T977

ALASKA

Organization and Status of Programs

SURVEY CIRCULAR 751-A
The United States Geological Survey 

in Alaska: Organization and Status 

of Programs in 1977

Kathleen M. Blean, Editor

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 751-A

1977
United States Department of the Interior

CECIL D. ANDRUS, Secretary

Geological Survey 

V. E. McKelvey, Director

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

Page

Abstract ___________________________ Al 

Services and responsibilities of the

U.S. Geological Survey ________________ 1

Introduction ______________________ 1

Services _______________________ 1

Responsibilities____________________ 2

Organization of the U.S. Geological Survey __ __ __ 3

Organizational segments serving Alaska ______ 3

Conservation Division ______ ______ 3

Geologic Division ______________ 3

Topographic Division _______________ 4

Water Resources Division _____________ 8

Publications Division ______________ 8

Administrative Division_____________ 8

Emergency search and rescue _________ 8

Alaska Survey Committee______ ______ 9

Radio network _________________ 9

Alaska Core Library _______________ 9

Land Information and Analysis Office _____ 10

EROS program _________________ 10

Geography program___ ____ ______ 10

Alaskan projects of the U.S. Geological Survey ___ _A11

Statewide projects _________ __ 11

Regional projects _ __ 25

Northern Alaska _______________ 25

East-central Alaska---________ 33

West-central Alaska _____________ 36

Southwestern Alaska _____ _ 39

Southern Alaska __________________ 41

Southeastern Alaska ____ 47

Offshore Alaska _ _______________ 51

Cooperative projects with other agencies __ _____ 57

Statewide projects - 57

Northern Alaska ___________________ 62

East-central Alaska_________________ 62

Southwestern Alaska __ ___ 64

Southern Alaska ____________________ 64

Southeastern Alaska _________________ 65

ILLUSTRATIONS

FIGURES 1-5. Organization charts:

1. U.S. Geological Survey _____ _________ _________ _________ _______________ A4

2. Geologic Division ________________________________,________________ 5

3. Conservation Division ____________________________________________ 6

4. Water Resources Division ________________________________________ 7

5. Topographic Division_____________________________________________ 7

6. Map of regions of Alaska used in this report _____________________________________ 14

7. Location map, statewide projects of the U.S. Geological Survey ______________________ 15

8. Map of Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment Program (AMRAP) ________________________ 17 

9-15. Location maps, regional projects of the U.S. Geological Survey:

9. Northern Alaska________ ____________________________________________ 28

10. East-central Alaska __________________________________________________ 33

11. West-central Alaska __________________________________________________ 37

12. Southwestern Alaska ____________________________________________ 40

13. Southern Alaska_____________________________________________________ 43

14. Southeastern Alaska _______________________________________________ 47

15. Offshore Alaska ____________________________________________________ 52 

16. Location map, projects of the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating agencies _ _________ ___ 59

ill
TABLES

	Page

TABLE 1. Statewide projects _____________________________________________________ A12

2. Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment Program (AMRAP) ______________-_________- 16

3-9. Regional projects:

3. Northern Alaska ____________________________________________________ 26

4. East-central Alaska _____________________________________-__________ 34

5. West-central Alaska _________________________________________________ 37

6. Southwestern Alaska _________________________________________ 39

7. Southern Alaska __ _________________________________________________ 42

8. Southeastern Alaska ______________________________________________ 48

9. Offshore Alaska ____________________________________________________ 51

10. Statewide cooperative projects ____________________________________________ 58

11. Regional cooperative projects ________________________________________________ 63

IV
The United States Geological Survey in Alaska: 

Organization and Status of Programs in 1977

Kathleen M. Blean, Editor

ABSTRACT

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

Alaska contains up-to-date accounts of the objectives and 

status of projects active during 1977. It is organized in four 

parts: (1) services and responsibilities of the U.S. Geological 

Survey; (2) organization of the U.S. Geological Survey; (3) current projects of the U.S. Geological Survey; and (4) cooperative 

projects with Federal, State, and local agencies.

SERVICES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE 

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

INTRODUCTION

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

serves several purposes. For the professional 

geologist, hydrologist, or topographer, it contains 

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

private groups, the business community, and 

other Federal and State agencies, there is news of 

investigations intended to assist them in their 

separate and important tasks. And for the citizen 

whose pleasure and livelihood are linked to the 

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

water of the incomparable State of Alaska.

To reach such a complex audience, this circular 

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

the Geological Survey are discussed. The second 

chapter presents the organizational structure of 

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

chapters together constitute a comprehensive description of Alaskan projects active during 1977, 

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," 

which are 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 and book publications on Alaska are 

available from the U.S. Geological Survey, Public 

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

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

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

Al
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: Grantz, Arthur, Barnes, P. W., Eittreim, S. L., 

Reimnitz, Erk, Scott, E. W., Smith, R. A., Stewart, George, 

and Toimil, L. J., 1976, Summary of the sediments, structural framework, petroleum potential, environmental conditions and operational considerations of the United States 

Beaufort Sea, Alaska area: U.S. Geol. Survey open-file report 76-830, 32 p.

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

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

This report contains preliminary information on the 

geologic framework, petroleum potential, and environmental 

hazards in the area being considered for proposed OCS Oil and 

Gas Lease Sale #50. A more detailed report, incorporating 

data obtained in the 1976 field season, will be released early in 

1977.

Reference: Imaly, R. W., 1976, Middle Jurassic (Bajocian and 

Bathonian) ammonites from northern Alaska: U.S. Geol. 

Survey Prof. Paper 854, 22 p.

Available from: Branch of Distribution, U.S. Geological Survey, 1200 South Eads Street, Arlington, Va. 22202; $1.25. 

This scholarly study presents the latest available information on the stratigraphic and geographic distrubution of Middle Jurassic ammonites north of 68° North latitude (Brooks 

Range and Arctic Coastal Plain). Information of this nature is 

important to understanding the complex history of northern 

Alaska.

Reference: Pewe, T. L., and Bell, J. W., 1975, Map showing 

distribution of permafrost in the Fairbanks D-2 SE quadrangle, Alaska: U.S. Geol. Survey Misc. Field Studies Map 

MF-669A, 1 sheet, scale 1:24,000 (1976). 

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

A map showing location and ice content of permafrost in the 

area of Ft. Wainwright. This information can be used profitably by city planners and developers to assure that proper construction methods are used in this difficult terrain. Fifteen 

other maps, which detail engineering geologic information for 

the Fairbanks D-2 NW and NE quadrangles, and the D-l SE 

quadrangle, also have been published.

Reference: Post, Austin, 1975, Preliminary hydrography and 

historic terminal changes of Columbia Glacier, Alaska: U.S. 

Geol. Survey Hydrol. Inv. Atlas HA-559, 3 sheets, scale 

1:10,000 (1976).

Available from: Branch of Distribution, U S. Geological Survey, Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 80225; $1.75 

per set.

This report presents a detailed hydrographic study documenting variations and stability of Columbia Glacier, the 

largest glacier in the Prince William Sound area of coastal 

southern Alaska. These data provide baseline information 

necessary to predict the likelihood of drastic glacial retreat

and the associated threat that would be posed by increased 

icebergs in the shipping lanes from Valdez, the terminus of the 

trans-Alaska oil pipeline.

Reference: Cobb, E. H., 1976, Summary of references to mineral occurrences (other than mineral fuels and construction 

materials) in the Livengood quadrangle, Alaska: U.S. Geol. 

Survey open-file report 76-819, 241 p.

