of northern Alaska coal-resource estimates. 

Data from the eastern oil-exploration region 

were assembled into a folio of isopach and structure maps. Systematic field-checking of critical 

areas and of enigmatic observations made possible the compilation and completion of geologic 

maps of the foothills and adjoining mountain 

belts in several quadrangles and of regional 

stratigraphic, tectonic, and resource syntheses 

and interpretations.

Project: Beaufort-Chukchi continental shelf.

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources and Marine Geology, 

Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology.

Project chief: Arthur Grantz, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2259.

Project objectives: Major objectives are to determine the geologic structure and stratigraphy 

and to assess the mineral-fuel and mineralresource potential of the Alaskan continental 

shelf and slope in the Beaufort and Chukchi 

Seas of the Arctic Ocean.

P?*oject status: The reconnaissance phase of 

fieldwork on this project was completed during 

the 1974 field season. Reports on the reconnaissance geologic framework and petroleum potential of the continental shelf in the Chukchi and 

Beaufort Seas, and related topical studies, are in 

preparation. The basic data acquired each field 

season have, in most cases, been released during 

the following winter or spring. The 1976 field

season will initiate an intermediate-scale 

geophysical program, sea-floor outcrop sampling, and topical studies on the BeaufortChukchi continental shelf and slope. Preliminary plans call for the concurrent acquisition of 

multichannel seismic reflection, gravity, 

magnetic gradient, and long-range sonobuoy refraction data from the U.S. Geological Survey 

R/V S. P. LEE. This vessel will obtain measurements and participate in a deep seismic refraction study utilizing ocean-bottom seismometers 

(OBS).

Preliminary plans envision the availability of 

a U.S Coast Guard icebreaker to serve as a 

shooting ship for the OBS-based deep seismic 

refraction studies. This ship would also serve as 

a platform for dredging, piston and dart coring, 

heat-flow measurements, and precision 

bathymetry on the continental slope, and for 

gravity measurements over the continental 

slope and rise.

Project: Environmental geologic studies of the

Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. 

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Energy Resources and Marine Geology,

Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology. 

Project chiefs: Peter W. Barnes and Erk Reimnitz,

U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road,

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

2114 and 2695, respectively. 

Project objectives: Objectives are: (1) a study of the

present Arctic sediment transport regime. Data

on river effluents, ice rafting, turbidity, space33
craft imagery, ice gouging, and nearshore and 

bottom currents are used to provide information 

on the modern system for comparison with past 

and future differences in the Arctic environment; (2) definition of the character, source, 

physical and chemical composition of bottom 

materials, including permafrost; (3) historical 

studies of the geologic record by coring and outcrop examination to provide information concerning the stability or instability of the 

present-day regime; and (4) study of the sea-ice 

regime as it affects the geologic processes of Arctic shelves.

Project status: The project is planned as an ongoing study for which fieldwork has been underway since 1970. Aspects studied in reconnaissance to this time are: river overflow, strudel 

scour, ice gouging, sediment facies, trace metals, 

coastal currents, Holocene sediments, sediment 

temperatures, sediment structures, suspended 

sediment, and coastline changes. It has been 

shown that ice plays a significant role in the 

sedimentary processes of arctic shelves. Critical 

questions remain as to the rate of ice gouging, 

the fate of river-supplied sediments, nature of 

offshore permafrost, stability of barrier islands, 

and seasonal variation of river, ice and hydrologic processes as they interact with the sediments. Initial reports and maps have been completed, several more are in progress and contemplated, detailing studies of the sea ice shear 

zone, river icings, and river overflow. For the 

open-water periods of 1976, additional field 

work is planned from the U.S. Geological Survey's coastal research vessel KARLUK to include seismic reflection profiling, vibrocoring, 

diving observations, hydrography, thermoprobes, bathymetry, and suspended-sediment 

studies.

Project: Arctic Coastal Plain (Arctic Environmental Studies).

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 9 (1).

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.

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

geotechnical data needed to aid in planning, designing, operating, and maintaining engineering structures (such as the proposed Arctic Gas 

Pipeline) in this region. Planned field work includes engineering-geologic mapping at a scale 

of 1:125,000. Studies of permafrost conditions 

and geomorphic features and permafrostrelated processes, and of 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 of soils, earthquake effects, erosion, flooding, and icings. 

Project status: Enough data have been collected 

during 5 weeks' helicopter-supported fieldwork 

to prepare preliminary engineering-geologic 

maps of the entire region. After these maps have 

been prepared, 3 to 4 weeks' 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 1976.

Project: Gubik Formation study (Western Alaska 

Cenozoic).

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 7 (2).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chiefs: L. D. Carter and D. M. Hopkins, 

U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, 

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

2406 and 2659, respectively.

Project objective: The project objective is to determine the history of sea-level fluctuations and 

erosion and deposition recorded by landforms 

and unconsolidated deposits of the western Arctic Slope of Alaska. Emphasis is on detailed 

stratigraphic analysis of selected areas, primarily along the Colville River and its tributaries, 

and along the Arctic coast. Sampling for foraminifers, ostracodes and mollusks is expected 

to expand the known fauna, and may allow zonation of the marine deposits. In conjunction with 

the faunal data, paleomagnetic analysis of 

thin-bedded silt and fine sand may permit correlation of the deposits with established transgressions in western Alaska. Examination of 

pollen and fossil wood will permit inferences to

34
be drawn regarding paleoclimate. The project is 

being operated in cooperation with the Arctic 

near-shore project of Erk Reimnitz and Peter 

Barnes to provide knowledge of the onshore 

stratigraphy that will assist in interpretating 

their seismic records and information to be obtained during off-shore drilling. Information obtained during this study regarding the nature 

and distribution of surficial deposits will be 

needed for future development of the western 

Arctic Slope and coastal zone of Alaska. 

Project status: During the summer of 1975, 

stratigraphic sections were measured and sampled south of Umiat along the Colville River, on 

several tributaries of the Colville and along the 

Beaufort Sea Coast from the Colville River to 

Prudhoe Bay. Sample analysis is in progress. 

Additional work is planned westward along the 

coastal plain for the following several seasons in 

order to attack stratigraphic problems delineated during the past summer and to trace 

the continuity of a coastal terrace and associated 

deposits that occur near the head of the Colville 

Delta.

Project: North Slope Petroleum Program.

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, Office of Energy Resources and Marine Geology, 

Branch of Oil and Gas Resources.

Program manager: Robert D. Carter, 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 and geophysical 

methods: (1) Brooks Range and North Slope 

structural framework and regional structural 

trends; (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 relation of 

extracted hydrocarbons to known North Slope 

oils; and (6) geologic history of the basin related 

to potential reservoirs, source and seal rocks, 

hydrocarbon formation and migration, and 

present structural trends.

Project status: Present undertakings include a 

reservoir study of the Lisburne Group, K. J.

Bird; construction of stratigraphic and structural correlation charts of the eastern North 

Slope utilizing paleontology, geophysical data, 

and logs, K. J. Bird, R. D. Carter, B. A. Kososki; 

geochemical analyses of Prudhoe Bay section 

outcrop samples, P. J. Swetland; interpretation 

of field investigations of Brooks Range structural styles and Lower Cretaceous and Mississippian facies, C. G. Mull, I. L. Tailleur; 

paleomagnetic analyses of shallow cores, G. W. 

Newman; examination of well cuttings and 

cores and establishment of subsurface reference 

sections, W. L. Adkison; preparation of reports 

on gravity data collected in the Arctic Wildlife 

Range and south of Prudhoe Bay, B. A. Kososki; 

and preparation of a folio of structure and thickness maps of the Prudhoe Bay area, I. L. Tailleur, G. H. Pessel. A bibliography, "Geological 

literature on the North Slope of Alaska, 1969-

1974." was published in 1975.

Project: Geophysical investigations (North Slope 

Petroleum Program).

Region: Northern Alaska.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources and Marine Geology, 

Branch of Oil and Gas Resources.

Project chief: Bruce A. Kososki, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2117.

Project objectives: The primary objective is to gain 

knowledge of the general subsurface stratigraphic and structural framework of the North 

Slope sedimentary basins through utilization of 

geophysical data.

Project status: The project is one of long range, 

with no definite termination date. In August

1975. Kososki completed a 100-mile regional 

north-south gravity survey in the vicinity of the 

Susie well. Two-dimensional geologic modeling 

of this data is planned. Kososki, I. L. Tailleur, 

and C. F. Mayfield completed a regional gravity 

survey within the northern one-third of the Arctic National Wildlife Range. These data will be 

open-filed in the form of contour maps on a scale 

of 1:250,000. A subsequent Miscellaneous Field 

Studies Map of the gravity field of northeastern 

Alaska will be completed in 1976. Planned additional North Slope geophysical investigations 

include the digital processing of old Navy seismic records from Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 

4. The resulting seismic sections will be open35
FIGURE 11. R/V KARLUK, Geological Survey vessel used for investigations in the Beaufort Sea.

filed as they are generated.

Project: Reservoir study of Lisburne Group and 

structural and stratigraphic studies in the eastern foothills of the Brooks Range (North Slope 

Petroleum Program).

Region: Northern Alaska.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources and Marine Geology, 

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. 2227.

Project objectives: The goal is to indirectly map 

reservoir trends by first determining the relation of reservoir characteristics to lithofacies, 

then constructing a series of lithofacies maps. 

Analysis of all available Lisburne well logs and 

selective study of well samples and thin sections 

is designed to determine reservoir characteristics and lithofacies. Study of recently available 

well data in the foothills of the eastern Brooks 

Range is designed to provide (1) a better understanding of Cretaceous and Tertiary depositional setting and stratigraphic relations, and

(2) further documentation of the tectonic styles 

of the Brooks Range front.

Project status: The Lisburne study, begun in 

January 1975, is about one-third complete. Preliminary results show that dolomite, deposited 

in an intertidal to supratidal environment, is 

the most important reservoir rock in terms of 

areal extent, thickness, and predictability. The 

dolomite, which thins northward, is present 

throughout the Prudhoe area and can be predicted with confidence to extend into the offshore 

and into Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4. Its 

extent in these two areas may be limited by 

erosional truncation at the top of, and possibly 

within, the Lisburne Group. Additional study of 

well data is planned in order to complete a correlation network and definition of lithofacies prior 

to construction of maps. Structural and stratigraphic studies in the eastern foothills, now in 

the data gathering stage, will consist of an easttrending regional correlation line and a northtrending structure cross section. They will combine data from wells, outcrops, and seismic lines 

and may include some new gravity, magnetic, 

and paleontologic data.