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

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

A comprehensive annotated bibliography of mineral resource information for the Livengood quadrangle. This area 

includes a major part of the Fairbanks mining district, one of 

Alaska's richest producers. The Tolovana district, known for 

its placer and lode deposits, also is covered in this publication.

Reference: O'Leary, R. M., McDonald, S. K., McDougal, C. M., 

Day, G. W., and Marsh, S. P., 1976, Chemical analysis and 

statistical data for stream sediment samples from the 

Chandalar quadrangle, Alaska: U.S. Geol. Survey open-file 

report 76-492, 120 p.

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

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

Geochemical and statistical analyses are an important part 

of mineral resource assessment programs. The data presented 

in this report were used in the mineral resource evaluation of 

the Chandalar quadrangle, eastern Brooks Range.

Reference: Richter, D. H., and Smith, R. L., 1976, Geologic 

map of the Nabesna A-5 quadrangle, Alaska: U.S. Geol. 

Survey Geol. Quad. Map GQ-1292, 1 sheet, scale 1:63,360. 

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

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

Geological Survey, 310 First Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 

99701; $1.75.

This map shows distribution of rock units in part of the 

Wrangell Mountains. Tertiary and Quaternary lavas are overlain by Holocene unconsolidated deposits and large areas of ice 

and snow. Detailed descriptions, chemical analyses, and 

radiometric ages are given in the text.

Reference: U.S. Geological Survey, 1972, Arctic A-4 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 Street, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701; 

$1.25.

This map is a standard detailed topographic map at a scale 

of 1 inch equals 1 mile. In addition to major streams and land 

forms, the map shows cultural features such as villages, roads, 

and trails. This kind of map is widely used by land planners 

and outdoor enthusiasts and as a base for most special-purpose 

maps.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to obtaining and analyzing land and 

water-resources data, the Geological Survey 

supervises the extraction of valuable mineral

A2
commodities from many types of federal lands, including the offshore Outer Continental Shelf.

The Alaskan activities of the Geological Survey 

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

programs, committees, and working groups, 

briefly described in the following sections.

ORGANIZATION OF THE 

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

The organization of the U.S. Geological Survey 

and its four main operating divisions is portrayed 

in figures 1 through 5.

The main structure of the Geological Survey 

(fig. 1) consists of four operating divisions 

Geologic, Conservation, Water Resources, and 

Topographic and three support divisions 

Computer, Administrative, and Publications. 

Headquarters for all divisions are in Reston, Va.

Investigations of the geology of the United 

States and certain other countries are mainly 

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

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

The Conservation Division supervises oil, gas, 

and other mineral-extraction activities on certain 

federal lands. The regional responsibilities of the 

Division are vested in four operational offices. 

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

Western Region Office in Menlo Park, Calif.

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

(with Alaskan activities emphasized). The main 

operating units are located under four regional 

subdivisions supported by Assistant Chief Hydrologist Offices for Scientific Publications and 

Data Management, Operations, and Research and 

Technical Coordination.

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

Division (fig. 5). The principal work responsibilities are met by four regional mapping centers 

under the supervision of the Chief of the Topographic Division.

ORGANIZATIONAL SEGMENTS SERVING ALASKA

All four operational Divisions of the Geological 

Survey Conservation, Geologic, Topographic 

and Water Resources function in Alaska and are

supported by the Administrative, Publications, 

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

CONSERVATION DIVISION

The Conservation Division examines and classifies federal lands as to their mineral character 

and waterpower and water-storage values; determines estimated resource values for onshore 

and offshore competitive lease sales; supervises 

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

land, and the offshore Outer Continental Shelf; 

and maintains accounts and collects rentals and 

royalties from related mineral production.

Consistent with the national concern for environmental protection, the Division's regulations and procedures are subject to frequent reappraisal and revision in order to avoid or mitigate 

consequences that may result from pollution incidents, surface damage from mining, geothermal, 

and petroleum operations, or other hazards that 

may be associated with mineral operations conducted under leases and prospecting permits.

All Alaskan 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 Alaska Area 

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

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

GEOLOGIC DIVISION

The current scientific investigations of the 

Geologic Division in Alaska include geologic 

mapping and mineral-resource evaluation, 

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

mineral district mapping and evaluation; 

mineral-resource appraisal; geochemical studies 

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

and gravity surveys and interpretation; 

engineering-geology studies in urban areas and 

along transportation routes; earthquake studies; 

isotope age determination and interpretation;

A3
Asst. Director--Eastern Region

Asst. Director Cent ral Region

Asst. Director Western Region

Office of National Petroleum 

Reserve--Alaska

Information Office

Comp 

Divi

jter 

!ion

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Director

Assoc. Director

Asst. Director Land Resources

Asst. Director Programs

Asst. Director--Environmental

Asst* D1 rector Energy and

Mineral Resources 

Asst. Director Administration

Land Information and Analysis Office

Earth Resources Observation Program 

Geography Program

Earth Sciences Application Program 

Resources and Land Investigations Prograi 

Environmental Impact Analysis Program

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

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

the ocean floor.

Activities in Alaska are the responsibility of 

several groups within the Geologic Division: the 

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

and the Office of Marine Geology at the Pacific 

Coast Field Center, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo 

Park, Calif. 94025; the Branches of Regional 

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

and Engineering Geology at the Rocky Mountain 

Field Center, Denver, Colo. 80225; and the 

Branch of Paleontology and Stratigraphy at the 

National Center in Reston, Va. 22092. Several 

other branches in the Geologic Division provide 

services or conduct research in cooperation with 

these units. The Branch of Alaskan Geology 

maintains two offices in Alaska: the main one at 

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

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

charge, and the other at the University of Alaska, 

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

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

Branch of Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism 

maintains observatories at Fairbanks (College), 

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

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

Observatory is directed by Willis Osbakken, P.O.

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

In its study of Alaskan geology, the Survey 

supports and cooperates with several universities 

and other public agencies, including the State of 

Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical 

Surveys.

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.

A4
Office of Scientific Publications 

W. P. Ketterer (acting)

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF GEOLOGIST

Chief Geologist R. P. Sheldon 

Oep. Chief Geol.--R. E. Oavis 

Oep. Chief Geol. for

Program and Budget D. H. Dow 

Administrative Off. W. E. Fichtner

Office of Mineral Resources 

G. E. Becraft (acting)

Ol

Branches :

Eastern--C. E. Brown 

Central--R. B. Taylor 

Western N. Page 

Alaskan A. T. Ovenshine 

Exploration Research

--G. H. Alcott 

Office of Resource Analysis

--A. L. Clark

if Environmental Geology 

J. C. Reed, Jr.

Branches :

Eastern N. L. Hatch, Jr. 

Kentucky--E. Cressman 

Central P. L. Williams 

Western M. C. Blake, Jr. 

Engineering R. L. Schuster 

Sp'ecial Projects W. S. Twenhofel 

Astrogeologic Studies

 M. H. Carr 

Paleontology and Stratigraphy

 J. E. Hazel

Regional

Regional

Regional

Geol. ,

Geol. ,

Geol. ,

Eas

Cen

Wes

£ Geochemistry & Geophysics 

R. Tilling (acting)

Branches:

Experimental Geochemistry and

Mineralogy--D. Stewart 

Field Geochemistry and Petrology

-W. E. Hall 

Isotope Geology--B. Doe 

Analytical Laboratories B. Fabbi 

Petrophysics and Remote Sensing

--K. Watson 

Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism

--F. Frischknecht

Regional Geophy s ics --M . F. Kane 

Regional Geochemistry--.!. J. Connor

Office of Marine Geology

C. D. Masters (acting)

Branches:

Pacific-Arctic Geology

 D. W. Scholl 

Atlantic-Gulf of Mexico Geology

--J. C. Behrendt

Office of Earthquake Studies 

R. M. Hamilton

Branches :

Seismic Engineering--R. B. Matthiesen 

Seismicity and Earth Structure

--L. C. Pakiser 

Earthquake Mechanics and Prediction

 P. L. Ward 

Earthquake Hazards R. P. Page

Office of Inter

J. A. R

Branches:

Latin American 

 A. H. Chide

Middle Eastern 

--D. F. David

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

Office of the Assistant Division 

Chief for Resource Evaluation

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

As

Western Regi on--Menlo Pa,rk 

Office of the Regional Conservation Manager

Acting Regional Manager H. A. Oden 

Asst. Regional Manager vacant

Area Mining Supervisor Alaska Pacific Area 

L. H. Saarela

Area Hydraulic Engineer Western Area 

J. L. Colbert

Area Geothermal Supervisor--Menlo Park 

R. T. Stone

Central Region--Denver 

Office of the Regional Cons. Manager

Regional Manager--G. H. Horn

Office of the Asst. Conservation Manager

Anchorage, Alaska

J. M. Jones

Gulf of M

Offi

Mana

Eastern Region--Wash

Office of the Regional C

Regional Manager--G

Area Oil and Gas Supervisor--Alaska Area 

R. A. Smith

Area Geologist--Alaska Area 

R. H. McMullin

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

Chief Hydrologist

J. S. Cragwell, Jr.

Associate Chief Hydrologist

0. M. Hackett

Office of Water

Data Coordination

R. H. Langford

1

Asst. Chief Hydrologist for 

Scientific Publications and 

Data Management 

G. W. Whetstone

1 1

Asst. Chief Hydrologist 

for Operations 

I. J. Buchanan

Administrative Officer 

C. S. Herbert, Jr.

Asst. Chief Hydrologist for 

Research and Technical 

Coordinat ion 

E. A. Moulder

_L

Northeastern Regional

Hydrologist 

J. T. Callahan

_L

Southeastern Regional 

Hydrologist 

L. B. Laird

Central Regional 

Hydrologis t 

Alfred Clebsch, Jr.

Western Regional 

Hydrologis t 

W. H. Robinson

Alaska District Chief 

Harry Hulsing

1 1 1

Juneau Subdistrict 

V. K. Berwick Chief

Anchorage Subdistrict 

R. S. George Chief

Fairbanks Subdistrict 

J. P. Meckel Chief

I

FIGURE 4. Organization of the Water Resources Division.

OFFICE OF THE DIVISION CHIEF

Division Chief- -R. H. Lyddan 

Associate Chief- -R. B. Southard

J.

Office of Plans and

Program Development

Chief D. G. Frederick

Office of Research and 

Technical Standards 

Chlef--R. R. Mullen

Eastern Mapping

Cent er 

Chief--P. F. Bermel

Rocky Mountain

Mapping Center

Chief--A. E. Letey

Western Mapping

Center 

Chief vacant

Special Mapping

Center 

Chief R. E. Fordham

Alaska Resident 

Engineer 

T. Taylor

FIGURE 5. Organization of the Topographic Division.

A7
WATER RESOURCES DIVISION

The Alaskan water resources program includes 

the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data 

on the availability and quality of surface and 

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

These basic water data provide a broad base to 

support the proper management of the State's 

water and related land resources.

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

Western Region office and are the responsibility 

of W. H. Robinson, Regional Hydrologist, 345 

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

323-8111, ext. 2337. The Anchorage District 

office is in the Skyline Building, 218 E Street, 

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

the supervision of Harry Hulsing, District Chief. 

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

responsible for planning and supervising Alaskan 

activities.

The field activities of the Alaska District are a 

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

south-central and western Alaska and is under 

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

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

office, which is responsible for operations in 

southeastern Alaska, is under the supervision of 

Vernon K. Berwick, and is located at 441 Federal 

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

(907) 586-7216. The Fairbanks Subdistrict office 

is responsible for operations in nothern 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.

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 27 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 

LANDSAT (satellite) images. Itineraries and personnel lists of all field parties are prepared as 

early in each year as possible and are available at 

the Public Inquiries Office for consultation.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

The Alaska Field Office of the Administrative 

Division is located at 204 Skyline Building, 218 E 

Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501. This office, 

supervised by Betty J. Mclntire, provides service 

and supply support to U.S. Geological Survey 

offices and personnel in Alaska; telephone 

number is FTS 265-4494, -5297 or commercial 

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

the immediate supervision of Harvey Haynes is 

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

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

Base, Anchorage, Alaska 99506. A warehouse for 

the Fairbanks area located at Ft. Wainwright is 

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

is (907) 353-4219.

EMERGENCY SEARCH AND RESCUE

To initiate search and rescue in cases of

A8
emergency, contact the Air Rescue Coordination 

Center at Anchorage at any time during the day 

or night. Communications can be made directly to 

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

752-3437, through the Alaska Field Office, either 

telephone or radio (see section on "Radio Network"), nearest FAA Flight Service Station, 

military installation, or State Troopers. To the 

extent possible, specify location and nature of 

emergency, time of the accident, number of people 

involved, and the nature of the possible injuries. 

For the purpose of notifying headquarters and 

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

ALASKA SURVEY COMMITTEE

The Alaska Survey Committee provides a 

means for discussion and coordination of Alaska 

activities; all divisions of the Geological Survey 

operating in Alaska are represented on the Committee. Joe Jones, Conservation Division, chairs 

the group for 1977; other members are Harry 

Hulsing, Water Resources Division; Thomas E. 

Taylor, Topographic Division; Margaret I. Erwin, 

Publications Division; Thomas P. Miller, Geologic 

Division; and Betty J. Mclntire, Administrative 

Division.

RADIO NETWORK

Radio officer for Alaska is Florence Weber, 

Geologic Division, Fairbanks, Alaska 99708 (907) 

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

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

1977 field season, the U.S.G.S. base station in Anchorage, KWA 351, will monitor the above two 

frequencies during working hours. Alaska Public 

Fixed 5167.5 (5168.9) kHz will be monitored by 

commercial stations WKD 22 in Anchorage and 

KGA 85 "Broadmoor" in Fairbanks from 6:00 

a.m. through 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. through 

10:00 p.m., respectively.

During the present sunspot cycle, operators in 

Alaska will probably continue to find 3211 kHz 

the most reliable frequency for daytime use 

within 200 miles of a base station and 5380 kHz 

most reliable at greater distances. After dark, 

3211 kHz will be the best all-distance frequency 

when skip is too long on 5380 kHz.

ALASKA CORE LIBRARY

In August and September 1976, the Geological 

Survey moved its collection of oil well samples 

from Fairbanks to Anchorage, as part of a longrange plan to develop a conveniently located and 

usable Alaska Core Library.

The nucleus of the Survey's Alaskan well archives is about 100 tons of cores taken in the late 

1940's and early 1950's during exploration of 

Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4 (NPR-4). In subsequent years some additional cores and larger 

holdings in cuttings were acquired from exploration wells on Federal land throughout the State, 

especially in the Cook Inlet, Alaska Peninsula 

and Gulf of Alaska basins. North Slope cores and 

cuttings should increase considerably during the 

next few years because of the transfer of NPR-4 to 

the Department of Interior on June 1, 1977.