36
Project: Outcrop investigations project (North 

Slope Petroleum Program).

Region: Northern Alaska.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources and Marine Geology, 

Branch of Oil and Gas Resources.

Project chiefs: C. G. Mull, I. L. Tailleur, U.S. 

Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo 

Park, Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2058, 

2254, respectively.

Project objectives: Project studies are focused toward assessment of the hydrocarbon potential of 

Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4 (NPR-4) and the 

western Arctic Slope through: (1) a transect of 

the Brooks Range to show its structural style 

and relations to the rocks of the Arctic Foothills 

and Coastal Plain; (2) studies of the reservoir 

potential of Lower Cretaceous and Mississippian rocks of the central and western Arctic 

Slope; (3) sampling for organic geochemistry in a 

study of the hydrocarbon source potential of various shales on the Arctic Slope; (4) collection of 

shallow cores for a paleomagnetic study of 

Brooks Range rocks; and (5) testing of concepts 

of Brooks Range and Arctic Slope geology.

Project status: 1975 reconnaissance mapping will 

be used for revision of Tailleur's 1960 maps of 

the Nuka-Etivluk area. A strip map and cross 

section for the Brooks Range structural transect 

will be completed in 1976. Samples for the organic geochemical and paleomagnetic studies 

were obtained from the western, central, and 

northeastern Brooks Range, and analyses have 

begun. Studies of the Lower Cretaceous reservoir potential in NPR-4 and the western Arctic 

Slope were begun.

Project: Northern Alaska petroleum.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 10 (1).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: H. N. Reiser, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

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

Project objectives: Objectives are: (1) completion of 

reconnaissance geologic mapping of the Mount 

Michelson and Demarcation Point quadrangles; 

(2) detailed biostratigraphic and lithofacies 

studies of rocks of the Carboniferous Lisburne 

Group and the Permian-Triassic Sadlerochit 

Group; (3) study of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic

stratigraphic sequence for the purpose of correlating these rocks with rocks of similar age 

west of the area of study; and (4) study of the 

profound sub-Mississippian unconformity and 

the stratigraphic succession below it. 

Project status: Field studies related to the northeast Brooks Range are complete. An open-file 

preliminary geologic map of the Mount Michelson quadrangle and Miscellaneous Field Studies 

Map of the Demarcation Point quadrangle have 

been released. Publications by W. P. Brosge, J. 

T. Dutro, Jr., R. L. Detterman, A. K. Armstrong, 

and H. N. Reiser during 1969 through 1975 

document the accomplishment of most of the 

project objectives. A treatise on the preMississippian rocks of the area is anticipated 

but not yet initiated.

Project: Barrow Observatory.

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Geochemistry and Geophysics, Branch 

of Theoretical and Applied Geophysics.

Project chief: John B. Townshend, College Observatory, Yukon Drive on West Ridge, Fairbanks, 

Alaska 99701; (907) 479-6146.

Project objectives: Continuous monitoring of the 

variations of the geomagnetic field and making 

absolute observations at regular intervals.

Project status: The Barrow Observatory has been 

in operation since 1949 in cooperation with the 

Naval Arctic Research Laboratory.

Project: Beechey Point revision; part of Beechey

Point quadrangle.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 7 (3). 

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 update two

1:63,360 quadrangles (Beechey Point A-3 and

B-3) using available photography. 

Project status: These two revised quadrangles will

be published in 1976.

Project: Anaktuvuk Pass phosphate and oil shale

resources.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 7 (5). 

Organizational designation: Conservation Divi37
sion, Office of the Area Geologist, Anchorage, 

Alaska.

Project chief: Gerald Shearer, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 800 A Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; 

(907) 278-3571.

Project objectives: The objective was resource 

evaluation, including geologic mapping and 

sampling, to determine the extent and quality of 

phosphate and oil shale at selected locations 

along the front of the Brooks Range from 

Monotis Creek to Shainin Lake, Alaska. The 

data were urgently needed for classification of 

these lands under the Alaska Native Claims 

Settlement Act.

Project status: Fieldwork was completed by 

Gerald Shearer and Tom MacKinnon during the 

last 2 weeks of June 1975, with camp and 

helicopter support shared with Irvin L. Tailleur, 

C. Gil Mull, and party of the Geologic Division. 

The analysis of samples has not been completed. 

A full report should be out by March 1976.

Project: Kokolik-Utukok River coal investigations.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 9 (2).

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

Project Chief: J. E. Callahan, P.O. Box 259, Anchorage, Alaska 99510; (907) 277-0570.

Project objectives: Geologic mapping and surface 

sampling of the Cretaceous coals in western

Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4 was initiated in 

1975 to prepare for the eventuality that leasing 

act minerals in Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4 

will be leased and managed by the Interior Department.

Project status: The current project area is between 

Utukok and Kokolik Rivers in the northern 

foothills in the Oxbow and Lookout Ridge Synclinal Basins. During 1975, participation by the 

U.S. Bureau of Mines was limited to equipment 

use. More active participation by the Bureau of 

Mines is anticipated for 1976.

EAST-CENTRAL ALASKA

Project: Chandalar quadrangle (AMRAP).

Region and map key: East-central Alaska; fig. 9 

(5).

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. 3852, 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 and mineral-deposit mapping will 

be combined with the available geologic reconnaissance map to provide the data for a rapid 

assessment of the mineral resources of the quadTABLE 3. Regional projects, east-central Alaska

Name of project; map key Type of work Arealsi

Chandalar quadrangle 

(AMRAP); fig. 9 (5)

S. P. Marsh, W. P. Brosge, 

H. N. Reiser, E. E. Detra, 

T. A. Doerge, A. J. 

Medrano, S. C. Smith

Geochemical sampling; 

geophysical survey; 

mineral-resource 

assessment

Chandalar quadrangle

Big Delta quadrangle 

(AMRAP); fig- 9 (7)

H. L. Foster, F. R. Weber, Geologic mapping; 

T. E. C. Keith, T. D. Hessin mineral-resource

assessment

Big Delta quadrangle

Tanacross quadrangle 

(PAMRAP); fig. 9 (8)

H. L. Foster and other 

Geologic Division 

personnel

Geochemical sampling; 

mineral-resource

assessment

Tanacross quadrangle

College Observatory; fig. 7 

(8)

J. B. Townshend Geomagnetic and seismic 

observatory

Fairbanks

38
rangle. Planned fieldwork includes (1) a 

geochemical sample survey, (2) study of selected 

mining claims, (3) one or two gravity profiles to 

augment the existing regional survey, and (4) 

field checks of certain anomalies shown by the 

already completed aeromagnetic survey. 

Project status: In July and August 1975, Sherman 

P. Marsh and four assistants completed the 

geochemical sampling, and Milton A. Wiltse, M. 

W. Henning, and J. W. Buza, Alaska Division of 

Geological Survey, mapped and sampled copper 

mineral deposits. The geophysical fieldwork remains to be done. The geochemical data and the 

mineral deposit maps will be open-filed in 1976. 

Final project reports are due in 1977.

Project: Big Delta quadrangle (AMRAP).

Region and map key: East-central Alaska; fig. 9 

(7).

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: Major objectives are to: complete reconnaissance geologic mapping of the 

Big Delta quadrangle at a scale of 1:250,000; 

carry out a reconnaissance geochemical sampling program; and evaluate the mineralresource potential of the area using geologic, 

geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic data.

Project status: Geologic reconnaissance mapping 

of the A-l and B-l quadrangles done in 1974 has 

been compiled for publication as a Miscellaneous Field Studies Map. Quadrangles A-2 and 

A-3, also mapped in 1974, are being compiled for 

open filing. During the summer of 1975, Helen 

L. Foster, Florence R. Weber, and Terry E. C. 

Keith carried on reconnaissance geologic mapping in the CM, D-l, B-2, D-2, B-3, C^3, and 

D-3 quadrangles. Reconnaissance geochemical 

sampling was done in the eastern half of the Big 

Delta quadrangle by Thomas D. Hessin and 

three assistants. Multiple samples were collected from about 400 localities. James G. Smith 

and Frederic H. Wilson collected a number of 

samples for dating by the K-Ar method; these 

samples are now being prepared for analysis. A 

minimum of one additional full helicoptersupported field season is needed to complete the

geologic mapping and reconnaissance geochemical sampling.

Project: Tanacross quadrangle (PAMRAP).

Region and map key: East-central Alaska; fig. 9 

(8).

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 geochemical sampling and mineral-resource evaluation of the Tanacross quadrangle using 

geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic data. As the quadrangle is an example 

of a poorly exposed complex geologic area, 

analyses of several types of geochemical samples 

are being compared and evaluated.

Project status: Reconnaissance-type geochemical 

sampling was done in the summer of 1974 by 

Gary C. Curtin, Sherman T. Marsh, Richard B. 

Tripp, and Richard B. Carten, and samples are 

now being analyzed and data compiled. 

Analyses of samples, including pan concentrates, will be completed in 1976, and other 

geochemical data analyzed and prepared for 

publication as a folio of maps similar to that of 

the Nabesna quadrangle. Geologic, geochemicalj and geophysical data are being analyzed for 

preparation of a mineral-resources map.

Project: College Observatory.

Region and map key: East-central Alaska; fig. 7 

(8).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Geochemistry and Geophysics, Branch 

of Theoretical and Applied Geophysics.

Project chief: John B. Townshend, College Observatory, Yukon Drive on West Ridge, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701; (907) 479-6146.

Project objectives: The general mission of the observatory is to produce accurate and comprehensive data in the field of geomagnetism and seismology and to cooperate with other scientists 

and organizations in making studies in various 

scientific disciplines within the capability of 

personnel and facilities. The observatory 

monitors seismic and magnetic activity 24 hours 

a day. The facility plays a major part in keeping 

the people of Interior Alaska informed of current

39
 *: *

' ' ' >» ^~*i it " 7 "V. -

FIGURE 12. Headquarters office of a geomagnetic and seismological observatory maintained by the Geological Survey on

the campus of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks.

earthquake activity and informing scientists 

and organizations of the occurrence of major 

world magnetic events. The observatory is responsible for operation of the Barrow Observatory at Point Barrow in cooperation with the 

University of Alaska's Naval Arctic Research 

Laboratory.

WEST-CENTRAL ALASKA

Project: Western Alaska uranium.

Region and map key: West-central Alaska; fig. 8

(4). 

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 goal of the project is to provide a more thorough evaluation of the uranium 

and thorium potential of the region through detailed geologic, geochemical, and radioactivity 

studies of selected areas within the uraniumthorium province of western Alaska. Fieldwork 

includes mapping at 1:63-360 scale together 

with detailed petrologic studies of various 

plutonic host rocks that contain uranium and

40
TABLE 4. Regional projects, west-central Alaska

Name of project; map key Personnel Type of work

Western Alaska uranium; fig. T. P. Miller

8(4)

Geologic mapping; detailed 

petrologic studies

Seward Peninsula; parts of 

Selawik, Shungnak, 

Hughes, Kateel River, 

Melozitna quadrangles

Nixon Fork stratigraphic W. W. Patton, Jr., J.T. Dutro, Stratigraphic studies; 

studies Jr., R. M. Chapman reconnaissance geologic 

(Shungnak-Hughes); fig. 8 mapping

(6)

Medfra quadrangle

Arctic mineral resources R. M. Chapman, W. W. 

(Rubyquadrangle);fig. 8(5) Patton, Jr.

Reconnaissance geologic 

mapping; geochemical 

sampling

Ruby quandrangle

Nome investigations; fig. 9(6) C. L. Hummel Geologic mapping; 

geochemical and 

geophysical studies; 

mineral- resource 

assessment

Nome area

thorium in higher than normal amounts. These 

studies will use as a foundation earlier reconnaissance studies by the Geological Survey and 

the Energy Research and Development Administration in the region.

Project status: Fieldwork will begin the summer of 

1976. Two reports on the uranium and thorium 

content of plutonic rocks of the region were open 

filed in May 1975. Interim reports will be released as field and laboratory studies progress.

Project: Nixon Fork stratigraphic studies 

(Hughes-Shungnak).

Region and map key: West-central Alaska; fig. 8 

(6).

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 

Cenozoic sedimentary, metamorphic, and volcanic rocks of the northern Kuskokwim Mountains. These studies are needed to provide a 

basic geologic framework for future mapping 

and mineral assessment of the Ruby geanticline. 

The Nixon Fork region was selected for these

initial investigations because it is one of the few 

areas within the densely vegetated terrain of the 

Ruby geanticline with good bedrock exposures. 

In addition to the stratigraphic studies, 

fieldwork will include reconnaissance mapping 

of the Medfra quadrangle and structural investigations of the Nixon Fork-Iditarod fault zone. 

Project status: The project was planned for two 

field seasons. In late July and early August, 

1975, Patton, J. T. Dutro, Jr., and R. M. Chapman completed 3 weeks' stratigraphic study of 

the Paleozoic and Mesozoic rocks in the Nixon 

Fork area and a brief reconnaissance of the 

northern part of the Medfra quadrangle. About 1 

month of fieldwork remains to be done, including a detailed study of the Paleozoic carbonate 

rocks in the northeastern part of the Medfra 

quadrangle and completion of the reconnaissance mapping of the northeastern and southeastern parts of the Medfra quadrangle.

Project: Arctic mineral resources (Ruby quadrangle).

Region and map key: West-central Alaska; fig. 8 

(5).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Robert M. Chapman, U.S. Geologi41
cal Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: The Ruby quadrangle encompasses the central and previously unmapped 

part of the Ruby geanticline, basic geologic 

knowledge of which is critical to regional 

geologic interpretations; assessment of the 

mineral-resource potential of interior Alaska; 

and land-use evaluations. The objectives of this 

project are to complete a reconnaissance coverage of the unmapped areas, to define more fully 

the major bedrock units and structures, and to 

collect bedrock samples that will provide 

geochemical data to aid in evaluation of the 

mineral-resource potential.

Project status: In August 1975, Robert M. Chapman and William W. Patton, Jr., completed reconnaissance geologic mapping and geochemical sampling in about 70 percent of the Ruby 

quadrangle. With this mapping, fieldwork for 

reconnaissance coverage of the northern portion 

of the Ruby geanticline is nearly complete. The 

reconnaissance nature of the work precluded detailed examinations; further field studies are 

warranted in several areas, and geologic mapping should be extended southward into the 

Ophir and Iditarod quadrangles. Preliminary 

geologic and geochemical survey maps of the 

Ruby quadrangle will be prepared in 1976. Preliminary geologic maps of the adjoining Tanana 

and Kantishna River quadrangles were released 

to open files in 1975; and reconnaissance 

geochemical survey maps and a more comprehensive map and text for the Tanana and 

northeast part of the Kantishna River quadrangles are scheduled for 1976.

Project: Nome Investigations.

Region and map key: West-central Alaska; fig. 9 

(6).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

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

94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2606.

Project objectives: The purpose of the project is to 

evaluate the mineral-resource potential of a 

part of southwest Seward Peninsula. It comprises geologic, geochemical, and geophysical 

investigations in a 5000 km2 region where the

metamorphic complex that forms the bedrock of 

most of the peninsula is well exposed. Other 

objectives include determination of the regional 

stratigraphy, structure, and controls of 

mineralization.

Project status: Field data sufficient to depict the 

geology and mineral deposits at 1:125,000 scale 

are available for nearly all of the region; two 

weeks is needed to complete fieldwork. The 

metamorphic complex has been subdivided into 

numerous rock units of regional extent. Although the relations of some units are still uncertain, the units are adequate for delineating 

gross features of the bedrock. Ground magnetic 

data for several of the units were developed by 

Johy Cady in 1972, and thereafter correlated 

with results of the aeromagnetic survey of the 

region. Selective sampling of the rocks making 

up the units, and of detritus derived from them, 

has been completed, but most of the samples 

have not been analyzed. Analytical results, 

when available, will be used to determine the 

geochemical character of the individual units 

and the general background and threshold 

levels of metals in the complex. A map and report covering the geology and mineral resources 

of the region is planned for release in open file 

during 1976.

SOUTHWESTERN ALASKA

Project: Goodnews and Hagemeister Island quadrangles (AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 9 

(15).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chiefs: J. M. Hoare, 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 principal objective is to assess the mineral resources of the quadrangles by 

using reconnaissance geologic, geochemical, 

geophysical, and telegeologic mapping. Field 

work includes: (1) subdivision of the Gemuk 

Group into smaller mappable units and additional geologic mapping at 1:250,000 scale; (2) 

geochemical sampling; (3) completion of a regional gravity survey; and (4) sampling of old 

metamorphic terrane and intrusive bodies for 

radiometric dating.

42
TABLE 5. Regional projects, southwestern Alaska

Name of project; map key Personnel Type of work Arealsl

Goodnews and Hagemeister J. M. Hoare, W. L. Coonrad, Geologic mapping;

Island quadrangles T. D. Hessin, and other geochemical sampling;

(AMRAP); fig. 9 (15) Geologic Division mineral-resource

personnel assessment

Goodnews, Hagemeister 

Island quadrangles

Iliamna quadrangle; fig. 10 R. L. Detterman

(5)

Fieldwork completed; final Iliamna quadrangle 

report on geology, mineral, 

and energy potential being 

prepared

Andreanof and Attu Islands; J. R. Hein, Hugh McLean, 

fig. 10(9), (10) P. T. Fuller

Reconnaissance geologic Aleutian Islands 

mapping; sampling for age 

dating and reservoir 

characteristics

Pribilof Islands (western 

Alaska Cenozoic); fig. 7 

(22), (23)

D. M. Hopkins, M. L. 

Silberman

Evaluation of geologic Pribilof Islands 

hazards; geologic mapping

Bethel-Goodnews; fig. 10 (4) A. E. Letey and Topographic Topographic mapping

Division

Bethel, Goodnews, Russian 

Mission quadrangles

Western Gulf of Alaska Roland von Huene, M. A. 

continental shelf; fig. 8 (12) Hampton, A. H. Bouma,

G. W. Moore, T. R. Bruns

Evaluation of tectonic 

framework, petroleum 

potential, geologic hazards

Western Gulf of Alaska

Project status: The project was planned for two 

field seasons. In preparation for fieldwork, all 

previous geologic observations were replotted on 

modern mile-to-the-inch topographic bases. In 

July and August 1975 about two-thirds of the 

geologic mapping was completed. Sampling of 

the old metamorphic rocks was completed by R. 

B. Forbes, D. L. Turner, and F. H. Wilson. All 

known intrusive bodies were sampled for 

radiometric dating. About one-half of the 

geochemical sampling was completed by T. D. 

Hessin and four assistants, who also collected 

many additional gravity data. About 2 months' 

fieldwork will be required to complete geologic 

mapping and geochemical sampling. Final reports, -scheduled for 1977, are somewhat 

dependent upon availability of a modern 

1:250,000-scale topographic map of the Goodnews quadrangle.

Project: Iliamna quadrangle. 

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

10 (5).

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: Major objectives are: geologic 

mapping and mineral-resource assessment of 

the quadrangle, including geochemical sampling in areas of known or suspected mineralization; investigation of the earthquake-hazards 

potential of the Bruin Bay and Lake Clark 

faults; and the potential for a destructive volcanic eruption on Augustine Island.

Project status: The fieldwork has been completed, 

and most of the data are available in published 

and open-file reports. The final report on the 

bedrock geology including the mineral and 

energy potential of the quadrangle is nearing 

completion and will be ready for review during 

1976.

Project: Andreanof and Attu Islands.

43
Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

10, (9), (10).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources and Marine Geology, 

Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology and Branch of 

Oil and Gas Resources.

Project chiefs: James R. Hein, Hugh McLean, U.S. 

Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo 

Park, Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2775 

and 2802, respectively.

Project objectives: Reconnaissance geologic mapping and resource analysis, including consideration of the oil and gas potential of offshore 

sedimentary basins, are the principle objectives. 

Planned field activities involve: (1) geologic 

mapping of sedimentary sequences; (2) sampling units for both paleontologic and radiometric age dating and for petrography and mineralogy; and (3) sampling for source rock and reservoir quality.

Project status: The project is planned for three to 

four field seasons. During August 1975, Hein, 

McLean, and Paul T. Fuller surveyed and sampled sedimentary rocks on northern and southwestern Adak Island. The Eocene sedimentary 

sequence on Adak consists of shallow marine 

volcaniclastic sandstones, mudstones, and 

cherts (possibly in part biogenic), interbedded 

with and intruded by andesitic and more mafic 

dikes, flows, and sills. Volcanic conglomerates 

and sandstone sequences in the southwest part 

of the island were thermally metamorphosed by 

Miocene(?) granitic plutons. Fieldwork on Atka 

and Amlia Island is scheduled for August 1976, 

work on Attu Island for August 1977.