The Alaska Core Library's new home is in three 

ex-military buildings located near the crest of 

Government Hill in Anchorage. The buildings 

were acquired from General Services Administration in the spring of 1976. Mrs. Betty J. Mclntire, 

Administrative Division, directed a refurbishment program that was completed by midsummer and included an architectural survey, 

repairs to heating, electrical and plumbing systems, and exterior painting and cleanup. Funds 

for the refurbishment were contributed by both 

Geologic and Conservation Divisions.

Windsor L. "Doc" Adkison, on loan from the 

Branch of Oil and Gas Resources, organized and 

directed the massive shipment of samples from 

Fairbanks to Anchorage. Steps involved in the 

move included repacking the NPR-4 cores in 

3-foot cardboard boxes (from the original 5-foot 

wooden boxes), assembling the boxes on pallets, 

and loading them into vans for shipment on The 

Alaska Railroad. The core racks at Fairbanks 

were disassembled and shipped to Anchorage 

where they were modified to fit 3-foot boxes prior 

to being set up in the Government Hill facility.

The Branch of Alaskan Geology manages the 

Alaska Core Library on behalf of a user board 

whose members are: Branch of Alaska Geology, 

Branch of Oil and Gas Resources, Conservation 

Division, and Office of National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.

It will be several months before the Library is 

able to accommodate general Survey or public 

usage. Much reorganization and consolidation of 

samples remain to be accomplished, two of the

A9
buildings lack plumbing and heating, and a permanent curatorial staff will not be assembled 

until mid-1977. Perhaps by mid-summer, the 

Alaska Core Library will be open for business.

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 in LANDSAT Satellite. 

The EROS Program is managed by the U.S. 

Geological Survey and directed by John N. Denoyer, with headquarters at EROS Program, U.S. 

Geological Survey, 1925 Isaac Newton Square 

East, Reston, Va. 22090; (703) 860-7881 to-7885.

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

(605) 594-6511, is responsible for distributing 

LANDSAT 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, 

Fairbanks, Alaska 99708; (907) 479-7487, was initially established by NASA to provide assistance 

to Alaskan ERTS-1 investigators and is now 

being operated under contract to the EROS Program to provide assistance to the 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.

A LANDSAT browse file is maintained at the 

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

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

279-4523. Visitors may look at black and white 

imagery (scale 1:1,000,000) which represents all 

areas covered in Alaska. Complete U.S. and 

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

Alaskan LANDSAT imagery is also available 

for inspection at the Public Inquiries Office, U.S. 

Geological Survey, Rm. 108, Skyline Building, 

508 Second Ave., Anchorage, Alaska 99501.

GEOGRAPHY PROGRAM

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., 

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

and land-cover classification system for use with 

remote sensor data: U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 

964, 28 p.). In Alaska, mapping of the Fairbanks 

(I°x3°) quadrangle has been completed, and the 

map will be released to open file in early 1977 at 

1:250,000 scale.

Research efforts are underway in the Geography Program to develop techniques for producing land-use and land-cover data and maps from 

LANDSAT computer-compatible tape digital 

data. LANDSAT data are first classified by computer processing. Sites of typical land-use and 

land-cover are identified in the field and then 

spectrally and geographically related to the 

LANDSAT data. The necessary preliminary 

fieldwork has been accomplished for applying 

such techniques to the Anchorage-Kenai region, 

and several I°x3° l:250,000-scale quadrangles 

are planned for production in 1977.

In another Geography Program research project, the onshore land-use and land-cover impact of 

offshore oil and gas development in three separate test sites is being evaluated by Harry F. Lins. 

The Cook Inlet area is one of these sites. Aerial 

photography is being analyzed to document 

land-use and land-cover changes resulting from 

offshore development. Commercial, residential, 

and institutional development in the town of 

Kenai was documented and studied, as well as the 

industrial development of Nikiski. The Cook Inlet

A10
area was chosen as a test site because it was a 

frontier area with respect to energy development, 

and the land-use and land-cover changes that occurred in Kenai were almost entirely a result of 

the offshore oil and gas industry activity. Research results will be submitted to the U.S.G.S. 

Journal of Research.

For information on these programs, 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 in projects in which 

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

chief. Some of the projects are statewide in scope, 

but most focus on one or more aspects of topography, hydrology, or geology in particular parts of 

Alaska. The regions into which Alaska is divided 

for this report are shown in figure 6; project locations are shown in figures 7-15. This chapter 

summarizes statewide and regional Survey projects active during 1976. Summarized in a later 

part are projects undertaken in cooperation with 

various other Federal, State of Alaska, and local 

agencies. Projects in more than one region, but 

not statewide in scope, are shown on maps and 

tables for all regions covered, with a summary 

given in the primary region.

STATEWIDE PROJECTS

Project: Mineral resources of Alaska.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

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

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

(Elizabeth Young, 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,

1975. and will be current as of December 31,

1976. early in 1977.

Project: Technical Data Unit.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

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

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: The Technical Data Unit aims 

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

listings of all geologic data published on Alaska 

by the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Bureau 

of Mines, and the State of Alaska Division of 

Geological and Geophysical Surveys and to fill 

requests for copies of open-file reports of the 

Alaskan Geology Branch and other Menlo Park 

U.S. Geological Survey Branches doing research in Alaska.

Project status: As this is a continuing project, no 

percentage-of-completion data are applicable. 

Requests for information are filled as received.

Project: Alaskan Branch information processing.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Elizabeth Yount, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: This is an ongoing 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. This year special emphasis is being 

given to the computer files of Alaskan geochemical analyses. Stored in Denver using a file system called RASS, the files are being updated 

and augmented to provide a better tool for the 

current mineral resource assessment of Alaskan lands. Methods of access and manipulation 

of data in these files are being improved.

Project status: The updating of RASS geochemical files is well underway in Menlo Park as well

All
TABLE 1. Statewide projects

Name of project; map key Personnel Type of work

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

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

Survey personnel and to 

general public

Statewide

Alaskan Branch information Elizabeth Yount 

processing

Creation, maintainence and 

promulgation of computer 

banks of geologic data

Alaska Mineral Resource

Assessment Program (AMRAP); 

fig. 8

B.C. Berg and other Geologic 

Division personnel

Appraisal of mineral Statewide 

resources through geologic 

mapping and gaophysical and 

geochemical analyses

Lands at imagery and

applications in Alaska 

(AMRAP)

N.R.D.Albert, W.C.Staele, 

J.R.LeCompte, and 

Topographic Division

Interpretation of Landsat Statewide 

imagery in support of AMRAP 

systematic and synoptic 

objectives

Geochronology and geochemistry M.L.Silberman 

of igneous rocks and related 

ore deposits

Study mineralized and 

unmineralized plutons, 

stocks and related 

volcanic rocks

Statewide

Southeastern Alaska 

geochronology

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

Talkeetna Mountains, 

Tanacross, Goodnews, and 

Big Delta quadrangles

Arctic environmental studies 

program; fig. 9 (area 7), 

(17), fig. 10 (5), (6), 

fig. 13 (14)

0.J.Ferrians,Jr. and other 

Geologic and Water 

Resources Division 

personnel

Field and office collection Statawide 

and use of geotechnical data 

related to transportation 

corridors and other areas 

of development

Pipeline environmental and 

geotechnical resources 

(Arctic environmental 

studies program)

K.M.Blean Collection, storage and

retrieval of geotechnical 

data

Statewide

Arctic engineering geology 

(TAPS); fig. 7 (1)