Project: Pribilof Islands (western Alaska 

Cenozoic).

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 7 

(22), (23).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chiefs: David M. Hopkins and M. L. Silberman, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 

Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

(415) 323-8111, ext. 2659 and 2675, respectively.

Project objectives: The project is designed to provide basic data on geologic hazards in the 

Pribilof Islands and on the adjoining continental 

shelf for use in evaluating the possible impact of

oil exploration and production. In particular, the 

project is to determine: the distribution, character, magnitude, age, and frequency of faulting 

and volcanic eruptions; and rates and directions 

of change in the coast line.

Project status: Fieldwork was done during 2 

weeks in June and early July 1975. Effort was 

focused on collecting suitable lavas for K-Ar dating and attempting to collect screen concentrates suitable for radiocarbon dating from aeolian deposits. Progress on K-Ar dating has been 

slow because of equipment problems. The 

radiocarbon samples contain minimal or possibly less than minimal quantities of organic 

material and are badly contaminated by roots. 

An open-file report showing distribution and age 

of faults and volcanic vents will be submitted in 

1976. It is hoped that a final geologic map 

(largely the result of previous field work) with 

supporting text will be in final draft at that time.

Project: Bethel-Goodnews area.

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

10(4).

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: This project, consisting of 24 

quadrangles at 1:63,360 scale, will provide topographic mapping of an area previously unmapped at this scale. Completion of mapping will 

allow the preparation of more accurate 

l:250,000-scale maps to replace the present reconnaissance maps of that series.

Project status: Advance manuscript copy will be 

available for these quadrangles in early 1976 

with publication scheduled for about 1978. No 

field operations are scheduled.

Project: Western Gulf of Alaska continental shelf. 

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 8

(12). 

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Energy Resources and Marine Geology,

Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology. 

Project chief: Roland von Huene, U.S. Geological

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park,

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111. 

Project objectives: The project objectives are

evaluation of the tectonic framework, petroleum

44
potential, and geologic hazards of the western 

Gulf of Alaska Outer Continental Shelf. 

Project status: A regional geophysical survey was 

run in 1975, when approximately 1,800 km of 

gravity, magnetic and multichannel seismic, 

data were collected from a Geophysical Service 

Inc. vessel, the M/V CECIL H. GREEN. Processing of the seismic data will be essentially complete by the end of 1975, and interpretation will 

begin. Tentative plans for 1976 are to collect 

additional multichannel seismic data aboard 

the R/V LEE and to carry out high-resolution 

and bottom-sampling surveys with a yet unspecified vessel. Project personnel in addition to 

von Huene are M. A. Hampton, A. H. Bouma, 

George W. Moore, and T. R. Bruns.

SOUTHERN ALASKA

Project: Talkeetna quadrangle (PAMRAP).

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Bruce L. Reed, 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 

preliminary assessment of mineral resources in 

the quadrangle. Fieldwork consists of: (1) 

geologic mapping at 1:250,000 scale and detailed investigations of mineralized areas; (2) 

geochemical investigations, primarily through 

the use of sediment, pan-concentrate and altered- or mineralized-rock samples to delineate 

areas of metal enrichment; (3) an aeromagnetic 

survey and interpretation to support the 

geologic mapping and aid in mineral-resource 

assessment; (4) regional gravity survey; and (5) 

mapping selected areas of Tertiary sedimentary 

rocks to assess their coal potential.

Project status: Geologic mapping for this 3-year 

project began in 1974 in the northwestern part of 

the quadrangle by Reed, James C. Ratte, and 

visiting geologists Donald H. Richter, William 

P. Sharpe, Warren B. Hamilton, and David L. 

Jones. In 1975 Reed, Steven W. Nelson and visiting geologists Ratte and Robert L. Detterman 

completed geologic mapping in the southwestern part of the quadrangle; Inyo Ellersieck initiated studies on Tertiary coal bearing rocks; 

and Gary C. Curtin undertook one month of 

geochemical studies. Two-thirds of the geologic 

mapping has been completed. Work remaining 

to be done in 1976 includes: 2 months' geochemical sampling, completion of geologic mapping in 

the eastern one-third of the quadrangle, and 

further study of the complex geology at Shellabarger Pass. The geologic map and final reports 

are scheduled for completion in 1977.

Project: Talkeetna Mountains quadrangle 

(AMRAP)

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 9 (10)

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. 2277.

Project objectives: The principal objectives are the 

evaluation of the mineral resources of the quadrangle through reconnaissance geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic mapping. Fieldwork includes: (1) regional geologic 

mapping at 1:250,000 scale and detailed mapping of mineralized areas; (2) a geochemical survey utilizing stream-sediment, soil, and 

mineralized-bedrock samples; (3) sampling 

mineral deposits for age determinations and for 

trace-element and stable-isotope studies; and (4) 

completion of a regional gravity survey.

Project status: The project was planned for two 

field seasons. During July and August 1975, 

Csejtey, Willis H. Nelson, and visiting scientists 

Paul C. Batemen, Edward M. MacKevett, Jr., 

Peter J. Coney, James G. Smith, David L. Jones, 

Gary C. Curtin, Robert L. Morin, and Miles L. 

Silberman completed nearly half of the geologic 

mapping, reconnaissance geochemical investigations and gravity measurements in the western one-third of the quadrangle, and detailed 

sampling of the adjacent Willow Creek mining 

district for age determinations and isotope 

studies. Fieldwork planned for 1976 includes 

geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, gravity measurements, and detailed isotopic and age 

investigations of mineralized areas in the central part of the quadrangle. Preliminary maps 

and reports are scheduled for completion in 

1976.

45
TABLE 6. Regional projects, southern Alaska

Name of project; map key Personnel Type of work Area! si

Talkeetna quadrangle 

(PAMRAP);fig. 9 (9)

B. L. Reed, J. C. Ratte, S. W. Geologic mapping; 

Nelson, Inyo Ellersieck, geochemical and

G. C. Curtin, and other 

Geologic Division 

personnel

geophysical studies; 

mine ral-resource 

assessment

Talkeetna quadrangle

Talkeetna Mountains

quadrangle (AMRAP); fig. 

9 (10)

Bela Csejtey, Jr., W. H. 

Nelson, G. C. Curtin, M. L. 

Silberman, and other 

Geologic Division 

personnel

Geologic mapping; 

geochemical sampling

Talkeetna Mountains 

quadrangle and adjacent 

areas (mainly in Anchorage 

quadrangle)

Seward-Blying Sound

quadrangles (AMRAP); fig. 

9 (13)

R. G. Tysdal, J. E. Case, G. R. Geologic mapping; 

Winkler, E. M. MacKevett, geochemical and 

Jr., R. B. Tripp geophysical studies;

mineral-resource 

assessment

Seward, Blying Sound 

quadrangles

McCarthy quadrangle 

(PAMRAP); fig. 9 (12)

E. M. MacKevett, Jr., A. K. 

Armstrong, M. L. 

Silberman

Fieldwork completed; map 

folio being prepared

McCarthy quadrangle

Nelchina area; fig. 7 (11) Arthur Grantz Fieldwork completed; final 

report recessed

Southeastern Talkeetna 

Mountains, northeastern 

Anchorage quadrangles

Eastern Alaska Range; fig. 10 D. H. Richter

(7)

Fieldwork completed; final 

reports and maps being 

completed

Nabesna quadrangle and 

adjacent areas

Anchorage; fig. 10 (6) A. E. Letey and Topographic Topographic mapping 

Division

Parts of Anchorage, Tyonek 

quadrangles

Greater Anchorage area 

Borough; fig. 9 (11)

Ernest Dobrovolny, H. R. 

Schmoll

Geologic mapping 

coordinated with 

hydrologic investigations

Anchorage area

Alaskan coastal A. T. Ovenshine, S. R. Sedimentology studies 

environments; fig. 7 (17) Bartsch-Winkler, Reuben

Kachadoorian

Turnagain Arm

Alaska seismic studies J. C. Lahr Assessment of level of 

seismicity and potential 

seismic risk; operation of 56 

seismic stations

Cook Inlet to Yakutat

Bering Glacier-Mt. St. Elias A. E. Letey and Topographic Topographic mapping 

area; fig. 9 (14) Division

Bering Glacier, Mt. St. Elias, 

Yakutat quadrangles

Bering Glacier coal field; fig. 7 R. B. Sanders 

(19)

Structural mapping to 

determine continuity of 

coal beds

Carbon Mountain Area, 

Bering Glacier quadrangle

46
Project: Seward-Blying Sound quadrangles 

(AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 9 (13).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

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

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

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 is to include: (1) 

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

geochemical survey for metals and examination 

of mineral claims; (3) aeromagnetic survey of 

entire area; (4) obtaining more gravity data to 

enhance existing map; and (5) telegeologic mapping using LANDSAT (formerly ERTS) 

imagery.

Project status: The project was planned for three 

field seasons in order to accommodate projected 

study of the Nellie Juan Wilderness Area, which 

lies in the center of the AMRAP project area. 

During the 60-day field season in 1975, about 

half of the geologic mapping was completed by 

Tysdal and J. E. Case, with help from G. R. 

Winkler and E. M. MacKevett, Jr. Geochemical 

sampling was done for streams accessible from 

roads and on Resurrection Peninsula. Aeromagnetic mapping was completed for about 15 

percent of the area. Copper prospects on Knight 

and Latouche Islands were examined by MacKevett. Remaining fieldwork includes: completion of geologic mapping; a geochemical survey 

for major part of area; completion of the 

aeromagnetic survey; acquisition of the remaining gravity data; and examination of prospects 

in gold districts.

Project: McCarthy quadrangle (PAMRAP).

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: E. M. MacKevett, Jr., U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2216.

Project objectives: Prime objectives are: (1) to provide modern multipurpose geologic maps of the 

McCarthy 1:250,000 quadrangle and many of its

component quadrangles; (2) to provide sound estimates of the mineral resources and mineralresource potential of the quadrangle; and (3) to 

study and report on significant topics in such 

fields as structure, stratigraphy, mineral deposits, and petrology that are well developed in 

the quadrangle. The quadrangle is a key area for 

regional tectonic interpretations and geologic 

correlations for large parts of southern Alaska 

and nearby Canada.

Project status: Fieldwork was completed during 

the 1974 field season. Project work during 1975 

focused on the preparation of a folio that includes input from such disciplines as geochemistry, geophysics, mineral economics, and telegeology, along with the geologic data. The folio, 

which should provide a sound understanding of 

the mineral resources of the quadrangle and 

their potential, is scheduled for completion in 

1976. Detailed studies of Kennecott-type copper 

deposits, also within the project framework include isotope investigations headed by M. L. Silberman and studies of the host carbonate rocks 

by A. K. Armstrong. The project has produced 

numerous geologic maps and reports; several 

maps and reports are either in preparation or 

projected. Publications during 1975 were one 

geologic quadrangle map and one abstract of an 

orally presented paper.

Project: Nelchina area.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 7(11).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Arthur Grantz, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2259.

Project objectives: Detailed geologic mapping, 

stratigraphic studies, and assessment of the 

mineral and mineral-fuel resources of the Nelchina area, southern Alaska, are the project objectives.

Project status: Work on final report was recessed 

pending completion of subsequent assignments. 

During 1975, Grantz and C. E. Kirschner completed a report entitled "Tectonic framework of 

petroliferous rocks in Alaska."

Project: Eastern Alaska Range.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 10 (7).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

47
Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Donald H. Richter, Trail End Ranch, 

P.O. Box 79, Winston, N. Mex. 87943.

Project objectives: Major objectives were to map 

geologically and assess the mineral resources of 

the Nabesna quadrangle and adjacent parts of 

the Mount Hayes, Gulkana, and McCarthy 

quadrangles, into which the principal geologic 

units of the Nabesna quadrangle extend. Other 

objectives included tectonic studies of the Denali 

and Totschunda faults, major features of the 

eastern Alaska Range; bodies of ultramafic 

rocks that may represent original oceanic crust; 

and young volcanic rocks of the northern 

Wrangell Mountains.

Project status: Fieldwork is complete and most reports and maps have been published. The remaining maps and a report on the ultramafic 

rocks are to be completed on a time-available 

basis by the project chief, now employed part 

time.

Project: Anchorage.

Project and map key: Southern Alaska; 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 Anchorage project, consisting of 31 quadrangles at 1:25,000 scale with 

contour intervals of 5, 10, or 20 metres, will 

provide modern large-scale maps of the greater 

Anchorage area. Sixteen of these maps are 

standard line maps; 15 will be orthophotomaps.

Project status: All field operations are complete. 

Advance manuscript copy is available for the 16 

standard line maps and orthophotoquads are 

available as advance copy for the 15 orthophotomaps. All maps are scheduled to be 

published in 1977.

Project: Greater Anchorage Area Borough, 

Alaska.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 9(11).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Environmental Geology, Branch of Engineering Geology.

Project chief: Ernest Dobrovolny, U.S. Geological 

Survey, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 80225; 

(303) 234-3131, ext. 3471.

Project objective: The project objective is to provide the geologic information needed for 

citywide and boroughwide land-use planning. 

Providing this information involved geologic 

mapping, determining physical properties of 

selected materials, correlating geologic units, 

deciphering the local geologic history, and 

evaluating geologic processes. The studies were 

undertaken in response to requests from local 

government officials and are closely coordinated 

with hydrologic investigations by the Water Resources Division.

Project status: Fieldwork has been completed. 

Maps and reports are in preparation. Specialpurpose maps are being prepared from the 

geologic maps for use by planners and developers. Several interpretive maps have been released and others are being completed.

Project: Alaskan coastal environments.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 7 (17).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: A. Thomas Ovenshine, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2463.

Project objectives: The project goal is to develop an 

information base for coastal zone management 

in the Cook Inlet region. The initial phase of the 

investigation is in upper Turnagain Arm, where 

Ovenshine and Susan R. Bartsch-Winkler are 

studying contemporary patterns of sedimentation in a high tidal range environment. In this 

phase, four objectives are: (1) reconnaissance of 

sediments by means of textural, compositional, 

and facies analysis; (2) detailed study of the 

sedimentology of Girdwood Bar; (3) study of 

transgressive intertidal deposits formed at Portage as a result of the subsidence accompanying 

the 1964 Alaskan earthquake; and (4) in collaboration with Reuben Kachadoorian, obtaining 

and analyzing approximately 100 m of core from 

the Portage area.

Project status: The initial phase of the project is 

about four-fifths complete. Objectives 1,2, and 3 

were met through fieldwork during 1973 and 

1974; reports are published or in press and preliminary interpretations have been orally presented at scientific meetings. The core drilling 

essential to objective 4 was begun in February 

1975 and completed in May. Textural,

48
mineralogical and faunal analysis is nearly 

complete; facies logging has not yet commenced. 

The remaining commitments for investigating 

and reporting probably can be met during 1976.

Project: Alaska seismic studies.

Region: Southern Alaska.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Earthquake Studies, Branch of Earthquake Hazards.

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 goals of this 

project are to develop an understanding of the 

current tectonic processes that generate earthquakes and to assess the level of seismicity and 

the potential seismic risk in populated or developed regions of Alaska. 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 

has been in operation since 1971 and currently 

operates 56 seismic stations in Alaska covering 

the region from Cook Inlet to Yakutat Bay. Topics currently under investigation include: review and relocation of the historic seismic 

events along the eastern Gulf of Alaska; summarization of the data collected to date, including distribution of earthquakes, focal 

mechanisms, and aftershock studies; and detailed study of earthquakes in the vicinity of 

Valdez based in part on data from a network of 

stations that temporarily augments the permanent network. Open-file reports are being prepared with quarterly summaries and maps of 

the earthquakes located.

Project: Bering Glacier Mt. St. Elias area.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 9 (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 will provide new 

l:63,360-scale maps in an area previously unmapped at this scale.

Project status: This project area consists of 50 

l:63,360-scale quadrangles. Five quadrangles 

have been compiled and advance manuscript

copy is available. The remainder will be compiled by FY 1978. No field operations are 

scheduled.

Project: Bering River coal field.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 7 (19).

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

Project chief: R. B. Sanders, U.S. Geological Survey, 800 "A" Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501.

Project objectives: The project is designed to provide data for the evaluation and classification of 

the coal resources of this area, long subject to 

controversy. Planned fieldwork includes 

geologic mapping at 1:1,000, 1:24,000, and 

1:63,360 scale as best suited to outcrop availability; extensive mapping and sampling of coal 

beds; and assessment of structural and stratigraphic complexities affecting the potential for 

exploitation of the coal.

Project status: Although the project was planned 

for five seasons, and only half of the area has 

actually been studied after 3 years, the results to 

date indicate that the project objective can be 

met by changing to a "reconnaissance scale" of 

1:63,360. If weather conditions are favorable, a 

single field season with full helicopter support 

should suffice to complete the field work required. Formal classification of part of the area 

studied to date has been initiated.

SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA

Project: Ketchikan-Prince Rupert quadrangles 

(AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 9 

(17).

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 

(I°x2°) quadrangles. The area is being mapped 

geologically and surveyed systematically by 

geochemical and geophysical methods, including interpretation of space-satellite imagery. 

The project incorporates and extends the results

49
TABLE 7. Regional projects, southeastern Alaska

Name of project; map key Personnel Type of work

Ketchikan-Prince Rupert H. C. Berg, R. L. Elliott, J. G. Geologic mapping;

quadrangles (AMRAP); fig. Smith mineral-resource

9 (17) assessment

Ketchikan, Prince Rupert 

quadrangles

Craig quadrangle; fig. 8 (15) G. D. Eberlein, Michael

Churkin, Jr.

Geologic mapping; Craig quadrangle 

strati graphic, petrologic, 

structural studies

Petrology of the La Perouse R. A. Loney, G. R. 

layered intrusion; fig. 7(30) Himmelberg, G. K.

Czamanske

Detailed mapping; laboratory Fairweather Range, Glacier 

study of samples and cores Bay National Monument

Juneau investigations; fig. 8 D. A. Brew, A. B. Ford

(14)

Geological and geochemical Juneau, Taku River 

mapping; mineral-resource quadrangles 

assessment

Surficial geology of the 

Juneau urban area and 

vicinity; fig. 7 (32)

R. D. Miller Fieldwork completed; report Juneau area 

preparation

Sitka Observatory; fig. 7 (33) W. E. Osbakken, C. A. Dick Geomagnetic and seismic Sitka

studies

Sitka revision; fig. 7 (33) A. E. Letey and Topographic Topographic mapping Sitka vicinity

Division

of four recently completed geologic and 

mineral-resource investigations within the 

quadrangle.

Project status: The project is planned for two field 

seasons. In July and August 1975, a four-man 

helicopter-supported team, led by R. L. Elliott, 

completed reconnaissance geologic mapping and 

partial geochemical sampling of Portland 

Peninsula east of East Behm Canal. Their work 

resulted in the discovery of small sulfide-bearing 

plutons in the Smeaton Bay area and in substantial new geologic and isotopic data bearing on 

the history of the Coast Range plutonicmetamorphic complex. At the same time, a 

three-man team led by H. C. Berg completed 

geologic mapping and preliminary geochemical 

sampling and examination of mineral occurrences along the coastlines of Cleveland Peninsula and southwestern Revillagigedo Island. 

The principal results of their work include: (1) 

discovery of a northwest-trending belt several 

kilometres wide of sulfide-bearing metamorphosed sedimentary and igneous rocks containing traces to possibly significant amounts of 

zinc, copper, gold, and other metals; and (2) discovery of a cataclastic zone a kilometre or more 

wide along Revillagigedo Channel that may be 

the structural boundary between two major tectono-stratigraphic units in southeastern Alaska. Fieldwork scheduled for 1976 includes 

geologic mapping of inland and coastal areas of 

remaining unmapped parts of Revillagigedo Island and Cleveland Peninsula, geochemical 

sampling, a regional aeromagnetic survey, and 

structural studies in the Texas Creek area.

Project: Craig quadrangle.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 8

(15). 

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

Geology. 

Project chiefs: G. Donald Eberlein and Michael

50
Churkin, Jr., U.S. Geological Survey, 345 

Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

(415) 323-8111, ext. 2210 and 2256, respectivelyProject 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 multiuse 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: In July 1975, H. C. Berg, R. L. Elliott, and two assistants, working with a chartered vessel and helicopter, extended mapping of 

the Annette-Gravina Islands belt into the Craig 

C-l, D-l and part of the D-2 subquadrangles. 