A.T.Ovenshine and other 

Geologic and Water 

Resources Division 

p ers onnel

Collection of basic data 

and report preparation

Trans-Alaska pipeline 

corridor, Prudhoe Bay 

to Valdez

Hydrologic environment of 

the trans-Alaska pipeline 

system (TAPS); fig. 7 (1)

J.M.Childers Operation of basic data 

network of stream-gages 

and water quality 

monitoring sites, studies of 

hydrologic hazards such as 

glaciers, icings, floods, 

and channel eroeion, 

assessment of impact on 

hydrology

Trans-Alaska pipeline 

corridor, Prudhoe Bay 

to Valdez

Alaska earthquake hazards; 

fig. 7 (2)

George Plafker Evaluation of risk from 

tectonic displacement, 

seismic shaking and 

secondary geologic effects

Statewide, especially

southern and southwestern 

Alaska

Geologic/tectonic map of 

the Arctic

Michael Churkin.Jr. Map compilation All areas bordering Arctic 

Ocean

Alaska geothermal T.P.Miller, R.L.Smith Geologic mapping, Interior Alaska, Aleutian

geochemical and geophysical Islands, Alaska Peninsula,

studies Wrangell Mountains

A12
TABLE 1. Statewide projects Continued

Name of project; map key Personnel Type of work

Tin, tungsten, and

molybdenum deposits In 

Alaska; fig. 7 (area 3), (4)

Travis Hudson Geologic mapping,

geochemlcal analysis

Statewide, especially

Bendeleben and Ketchlkan 

quadrangles

Frecambrian of Alaska G.D.Eberlein, M.A.Lanphere Map compilation

Environmental geology of 

Alaska coal lands

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

R.A.Farrow

Literature research, field 

and aerial-photographic 

mapping, primarily of 

surficlal deposits, with 

environmental interpretations

Statewide, with emphasis 

In Susitna Valley

Alaska gravity surveys D.F.Barnes Gravity surveys In support 

of AMRAF and Glacier Bay 

project s

Potential uranium resources 

In Tertiary basins in Alaska

K.A.Dicklnson Stratigraphic studies, 

geochemical analyses

Statewide, with present

emphasis In Cook Inlet area

Glaclology studies;

fig. 7 (5), (6), (7), (8)

L.R.Mayo Studies of ice physics, 

motion, balance, aerial 

monitoring

Columbia, Gulkana, Black

Rapids, Wolverine Glaciers 

statewide photography

Alaska ground-water appraisal Chester Zenone Summary of State's groundwater resource

Arctic water resources and 

environmental studies

J.M.Chllders Investigations of arctic 

Alaska water resources, 

hydrologic hazards to 

development and potential 

Impacts on water resources 

resulting from potential 

development

Arctic and subarctic Alaska

as Denver. Priority is being given to updating 

records of stream sediment analyses from central Alaska, including the Yukon-Kuskokwim 

delta region. By April, it is expected that the 

files will be reasonably complete for that region, in time to provide data for the 

l:l,000,000-scale mineral appraisal being conducted for AMRAP. Updating and augmenting 

will expand subsequently to the files covering 

the rest of Alaska. It is anticipated that the 

entire process can be completed in slightly more 

than a year.

Project: Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment 

Program (AMRAP).

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

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

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

Project objectives: In 1976 public and private concern about the classification, allocation, and 

development of Alaska's vast lands and natural 

resources burgeoned. In response to this concern, the Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment 

Program (AMRAP) in 1976 set two closely 

coordinated and interdependent objectives designed specifically to furnish information for 

decisions about Alaska's lands (table 2; figure 

8). One objective, based on a l:250,000-scale 

quadrangle format, is a systematic statewide 

assessment of terranes having high economic 

mineral potential. The other objective, based on 

a l:l,000,000-scale map format, is a synoptic 

mineral appraisal of the 83.47 million acres 

proposed for classification as National Interest 

(d-2) lands under the Alaska Native Claims 

Settlement Act (ANCSA). This objective, informally termed "RAMRAP" (Regional AMRAP), is scheduled for completion by early 

1978, about a year in advance of the December 

1978 deadline for final Congressional action on 

ANCSA.

A13
174" 171' 168° 165° 162° 159° 153° 150- 147° 144° 141°

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

Ol

170° 168° 166' 164° 162° 160° 158" 156° 154°

FIGURE 7. Locations of statewide projects.

132" 130°
TABLE 2. Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment Program (AMRAP)

Quadrangle s Regions

Objective

Area (million 

acres)

Deadline 

AdequacyMethod 

Scope & 

staff

Scale

Activity

Research 

components

Products

Systematic statewide mineral resource 

assessment (MRA)

375 (86.3 in the quadrangles listed on 

figure 8)

Indefinite 

Level II

Systematic assessment of Alaskan lands 

having high mineral resource potential; 

Multidisciplinary MRA teams; 25 quads 

scheduled 1974-1978

1:250,000

Field and laboratory studies in all 

research components

Geology, geochemistry, geophysics

(aeromagnetics, gravity), telegeology, 

economic geology, mineral economics

For each quadrangle, a folio of 1:250,000- 

scale maps and report (Circular) giving 

background information and summary of 

results

Develop technique for synoptic (d-2 intensive) 

mineral resource assessment. High d-2 impact

Provide nuclear areas of intensive studies for 

extension into adjacent areas of 

reconnaissance studies. High d-2 impact

New information for incorporation into synoptic 

(d-2 intensive) MRA. High d-2 impact

Resource information for governmental decisions 

on classification and allocation of Alaskan 

lands having high potential for undiscovered 

mineral resources

Mineral inventory for planning national 

minerals policy

Information for state, business, and native 

interests to plan orderly and efficient 

development of a mineral industry in Alaska

Publicize new mineral exploration technology 

that might result from AMRAP

Synoptic mineral resource assessment of proposed 

National Interest (d-2) lands ("RAMRAP")

83.47

Early 1978

>Level I, <Level II

Synoptic; d-2 intensive; Regional coordinators + 

assistants + appropriate consulting specialists 

for the designated regions: N. Alaska, C. 

Alaska, S. Alaska, Seward Peninsula

1:1,000,000

Phase I:

Compilation of available information

Integration of new information from current 

Alaskan field and laboratory investigations

Acquisition of Landsat imagery

Acquisition of selected geophysical surveys 

Phase II:

Interpretation and synthesis

Economic geology, geophysics, telegeology, 

geochemistry, mineral economics

Phase I: Basic Data Package:

For each region, a folio of l:l,000,000-scale 

maps and Landsat image, and a pamphlet 

giving background information 

Phase II: Interpretation and synthesis:

For each region, a report assessing the mineral 

resources of proposed National Interest (d-2) 

lands

Information for Department of Interior and for 

Congressional action on classification and 

allocation of Natipnal Interest (d-2) lands 

proposed under ANCSA

 Adequacy levels are defined in U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 940, p. 18-19. Level I studies include compilation of 

published and unpublished references and records to provide enough data to delineate areas that are known to have 

promising mineral potential. Level II studies include reconnaissance mapping, remote sensing, and sampling of 

broad areas and provide results adequate for making land-use decisions regarding mineral potential. Potential 

targets for detailed studies or exploration for future development may be designated.

This multidisciplinary program is being carried out mainly by geologists and subprofessionals in the Branch of Alaskan Geology, in 

collaboration with specialists from other 

branches in the Geologic Division. In addition, 

several geoscientists from the Alaska Division 

of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, the

University of Alaska, and the Bureau of Mines 

also are participants. 