Using the R/V DON J. MILLER II as a base for 

helicopter-supported operations from August 18 

to September 21, Eberlein, Churkin, and two 

assistants completed field geologic mapping of 

the previously unmapped interior areas of 

Prince of Wales, Suemez, Sukkwan, Noyes, 

Baker, Lulu, and San Fernando Islands. Between August 22 and September 17, N. M. Savage, University of Oregon contractee, continued 

biostratigraphic studies on the basis of conodonts and brachiopods. From September 6 to 15, 

R. VanderVoo, University of Michigan, collected 

some 300 oriented core samples from 44 sites 

selected to assess the paleomagnetic research 

potential of dated stratigraphic units. Fieldwork 

sufficient to provide control for preparation of an 

up-to-date l:250,000-scale geologic map of the 

Craig quadrangle has now been completed. 

Final compilation copy is scheduled for submittal in 1976. Publication plans call for a Geologic 

Quadrangle Map of the Craig C-5 and C-6 subquadrangles and open-filing of other subquadrangles as warranted by the available geologic 

control. Final reports, mainly in the form of 

short topical papers, are scheduled for completion in 1977.

Project: Petrology of La Perouse layered intrusion.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 7 

(30).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Robert A. Loney, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2384.

Project objectives: The objectives are to attempt to 

determine the petrogenesis, geologic setting, 

and economic potential of the La Perouse 

layered intrusion by petrographic, chemical, 

and structural means. The Ni-Cu sulfidebearing basal ultramafic zone is largely unexposed and data concerning it come mostly from 

drill core from the Brady Glacier prospect of 

Newmont Exploration Limited. The predominant upper gabbro zone is well exposed, though 

difficult of access.

Project status: The sampling of the drill cores from 

the Brady Glacier Cu-Ni prospect was done in 

two stages; an initial general sampling by 

Robert A. Loney and Glen R. Himmelberg in the 

summer of 1973, and a final sampling in the 

summer of 1975 by the same workers, assisted 

by Gerald Czamanske and Lewis Calk. The La 

Perouse area was briefly visited by Loney, 

Himmelberg, and Czamanske, in August of 1975 

when preliminary sampling of the exposed gabbro was done. About 2 weeks' fieldwork in the La 

Perouse area, planned for the summer of 1976, is 

expected to largely complete the fieldwork. 

Loney and Himmelberg have completed a petrographic study of the initial core samples and 

are Continuing to study material collected in 

1975. Himmelberg is beginning a microprobe 

study of silicate minerals, and Czamanske and 

Calk are engaged in a petrographic and microprobe study of the sulfide minerals. In addition, 

chemical and isotopic analyses are being made. 

First reports will probably be submitted in 1977.

Project: Juneau investigations.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 8 

(14).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

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

51
across the Coast Range batholithic complex 

from the low-grade intermediate pressure and 

temperature facies series metavolcanic and 

metaclastic rocks on the southwest through 

higher grade schists, gneisses, and spatially associated metaintrusive rocks to the relatively 

young intrusive rocks and associated low 

pressure-high temperature facies series 

metavolcanic and metaclastic rocks 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 (1:31,680) mapping of 

about three quadrangles has been completed; 

one preliminary 1:31,680 quadrangle map has 

been published and the two others are nearly 

ready; and three short papers have been published. 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 petrographic studies in the 

office and attempt every season to map a few 

more square miles. Final report completion depends on completion of the field studies.

Project: Surficial geology of the Juneau urban 

area and vicinity.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 7 

(32).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Environmental Geology, Branch of Engineering Geology.

Project chief: R. D. Miller, U.S. Geological Survey, 

Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 80225; 

(303) 234-3818.

Project objectives: The project is designed to provide detailed mapping of the surficial deposits in 

and adjacent to the Juneau urban area and to 

obtain data regarding distribution and physical 

properties of geologic materials to aid in

evaluating ground motion that might occur in 

response to major earthquakes in southeastern 

Alaska.

Project status: Fieldwork has been completed. A 

Miscellaneous Geologic Investigations Map of 

the surficial geology of the Juneau area is in 

press. Preparation is continuing on the final report, to be published as a U.S. Geological Survey 

Professional Paper; completion of the manuscript is anticipated during 1976.

Project: Sitka Observatory.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 7 

(33).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Earthquake Studies, Branch of Seismicity and Earth Structure.

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 records and measures, on a continuous basis, the various elements of the 

Earth's magnetic field and distributes these 

data to scientists involved in geomagnetic 

studies, either directly or through the Branch of 

Theoretical and Applied Geophysics at Denver.

Project status: This project is one of a continuing 

nature; the station has functioned as a 

geomagnetic observatory since 1902 and as 

seismic station since 1925. The station furnishes 

seismic recordings to the National Earthquake 

Information Service for epicenter studies. Telemetered data furnished to Palmer is 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 range of uses, 

including the compiling of magnetic charts, 

radio propagation studies, and ionospheric 

studies. Recently installed digital and analog 

recording equipment has increased the 

geomagnetic data output.

Project: Sitka Revision.

52
Region and map key: Southeastern; fig. 7 (33).

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 update two 

l:63,360-scale quadrangles (Sitka A-4 and A-5) 

using available photography.

Project status: These two revised quadrangles will 

be published in 1976.

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 and 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. Geologic Survey. Most cooperative 

projects concern the hydrology of Alaska and are 

statewide in scope; others have a regional focus.

STATEWIDE PROJECTS

Project: Alaska water assessment

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: G. O. Balding, U.S. Geological Survey, P.O. Box 1568, Juneau, Alaska 99802; (907) 

586-7216.

Cooperating agency: Alaska Power Administration.

Project objectives: This project presents the current availability, quality, and use of water in 18 

subareas of Alaska as a supplementary report to 

the Technical Memorandum developed for the 

Water Resources Council.

Project status: Draft is completed.

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: Continuing; all data are published 

in the annual series "Water Resources Data for 

Alaska." The 1975 report will be completed by 

September 1976.

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: Continuing; all data are published 

in the annual series "Water Resources Data for 

Alaska." The 1975 report will be completed by 

September 1976. 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 

analysis will be complete by June 1976. A hydrologic reconnaissance of the TAPS haulroad 

was made during spring breakup 1975 and a 

report is being prepared.

Project: Ground-water stations.

53
174° 171° 168' 165° 162" 159° 153° 150° 147° 144° 141°

Cn

166° 164' 162° 160° 158' 156' 154° 134° 132° 130°

FIGURE 13. Locations of projects of the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating agencies.
TABLE 8. Statewide cooperative projects

Name of project; 

map key

Alaska water 

assessment

Project chief

G. O. Balding

Type of work Area! si

Presentation of current Statewide 

water availability, 

quality, and use

Cooperating agencies

Alaska Power 

Administration

Surface-water stations R. D. Lamke Monitoring a network of Statewide 

stream, lake, and 

estuary gaging stations

Alaska Power

Administration; U:S. 

Air Force; U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers; U.S. 

Forest Service; State of 

Alaska, Dept. of Fish 

and Game, Dept. of 

Highways, Dept. of 

Natural Resources; 

Municipality of 

Anchorage; Kenai 

Peninsula Borough

Floods from small 

drainage areas

S. H. Jones Flood peak data collection Statewide 

from a network of 

crest-stage gages

State of Alaska, Dept. of 

Highways; U.S. Forest 

Service

Ground-water stations L. L. Dearborn Monitoring a network of Statewide 

ground-water 

observation wells

Kenai Peninsula Borough; 

State of Alaska, Dept. of 

Natural Resources; 

Municipality of 

Anchorage; U.S. Air 

Force

Ground-water 

inventory

G. S. Anderson Ground-water data 

collecting, processing, 

filing, and tabulation

Statewide State of Alaska, Dept. of 

Natural Resources, 

Division of Geological 

and Geophysical

Surveys

Quality-of-water R. J. Madison Monitoring a network of Statewide 

stations water-quality stations

U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers; U.S. Forest 

Service; State of Alaska, 

Dept. of Environmental 

Conservation, Dept. of 

Fish and Game

Sediment stations P. J. Still Monitoring a network of 

sediment stations on 

streams, lakes, and 

estuaries

Statewide U.S. Forest Service; U.S. 

Army Corps of 

Engineers

Hydrological studies 

for fisheries 

enhancement; fig. 13 

(5),(9),(15),(20),(21)

G. A. McCoy Limno logical

investigations, gas 

saturation studies, and 

quality-of-water 

resource studies

Statewide State of Alaska, Dept. of 

Fish and Game

55
TABLE 8. Statewide cooperative projects Continued

Name of project; 

map key

Project chief Type of work Cooperating agencies

Hydrological studies D. R. Scully 

related to coal 

mining; fig. 13 (6), 

(8), (10)

Investigations of effects of Statewide 

development of coal 

resources on water 

resources

Environmental Protection 

Agency

Hydrological studies R. J. Madison 

for Alaskan Air 

Command; fig. 13(3),

(12)

Investigations of 

hydrologic problems 

involved in their 

operations

Statewide U.S. Air Force, Alaskan 

Air Command

Geologic map of Alaska H. M. Beikman Office compilation Statewide State of Alaska, Division 

of Geological and 

Geophysical Surveys

Metamorphic facies 

map of Alaska

D. A. Brew, Bela Office compilation 

Csejtey, Jr., A. B. 

Ford, H. L. 

Foster, T. P.

Miller, H. N.

Statewide State of Alaska, Division 

of Geological and 

Geophysical Surveys

Reiser

Alaskan gravity 

Survey

D. F. Barnes Field observations leading Statewide 

to 1:250,000 gravity 

maps

State of Alaska, Division 

of Geological and 

Geophysical Surveys

TAPS construction C. E. Sloan 

hydrology; fig. 13 (2)

Investigations of

hydrologic impact of 

construction and 

operation of TAPS

Trans-Alaska State of Alaska, Alaska 

pipeline corridor State Pipeline 

Prudhoe Bay to Coordinator's Office 

Valdez

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: Larry Dearborn, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 279-1563.

Cooperating agencies: Kenai Peninsula Borough; 

State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources; Municipality of Anchorage; U.S. Air 

Force.

Project objectives: A network of ground-water observation wells is maintained to provide information on water levels throughout Alaska. 

These wells indicate ground water in storage or 

in transit and the availability of supplies, show 

changes in groundwater storage, and are used 

for estimating base flow of streams. They provide long-term records for basin or watershed

studies by means of which shorter records can be 

correlated.

Project status: Continuing; work during 1976 includes plans to publish a 5-year summary of 

records for Federal observation wells and Kenai 

project wells.

Project: Ground-water inventory.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: G. S. Anderson, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 279-1563.

Coooperating agency: State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

Project objectives: This project collects and pub56
TABLE 9. Regional cooperative projects

Name of project; . . Project chief 

map key

North Slope G. L. Nelson 

water-resources 

study; fig. 13 (1)

Type of work Area(s)

Compiling data on North Slope 

consumption test 

drilling, various other 

studies

Cooperating agencies

State of Alaska, 

Department of 

Environmental 

Conservation

Geohydrology of 

Fairbanks North 

Star Borough; fig. 13

(4)

G. L. Nelson Monitoring observation Fairbanks area 

wells, water-quality 

sampling, various other 

studies

Fairbanks North Star 

Borough; U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers

Water resources of S. H. Jones

Kodiak-Shelikof

area; fig. 13 (14)

Water- resources C. E. Sloan

investigations of

Valdez-Delta

Junction area; fig. 13

(7)

Compilation and

summary of hydrologic

data

Report preparation on

water resources of the

area

Shelikof Strait

portion of

Aleutian

Peninsula and

Kodiak Island

Borough

Along TAPS

corridor in

south-central

Alaska

State of Alaska,

Department of

Environmental

Conservation

State of Alaska,

Department of

Environmental

Conservation

Geohydrology of the 

Anchorage area; fig. 

13(12)

Chester Zenone Water availability, 

ground water recharge 

experiments and 

various hydrologic 

studies related to urban 

development

Anchorage area Municipality of 

Anchorage; State of 

Alaska, Department of 

Fish and Game

Water-reso urces

investigations of the 

Kenai Peninsula 

Borough areas; fig. 

13 (13)

G. S. Anderson Monitoring observation 

wells, stream-gaging 

stations and lakes, 

geohydrologic studies

Kenai Peninsula 

Borough

City of Kenai; Kenai 

Peninsula Borough

Eastern Gulf of Alaska 

seismicity

J. C. Lahr Seismic network to 

monitor earthquake 

activity

Prince William 

Sound to Yakutat

National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric 

Administration

Northern Gulf of I. F. Palmer 

Alaska Tertiary 

Province 

stratigraphy study; 

fig. 13(16)

Glacier Bay National D. A. Brew 

Monument 

Wilderness Study 

Area; fig. 13 (17)

Fieldwork completed; 

report preparation

Reconnaissance geologic 

mapping, geochemical 

and geophysical 

surveys, mineralresource assessment

Coastal southern 

Alaska

Glacier Bay 

National 

Monument

State of Alaska, Division 

of Geological and 

Geophysical Surveys

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 

Alaska Field 

Operations Center

57
TABLE 9. Regional cooperative projects Continued

Name of project; 

map key

Project chief Type of work Cooperating agencies

Water resources City G. O. Balding 

and Borough of 

Juneau; fig. 13 (18)

Water-resources data 

compilation, aquifer

tests

Juneau area City and Borough of 

Juneau

Tracy Arm-Fords 

Terror Wilderness 

Study Area; fig. 13 

(19)

D. A. Brew Fieldwork completed; 

report preparation

Parts of Taku River U.S. Bureau of Mines,

and Sumdum Alaska Field

quadrangles Operations Center

lishes data on ground water. Information also is 

collected on ground-water development and special studies related to ground-water availability 

are made. Other work includes field inventories, 

aquifer tests, water-quality sampling, and 

geophysical logging.

Project status: In 1976, work efforts will be concentrated in southeastern Alaska, Kodiak Island, Cook Inlet basin, and the northern part of 

the Gulf of Alaska area. Beginning in 1976, efforts will be made to convert existing groundwater data to the new National Ground-water 

Site-Inventory Data Base. A report entitled 

"Water resource reconnaissance of St. George 

Island, Pribilof Islands, Alaska," by G. S. Anderson is ready for release. A summary of groundwater conditions will be included in a waterresources summary report of the KodiakShelikof area scheduled for 1976.

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; Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation; Alaska 

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. This 

will be accomplished by operation of a network 

of water-quality stations.

Project status: Continuing; all data are published 

in the annual series "Water Resources Data for 

Alaska." The 1975 report will be completed by 

September 1976.

Project: Sediment stations.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: P. J. Still, U.S. Geological Survey, 

1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; 

(907) 279-1563.

Cooperating agencies: U.S. Forest Service; U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers.

Project objectives: A network of sediment stations 

is maintained to provide information on sediment in streams, lakes, and estuaries by determining: (1) seasonal normal concentrations and 

particle-size distribution of suspended sediments; (2) sediment yields; (3) particle-size distribution of bed and bank material; (4) bedload 

transport; and (5) ranges in turbidity.

Project status: Continuing.

Project: Hydrological studies for fisheries enhancement.

Region and map keys: Statewide (east-central, 

southwestern, southern, southeastern Alaska); 

fig. 13 (5), (9), (15), (20), (21).

Organizational designation: Water Resources Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: G. A. McCoy, U.S. Geological Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska

58
99501; (907) 279-1563.

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Department 

of Fish and Game.

Project objectives: This study provides basic hydrologic data for fisheries enhancement.

Project status: Limnological investigations of Salmon Lake near Kasaan, and Patching, Klawak, 

and Heckman Lakes near Ketchikan will be 

made to determine their suitability for restocking with fish. Monitoring of the Salcha River 

near Fairbanks during and after the pipeline 

construction will be continued. A study of the 

hydrologic regime of the Karluk Lake basin on 

Kodiak Island is continuing, and two additional 

basins, Akalura Lake near Olga Bay and Big 

Lake near Wasilla, are being studied. Reports on 

each of these studied are planned for release 

during 1976.

Project: Hydrological studies related to coal mining.

Region and map keys: Statewide (northern, 

southern Alaska); fig. 13 (6), (8), (10).

Organizational designation: Water Resources Division, Alaska District, Anchorage Subdistrict 

Office.

Project chief: David R. Scully, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska; 

(907) 279-1563.

Cooperating agency: Environmental Protection 

Agency.

Project objectives: This project collects data on 

streamflow, suspended sediment, water quality, 

and ground water to delineate the present hydrologic conditions in areas of known potential 

for coal development and predicts, insofar as 

possible, the effects of coal mining operations on 

the water resources. Information obtained includes: (1) quantity and seasonal distribution of 

water discharge; (2) seasonal and areal variations in surface-water quality including organic 

and inorganic constituents, minor element concentrations, sediment load, and turbidity; and 

(3) stream-basin characteristics.

Project status: Initial reconnaissance trips were 

made to the Susitna, Beluga, Peters Creek, and 

Healy areas during the period July through 

October 1975. Field investigations in 1976 will 

include these same areas as well as reconnaissance of the northwest Arctic coast. Data collection will continue through the 1979 season. An 

atlas report summarizing the existing hydrologic data in the Susitna and Healy areas is 

being prepared and will be completed in 1976.

Project: Hydrological studies for Alaskan Air 

Command.

Region and map keys: Statewide (northern, southern Alaska); fig. 13 (3), (12).

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 agency: U.S. Air Force, Alaskan Air 

Command.

Project objectives: This project is to assist the 

Alaskan Air Command by conducting special 

hydrological studies on problems relating to 

their operations in Alaska. Continuing cooperative work with the Alaskan Air Command will 

include temperature studies of the water in Ship 

Creek near the powerplant and miscellaneous 

hydrologic studies as requested.

Project status: Continuing; a geophysical study to 

determine water availability at Cape Lisburne 

was completed. The report will be submitted to 

the U.S. Air Force by February 1976.

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 objectives of this project 

are: (1) preparation of five preliminary uncolored geologic maps at a scale of 1:1,000,000, 

which together cover the entire State; (2) preparation of a preliminary uncolored map at 

1:2,000,000 and of a multicolored map at 

1:2,500,000, also covering the entire State; and 

(3) preparation of a report briefly describing the 

stratigraphic units included in the map units 

shown on the multicolored l:2,500,000-scale 

map, which will supersede the geologic map of 

Alaska published in 1957.

Project status: Uncolored geologic maps at a scale 

of 1:1,000,000, preliminary compilations on

59
which the final multicolored map will be based, 

are being published as soon as they are completed. Interim maps at this scale have been 

published as MF-611, covering the southwestern part of the State; MF-612, covering the 

south-central part; MF-673, covering southeastern Alaska; and MF-674, covering the 

Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands. The 

preliminary map of northern Alaska is 

scheduled for early 1976, and the entire project 

should be completed by the end of 1976.

Project: Metamorphic facies map of Alaska.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: D. A. Brew (Chairperson of Branch 

Committee), U.S. Geological Survey, 345 

Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

(415) 323-8111, ext. 2178. (Other members of 

committee: Bela Csejtey, Jr., A. B. Ford, H. L. 

Foster, T. P. Miller, 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 from 

existing information and from current branchwide field studies and compilation of the supporting data.

Project status: The project was initiated in winter 

1972-73 with the goal of map manuscript preparation by June 1975. The explanation and the 

compilation techniques were worked out first 

and the six regional compilations have been 

prepared. Synthesis of those compilations is underway and the map manuscript should be completed in 1976.

Project: Alaskan gravity survey.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Geochemistry and Geophysics, Branch 

of Theoretical and Applied Geophysics.

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

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Division of 

Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

Project objective: 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 to locate basins of sedimentary rocks beneath large areas of alluvial cover. Now the emphasis is shifting to provide data suitable for a 

few 1:250,000-scale maps to study some of the 

anomalies that seem to be associated with 

mineralization and to provide background data 

for land-use decisions.

Project status: Past Alaskan gravity surveys have 

relied primarily on small-boat transportation 

and have thus obtained a skeletal network of 

data that now covers the entire State. These 

data permitted the compilation during 1975 of a 

new 1:2,500,000-scale Bouguer anomaly map of 

Alaska. Another 1975 product was a 1:250,000- 

scale complete-Bouguer anomaly map of the 

Nabesna quadrangle (prepared as part of the 

PAMRAP program) that summarized approximately 600 gravity measurements and provided 

an indication of deep geologic structure. Additional gravity measurements have been made in 

other AMRAP and PAMRAP quadrangles, and 

several of these project folios will include gravity maps although terrain corrections will be 

made only for quadrangles, that contain more 

than 500 evenly distributed measurements. 

Current effort is to release a group of simpleBouguer anomaly maps at a scale of 1:250,000 

covering the Brooks Range and adjacent areas to 

show the southern edge of the Colville 

Geosyncline and the trace of a pronounced gravity high that seems to correlate with mineralization.