Project status:

Systematic objective:

1. Field and laboratory studies leading to resource assessment are completed in 

eight l:250,000-scale (I°x3°) quadranA16
174" 171° 168" 165" 162° 159" 153° ISO" 147° 144" 141

1:250,000-scale quedrangle scheduled 

for resource assessment, 1974-78

Quadrangle

McCarthyNabesna

Talkeetna

Ketchlk en-PR 

Philirp Smith 

Sewerd-SS

Chignik-Sutwik 

Lake Clark

Bering Glacie

CordoveEagle

Medfra

Ophir

designated for 1:1,000,000-scele »v 

(d-2 intensive) mineral resource asse 

A. Northern Alaska C, Southern Alask 

B, Central Alaska D, Seward Peninsu

174' 176° 178" 180° 17S° 176° 174

170° 168° 166° 164° 162° 160° 158 156° 154°

FIGURE 8. Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment Program (AMRAP).

134° 132°
gles and underway in five others. These 

quadrangles total approximately 36.7 

million acres, of which 8.3 million acres 

has been proposed for classification as 

National Interest (d-2) lands.

2. Mineral resource assessment (MRA) folios 

are published or in press for Tanacross 

and McCarthy quadrangles. They encompass about 8.8 million acres, of 

which 3.4 million is proposed as d-2.

3. More than 20 other AMRAP-sponsored 

topical research reports on the geology, 

geochemistry, geophysics, and mineral 

resources of Alaska are published (see, 

for example, U.S. Geological Survey 

Circulars 733 (1976) and 751-B (1977)).

4. New potential resources of molybdenum, 

chromite, gold, and tin were discovered 

in the Talkeetna quadrangle.

5. Significant increases were recognized in 

size of resources of copper in the Ketchikan and Talkeetna Mountains quadrangles.

6. A potentially economic porphyry molybdenum deposit was discovered near 

Burroughs Bay in the Ketchikan quadrangle. This deposit was staked by 

commercial interests in 1976.

7. Other important results of mineral resource investigations carried out under 

AMRAP are summarized in descriptions 

of individual quadrangles and of other 

AMRAP activities elsewhere in this report. 

Synoptic objective:

Plans include compilation and synthesis 

(Phase I on table 2) of basic geologic, 

geophysical, geochemical, and Earth 

satellite data for resource assessment of 

the 83.47 million acres of proposed National Interest (d-2) lands. About half of 

Phase I was completed as of January 1, 

1977.

Project: LANDSAT imagery and applications in 

Alaska (AMRAP).

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project Chief: N.R.D. Albert, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

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

Project objectives: The principal objectives of this 

project are: (1) to furnish AMRAP team leaders 

and principal investigators with LANDSAT 

materials for reconnaissance purposes; (2) to 

provide unique geologic, structural, and tectonic information relevant to mineral resource 

assessment for each AMRAP quadrangle; (3) to 

construct a controlled l:l,000,000-scale Lambert conformal false-color LANDSAT mosaic 

for each of the synoptic mineral-resource assessment areas (RAMRAP); and (4) to provide 

additional geologic, structural, and tectonic information for each RAMRAP area that may not 

be obtained by other methods. The types of 

LANDSAT products used are: (1) black and 

white, single-band LANDSAT mosaic of 

Alaska; (2) computer-enhanced false color, color 

ratio, simulated color and first-derivative black 

and white images; and (3) interactive computer 

displays allowing detailed analysis of specific 

areas.

Project status: The Nabesna and McCarthy quadrangle studies have been completed and published. The Tanacross quadrangle manuscript 

is in review. Computer-compatible tapes for 10 

other quadrangles are being processed at the 

Center for Astrogeology, Flagstaff, Arizona. 

Images for Talkeetna quadrangle have been 

processed and are undergoing analysis. 

Analysis of images for the Chandalar quadrangle will commence upon completion of computer processing.

Over 130 Landsat images have been selected 

for use in the l:l,000,000-scale false-color 

mosaic. Mockup mosaics of the RAMRAP areas 

have been constructed. Photogrammetric control has been established for all images; rectification of images in the northern region will be 

necessary. Color image production will be handled by one of several commercial photographic 

laboratories presently conducting tests to determine optimum techniques.

Project: Geochronology and geochemistry of

igneous rocks and related ore deposits in

Alaska.

Region: Statewide. 

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

Geology. 

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

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park,

A18
Calif. 94025: (415) 323-8111, ext. 2675.

Project objectives: The objective is to study, 

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

project areas to ascertain: (1) the chemical and 

mineralogic nature of the igneous rocks; (2) the 

origin of the igneous rocks; (3) the relationships 

in space and time between the igneous rocks 

and associated ore deposits that bear on the 

genesis of the ore deposits; and (4) the regional 

history of Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic, and 

magmatism. Accomplishment of these basic objectives will lead to development of criteria for 

exploration to locate new ore deposits. Recognition of areas favorable for location of new ore 

deposits and evaluation of mineral potential of 

areas known to have them are hampered by 

lack of knowledge of how and why ore deposits 

form. Knowledge of the role of igneous rocks in 

ore-forming processes is vital to understanding 

ore genesis. Spatial association alone suggests 

an important causative relationship which 

should be evaluated.

Project status: The project officially became active in October 1976, but the project leader has 

worked on these objectives for 3 years under the 

AMRAP program. Accomplishments in 1976 

include: (1) location of an area of possible subsurface porphyry copper mineralization in the 

Willow Creek mining district, in the southern 

Talkeetna Mountains; (2) completion of a geochronological study of porphyry copper and 

molybdenum mineralization in granitic rocks 

of the Nabesna and Klein Creek batholiths; 

(3) completion of a stable isotope and geochronological study of the Kennecott massive 

sulfide deposits; and (4) refinement of ages of 

plutonic rocks of granitic to gabbroic composition in the McCarthy quadrangle.

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 and the 

age of ore deposits 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 on a limited service basis. For this 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. A report on the 

intrusive and metamorphic history of the Coast 

Range in the Ketchikan area, based on the 

K-Ar data, is in preparation. Other problems 

currently under study include: age of Tertiary 

volcanic rocks in the Talkeetna Mountains; age 

of plutonic intrusions in Tanacross and Big 

Delta quadrangles; time of emplacement of ultramafic rocks in Big Delta quadrangle and 

Tracy Arm area; and timing of latest movement 

on the Togiak-Tikchik fault.

Project: Arctic Environmental Studies Program.

Region and map keys: Statewide; fig. 9 (7), (17); 

fig. 10 (5), (6); fig. 13 (14).

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

A19
geologic processes that are either unique to or 

especially active in the arctic environment; and 

(3) to observe and record geotechnical maintenance and environmental problems that arise 

during the operation of the trans-Alaska oil 

pipeline in order to determine the location, 

character, and extent of these problems and 

their relation to geologic conditions and processes. These observations will allow an evaluation of the adequacy of the technical stipulations in controlling adverse environmental 

impacts and make it possible to improve stipulations for future engineering projects that 

would have a significant impact on the environment.

Project status: This program includes the following activies: (1) reconnaissance engineeringgeologic investigations of the Arctic Coastal 

Plain between Prudhoe Bay and the Canadian 

border; (2) reconnaissance surficial and 

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) reconnaissance surficial and 

engineering-geologic mapping of the 

transportation-development corridor between 

Fairbanks and the Canadian border along the 

Tanana Valley; 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: Pipeline Environmental and Geotechnical Resources (Arctic Environmental Studies).

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Kathleen M. Blean, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2832.