Project: TAPS construction hydrology.

Region and map key: Statewide (trans-Alaska 

pipeline corridor, Prudhoe Bay to Valdez); fig. 13 

(2).

Organizational designation: Water Resources Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: C. E. Sloan, U.S. Geological Survey, 

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

277-5526.

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Alaska 

State Pipeline Coordinators Office (ASPCO).

Project objectives: The project measures and reports turbidity resulting from construction disturbance in selected streams; defines waterquality changes resulting from waste disposal 

and accidental oil spills; and evaluates pore 

pressure problems at construction sites based on

60
piezometric head data.

Project status: Field data collection is nearly complete for the waste-disposal aspects of the study. 

Field data collection of turbidity and associated 

water-quality parameters is about 25 percent 

complete. From time to time, topical reports will 

be prepared covering different aspects of the 

project with project conclusion at end of FY 77.

NORTHERN ALASKA

Project: North Slope water-resources study.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 13(1).

Organizational designation: Water Resources Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: G. L. Nelson, U.S. Geological Survey, 310 First Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 

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

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Department 

of Environmental Conservation.

Project objectives: The program summarizes 

existing information on water use and watersupply development in the North Slope area and 

evaluates the availability and quality of water. 

Emphasis is on winter low-flow conditions when 

streamflow near the Arctic coast drops to imperceptible levels in several major rivers and companies operating in the area experience severe 

water shortages.

Project status: This is a new project and no original fieldwork has been completed. The research 

objectives interconnect with several other 

northern Alaskan hydrologic studies. We have 

been able to assess very quickly the scope of the 

problem and compile necessary reconnaissance 

data to plan for the winter field season. An interim report should be available in 1976 pending 

completion of the project in 3 years.

EAST-CENTRAL ALASKA

Project: Geohydrology of Fairbanks North Star 

Borough.

Region and map key: East-central Alaska; fig. 13 

(4).

Organizational designation: Water Resources Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: G. L. Nelson, U.S. Geological Survey, 310 First Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 

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

Cooperating agencies: Fairbanks North Star 

Borough, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Project objectives: Objectives are to assess water

quality and availability and to monitor the effects of urbanization on water resources of the 

Fairbanks North Star Borough, particularly the 

rapidly developing North Pole and Farmer's 

Loop areas. Water-level data from observation 

wells in the alluvial aquifer of the flood plain 

and the fractured schist aquifer in the uplands, 

as well as data from well drillers' logs, homeowners' reports, a water-quality sampling program, and other basic data collection programs 

will be incorporated in interpretive maps and 

reports designed to provide a geohydrologic 

framework for land-use planning. 

Project status: This is an ongoing project of at 

least 3 years' duration. Preliminary assessment 

of published data has been completed and 

ground-water data have been recorded and filed 

for computer storage. A report on the alluvial 

aquifer of the flood plain should be completed in 

1976.

SOUTHWESTERN ALASKA

Project: Water resources of Kodiak-Shelikof area.

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

13(14).

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 agency: State of Alaska, Department 

of Environmental Conservation.

Project objectives: Under this project, all available 

water-resources information for the KodiakShelikof area will be compiled and summarized. 

The water-resources data summary will provide 

a reduced data base for planning water-resource 

development, delineating water problem areas, 

making impact evaluations, and evaluating 

existing water quality and availability.

Project status: The water-resources data for the 

Kodiak-Shelikof area are presently being compiled and analyzed. An interpretive hydrologic 

analysis of this data will be summarized in an 

atlas-type report planned for 1976.

SOUTHERN ALASKA

Project: Water-resources investigations of 

Valdez-Delta Junction area.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13 (7).

Organizational designation: Water Resources Division, Alaska District Office.

61
Project chief: C. E. Sloan, U.S. Geological Survey, 

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

277-5526.

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Department 

of Environmental Conservation.

Project objectives: The purpose of the project is to 

make a hydrologic appraisal of water availability and quality as related to the industrialization and urbanization activities in and along the 

trans-Alaska pipeline corridor.

Project status: The project is 80 percent complete; 

all field and laboratory data have been collected, 

and report preparation is 50 percent finished. 

Completion is expected in 1976.

Project: Geohydrology of the Anchorage area.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13 

(12).

Organizational designation: Water Resources Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: Chester Zenone, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 279-1563.

Cooperating agency: Municipality of Anchorage; 

State of Alaska, Department of Fish and Game.

Project objectives: This project monitors the effects of urban development on water and waterrelated resources and assesses water availability by means of: test drilling and aquifer hydraulics analyses as guides to site selection and 

design of production wells; experiments in artificial recharge of ground water using infiltration ponds; definition of quality of water and 

potential for pollution of ground water at landfill 

sites; application of electric analog and digital 

models of local hydrologic systems; and a continuing basic-data program for collecting information on surface and ground water and water 

quality.

Project status: The project is now in its tenth year. 

As urbanized Anchorage expands, the need for 

studies of water availability and the effects of 

urban development on the hydrology problems 

identified by Barnwell and others (Barnwell, 

W. W., George, R. S., Weeks, J. B., and Zenone, 

Chester, 1972, Water for Anchorage An atlas 

of the water resources of the Anchorage area, 

Alaska: U.S. Geol. Survey open-file report [pub. 

by the city of Anchorage and the Greater Anchorage Area Borough], 77 p.) have been treated 

in depth in recent reports. Continuing studies 

will focus on: potential increase in ground-water

availability through artificial recharge; evaluation of alternative management schemes for optimal use of water in Ship Creek basin where 

heavy demand is placed on surface water during 

winter; determination of ground-water pollution potential at existing and proposed landfill 

sites; and evaluation of geologic and hydrologic 

data in relatively undeveloped areas where conditions are marginal for safe and efficient operation of individual water-supply and wastedisposal systems.

Project: Water resources investigation of the 

Kenai Peninsula Borough area.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13 

(13).

Organizational designation: Water Resources Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: G. S. Anderson, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 279-1563.

Cooperating agencies: City of Kenai; Kenai Peninsula Borough.

Project objectives: Long-term effects of groundwater development are monitored by means of 

water-level measurements of observation wells 

and lakes and by stream-gaging stations. Inventories are made of industrial and municipal 

ground-water withdrawals.

Project status: A report summarizing 5 years' data 

collection on lake-level fluctuations will be completed in 1976.

Project: Eastern Gulf of Alaska seismicity.

Region: Southern Alaska.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Earthquake Studies, Branch of Earthquake Hazards.

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

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

Cooperating agency: National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration.

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

62
Yakutat Bay. Data from this network are now 

providing detailed information on the pattern of 

seismicity of this region.

Project: Northern Gulf of Alaska Tertiary Province stratigraphy study.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13 

(16).

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

Project chief: I. F. Palmer, U.S. Geological Survey, P.O. Box 259, Anchorage, Alaska 99510.

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Division of 

Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

Project objectives: Objectives were to collect more 

specific additional reservoir and source-rock 

data than existed from previous regional work 

and to strengthen the statistical base upon 

which offshore extrapolations of geologic data 

must be made to facilitate evaluation of prospect 

areas and tracts in the OCS area.

Project status: The fieldwork for this project was 

completed in July 1975.

Eight stratigraphic sections totaling 14,490 

feet were measured and sampled. Five sandstone traverses totaling 26,990 feet were measured and sampled. Samples were taken for 

porosity, permeability, microfossil and macrofossil age determinations, hydrocarbon (ppm) 

source rock-determinations, stream-sediment 

geochemistry, seep-oil analyses, and selected 

special analyses such as petrography and 

oriented sandstones. Measurements were obtained on stratigraphic parameters and paleocurrents, thicknesses, reservoir parameters, 

stream-sediment profiles and gravity.

Data resulting from the project will fill gaps in 

regional stratigraphic control and enhance efforts of workers who need more detail in making 

offshore extrapolations of geologic data.

All segments of the report are planned for 

release by State of Alaska, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, in open-file format 

prior to the OCS Lease Sale No. 39. The 

fieldwork, interpretation, and report preparation were cooperative efforts with W. M. Lyle, 

State of Alaska, Division of Geological and 

Geophysical Surveys.

SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA

Project: Glacier Bay National Monument Wilderness Study Area.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 13 

(17).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Wilderness Program and 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.

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 

(cf. Professional Paper 632); (2) reconnaissance 

geologic mapping of previously unstudied 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 geoehemical sampling. The project is 

scheduled to be in the field in both 1976 and 

1977. Aeromagnetic and gravity surveys are 

planned for 1976. Manuscript submittal is tentatively scheduled for 1978.

Project: Water resources of the City and Borough 

of Juneau.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 13 

(18).

Organizational designation: Water Resource Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: G. O. Balding, U.S. Geological Sur63
vey, Rm. 443 Federal Building, 710 West 9th 

Street, (P.O. Box 1568), Juneau, Alaska 99801; 

(907) 586-7216.

Cooperating agencies: City and Borough of 

Juneau.

Project objectives: The project was designed to determine the aquifer characteristics and water 

quality in deposits in the Juneau area.

Project status: One test well and two observation 

wells, all between 70 and 85 feet deep, have been 

cased in a potential water-bearing zone in the 

Mendenhall Valley.

Project: Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Study Area. 

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 13

(19). 

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Wilderness Study

Program and 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. 

Cooperating agency: U.S. Bureau of Mines,

Alaska Field Operations Center.

Project objectives: The principal goal of the project 

is an appraisal of the mineral-resource potential 

of the area, a broad transect across the Coast 

Range, using: (1) reconnaissance geologic mapping; (2) reconnaissance bedrock geochemical 

sampling; (3) reconnaissance stream-sediment 

geochemical sampling; (4) aeromagnetic surveying; and (5) detailed examination and sampling 

of known mineral occurrences and of areas containing anomalous concentrations of selected 

metallic elements.

Geochronologic studies are being done in 

cooperation with the southeastern Alaska geochronology project, J. G. Smith, Chief. The appraisal is part of the U.S. Forest Service study of 

the suitability of the project area for inclusion in 

the National Wilderness Preservation System 

established by the Wilderness Act of 1964.

Project status: The project was initiated in 1973 

and field work was completed during the 1973, 

1974, and 1975 seasons. The aeromagnetic survey was completed in 1973. All analytical work 

has been completed, report preparation is underway, and the joint USGS-USBM manuscript 

is scheduled for submittal in 1976.

64 frGPO 690- 703-1976