Project objectives: The primary objective is to collect engineering-geologic data that have been 

and continue to be made available during the 

development of transportation corridors 

throughout the state of Alaska. A second objective includes development of methods of storage 

and retrieval of these data to allow quick recovery of specific information for evaluation. Immediate access to this type of data is invaluable

in planning for development of new transportation corridors, as well as in observations of operations and maintainance phases of already 

existing corridors and facilities. 

Project status: The primary emphasis in the first 

year of this project has been on collection and 

organization of reference materials used in 

preparation of environmental impact statements for the trans-Alaska oil pipeline and the 

proposed natural gas pipelines. These materials 

have been moved to a central location, in Menlo 

Park, and a computer-based bibliography has 

been prepared. Continuing efforts include acquisition of all available new materials, including published and unpublished books and maps, 

air photographs, and soil boring logs, and development of a data base for storage and retrieval of all available engineering-geologic 

data from Alaska and other arctic and subarctic 

areas.

Project: Arctic Engineering Geology (TAPS).

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

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

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: The principal objectives of this 

project include: (1) for the Technical Advisory 

Board to the Department of the Interior Task 

Force on Oil Development and for the Federal 

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

trans-Alaska Pipe System (TAPS) in terms of 

their accuracy and merit, prepare (in collaboration with other government agencies) an Environmental Impact Statement, prepare and 

review environmental and technical stipulations controlling the planning, construction, 

and operation of the proposed pipeline, and 

make recommendations in regard to possible 

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

prepare for publication engineering-geologic 

data that will aid in determining the proper 

route, design, construction, and maintenance of 

TAPS and that will provide similar aid to other 

engineering activities generated by the 

petroleum-related development of northern 

Alaska; (3) collect and synthesize basic geologic 

data concerning the character and distribution

A20
of permafrost, surficial deposits, and bedrock 

along the pipeline route; (4) evaluate new 

techniques, such as remote sensing, that will 

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

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

Project status: Most of the objectives of this project have been accomplished. 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 important to the proper construction and safe operation of the 

pipeline.

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

Region and map key: Statewide, Prudhoe Bay to 

Valdez; fig. 8 (1).

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

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

Survey, 218 E Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 277-5526.

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

system (TAPS). A basic-data network of 

stream-gaging and water-quality monitoring 

stations will be maintained and operated to 

provide records of hydrologic conditions along 

the TAPS route throughout the life of the 

pipeline. Hydrologic hazards including floods, 

icings, glaciers, and channel erosion and their 

interactions with TAPS will be studied. 

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

development impacts associated with TAPS. 

The studies will provide technical information 

on interactions of hydrologic processes, some of 

which are identified by the National Academy 

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

Research Associated with the Trans-Alaska 

Pipeline System," published in 1975.

Project status: This project, begun in 1970, is 

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

water data are published in the Alaska District 

annual basic-data reports. The project has 

begun 31 additional reports, 23 of which have 

been published (1 in 1976).

Project: Alaska earthquake hazards.

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: George Plafker, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: The overall objective of this 

project is to study and evaluate risk in Alaska 

from tectonic displacement, seismic shaking, 

and secondary geologic effects. A more general 

goal is to gain insight into tectonic processes 

within the seismically active zones of Alaska, 

with special emphasis on south-central Alaska.

Project status: The project is a 5-year program; 

fieldwork to be completed by September 1977 

and final reports prepared by 1978. The 1976 

fieldwork focused on the study of surficial features associated with all parts of the 

Totschunda and Denali fault systems in southern and southwestern Alaska. In addition, the 

McGinnis Glacier, Donnelly Dome, Granite 

Mountain, Shaw Creek, Healy Creek, and Pass 

Creek faults were also examined. The primary 

objective of the fieldwork was to determine the 

nature, amount, and age of recent displacements, if any, on these structures. These 

studies complete major project field investigations in southern Alaska. Remaining fieldwork 

is to be completed during the 1977 field season 

and is to include reconnaissance study of faults 

with known or suspected recent displacement 

in east-central Alaska, the southern Brooks 

Range, and Seward Peninsula. Several maps 

and reports have been completed, and others 

are being prepared.

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.

A21
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 in 

perspective.

Project status: A preliminary tectonic map of 

Alaska showing age and type of basement rocks 

has been compiled. Work on areas of the Arctic 

outside the United States is awaiting receipt of 

papers for an internationally authored new 

book on the Geology of the Arctic Ocean Basin.

Project: Alaska geothermal.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

Geology. 

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

Survey, 1209 Orca St., Anchorage, Alaska

99501; (907) 272-8228. 

Project objective: The objective is to evaluate the

geothermal resources of Alaska through

geologic, geochemical, and geophysical studies

of hot springs and areas of recent volcanism. 

Project status: Fieldwork is complete, and the

final reports are in preparation.

Project: Tin, tungsten, and molybdenum deposits 

in Alaska.

Region and map keys: Statewide; fig. 8 (3), (4).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chief: Travis Hudson, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: The primary objectives of this 

project are to determine the age, petrology, 

geochemistry, and origin of the tin-granite 

complex of the Serpentine Hot Springs area, 

Seward Peninsula, Alaska and its relationship 

to associated mineralization. In addition, the 

project is to identify the general nature of 

tungsten and molybdenum deposits throughout 

Alaska.

Project status: The project is to be completed by 

January 1978. A report on the results of a detailed study of the tin-granite complex of the

Serpentine Hot Springs area (Seward Peninsula) has been prepared; strontium and stable 

isotope studies of this complex are continuing 

and several additional reports are planned. Intrusive rocks associated with the Wilson Arm 

molybdenite deposit, southeastern Alaska, 

were examined and sampled during the 1976 

field season in order to identify their general 

petrology and geologic setting. Laboratory 

studies of these rocks are continuing, and a preliminary report has been prepared.

Project: Precambrian of Alaska.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology, and Office of Geochemistry and 

Geophysics, Branch of Isotope Geology.

Co-Leaders: G. Donald Eberlein and Marvin A. 

Lanphere, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 

Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

(415) 323-8111, ext. 2210 and 2649, respectively.

Project objectives: In response to the growing 

public demand for earth resources and in recognition of the need for closer examination of 

the largely overlooked mineral resource potential of the Earth's Precambrian terranes, the 

Subcommission on Precambrian Stratigraphy 

of the International Union of Geological Sciences' Commission on Stratigraphy, has requested that Working Groups be established in 

all parts of the world where Precambrian rocks 

form a significant part of the geology of the region. This activity, with particular concern for 

Alaska, is one of seven that constitute the 

Working Group for the United States and 

Mexico. The immediate objective is preparation 

of publishable chronometric geologic charts, 

with interpretative text, for each Precambrian 

region of Alaska. These charts, together with 

similar compilations by other segments of the 

U.S. and Mexico Working Group will serve as a 

key first step to intercontinental and intracontinental comparisons of Precambrian rocks and 

events and also will help identify critical problems for future geologic and chronologic research.

Project status: Initial evaluation of definite and 

probable Alaskan Precambrian terranes has 

been completed, and preliminary geologic 

chronometric charts have been compiled. These

A22
charts and accompanying explanatory text will 

probably be published in about 1 year.

Project: Environmental geology of Alaska coal 

lands.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Environmental Geology, Engineering 

Geology Branch.

Project chiefs: Henry R. Schmoll and Lynn A. 

Yehle, U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25046, Mail 

Stop 903 KCG, Denver, Colo. 80225; (303) 

234-3290 and 234-2999, respectively.

Project objectives: The objectives of the project 

are to provide an understanding of the nature, 

location, and extent of general environmental 

concerns and potential problems caused by response of geologic materials, both surficial deposits and bedrock, to surface and underground 

coal mining, energy conversion, facility siting, 

and accompanying land utilization for associated development (including transportation 

routes and urban development) throughout 

Alaska. There are two phases of the project: 

(1) an overview to delineate all areas of the 

State where there is a reasonable potential for 

coal-mining activity or intense exploration, and 

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

studies in selected areas most likely to be sites 

of major development in the foreseeable future.

Project status: 1977 is the first year of this project. The overview is being compiled from existing literature, including statewide maps of bedrock geology, surficial deposits, permafrost, and 

other elements, with field checking at selected 

sites; more detailed field investigations in the 

Susitna River valley are being initiated. Some 

work on completing the adjoining Anchorage 

Borough project will continue as part of this 

project.

Project: Alaskan gravity surveys.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Geochemistry and Geophysics, Branch 

of Regional Geophysics.

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

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: In the past the prime objectives of Alaskan gravity surveys have been the

completion of a l:2,500,000-scale map of the 

State and the location of basins of sedimentary 

rocks beneath large areas of alluvial cover. 

Now the emphasis is shifting to provide data 

suitable for a few l:250,000-scale maps to study 

some of the anomalies that seem to be associated with mineralization and to provide 

background data for land-use decisions in cooperation with the Alaska Mineral Resources Assessment Program (AMRAP) and the Glacier 

Bay National Monument Wilderness Study. 

Project status: The release in early 1976 of a preliminary version of the first state gravity map 

at a scale of 1:2,500,000 ended a period in which 

small-boat transportation provided most of the 

skeletal network of gravity data that made the 

map possible. The same data set has been used 

to provide l:l,000,000-scale compilations to 

satisfy the synoptic objectives of the Alaskan 

Mineral Resource Assessment Program (RAMRAP). In addition, aircraft support obtained 

through cooperation of geochemical and geological field parties is providing denser coverage of 

100 to 600 stations in a few 1:250,000 quadrangles that are being systematically studied 

as areas of high economic mineral potential. 

Station density is good enough in a few of these 

quadrangles to justify terrain corrections and 

the preparation of complete Bouguer anomaly 

maps. In some quadrangles the preparation of 

such complete Bouguer anomaly maps has been 

greatly aided by receipt of digital terrain data 

on magnetic tapes supplied by the Department 

of Defense. These data provided the basis for 

such a map of the lower elevation part of the 

McCarthy quadrangle, which is now in preparation. During the past summer, field gravity 

data to support equivalent or better maps were 

obtained for the Mt. Fairweather (Glacier Bay 

Monument area), Talkeetna, Seward, Goodnews, Hagemeister Island, Ambler River, and 

Philip Smith Mountain quadrangles. Complete 

Bouguer maps and interpretations will probably become available for a few of these quadrangles.

Project: Potential uranium resources in Tertiary

basins in Alaska. 

Region: Statewide. 

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Energy Resources and Marine GeolA23
ogy, Branch of Uranium and Thorium Research 

and Resources.

Project chief: Kendell A. Dickinson, U.S. Geological Survey, P.O. Box 25046, Mail stop 976, 

Lakewood, Colo. 80225; (303) 234-5667.

Project objectives: Project objectives are to 

evaluate the possibility of epigenetic uranium 

deposits in selected Tertiary basins in Alaska 

and to delineate areas for prospective drilling. 

Emphasis is placed on sandstone-type deposits. 

Source rocks, host rocks, and geochemistry or 

uranium will be evaluated.

Project status: Cook Inlet, including parts of the 

Susitna and Matanuska River valleys, is the 

first area to be studied. Samples were collected 

from the Beluga and Sterling Formations on 

the Kenai Peninsula, the Beluga Formation 

near Peters Creek in the Susitna Valley and 

the Chickaloon Formation in the Matanuska 

Valley. Stratigraphic sections were measured 

on the Kenai Peninsula. The samples have been 

analyzed for thorium, uranium, and other elements and a preliminary report is being prepared.

Project: Glaciology studies.

Region and map keys: Statewide (mainly southern Alaska); fig. 8 (5), (6), (7), (8).

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: Lawrence R. Mayo, 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 

hazards related to glaciers and other surface ice 

forms.

Project status: Continuing activities are: yearround fieldwork 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 

soundings have been made on Black Rapids 

Glacier to calculate the volume of ice involved 

in the next surge. Radar soundings of Gulkana, 

Wolverine, and Snow Glaciers are being made 

to aid understanding of ice dynamics. Analysis 

of ongoing climatic changes is in progress.

Project: Summary appraisal of Alaska's 

ground-water resources.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: Chester Zenone, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 1209 Orca St., Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 279-1563.

Project objectives: This study will develop a 

broad-perspective analysis of Alaska's 

ground-water resources that will (1) serve as a 

guide to water-resource development as the 

various Federal, State, and local government 

land-use plans are implemented; (2) identify 

present and potential water-resource problems 

and the need for expanded programs of 

ground-water data acquisition and processing; 

(3) propose and evaluate alternatives for additional ground-water development; and (4) 

examine the role of ground water in helping to 

alleviate water-resource problems.

Project status: A first draft of a report was completed in December 1976. Publication of a report in the Professional Paper series is 

scheduled for 1977.

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.

A24
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, icing, glaciers, and channel erosion are 

being evaluated in development areas. Stream, 

lake, spring, and aquifer characteristics are 

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

studies include water-quality evaluation and 

attention to icings and acceleration of erosion. 

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

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

continuing project. Accomplishments include 

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 gas pipelines.

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 (751-B). Interim accounts of 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: Southeastern Brooks Range geology. 

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

Geology. 

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

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: Objectives are: (1) geologic 

field mapping at 1:250,000 scale of the unmapped two-thirds of Arctic and Table Mountain quadrangles; (2) biostratigraphic and 

lithofacies studies of the Carboniferous Lisburne and Permian and Triassic Sadie ro chit 

Groups; (3) reconnaissance geochemical sampling and study of mineralized areas for resource assessment.

Project status: The southern part of the Arctic 

quadrangle and all four margins of the Table 

Mountain quadrangle have been mapped in the 

course of several previous investigations from 

1911 to 1972. A preliminary geologic map of the 

Table Mountain quadrangle based on the 

available field data and photointerpretation 

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

the igneous rocks have also been done previously; the results have been outlined in a preliminary report on the mineral resource potential of the Arctic National Wildlife Range, 

placed on open file in 1976. An area of lead 

mineralization was reexamined briefly in 1976 

in connection with a geochemical reconnaissance of the southeastern part of the Table 

Mountain quadrangle by James Barker, U.S. 

Bureau of Mines.

Project: Philip Smith Mountains quadrangle 

(AMRAP).

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology and Branch of Exploration Research.

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

U.S. Geological Survey, Building 53, Federal 

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

ext. 4813; Hillard N. Reiser and William P. 

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

345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

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

Project objectives: Reconnaissance geologic, 

geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic 

mapping for rapid assessment of mineral resources. Planned fieldwork includes: (1) 

geologic mapping at 1:250,000 scale, study of 

the Sadlerochit Group, and reconnaissance 

study of the Devonian rocks; (2) a geochemical

A25
TABLE 3. Regional projects, northern Alaska

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work

Southeastern Brooks Range; 

fig. 9 (area 1)

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

R.L.Detterman, J.T.Dutro.Jr geochemical sampling

Arctic and Table Mountain 

quadrangles

Philip Smith Mountains 

quadrangle (AMRAP); 

fig. 9 (2)

H.N.Reiser, W.P.Brosgl, 

J.B.Cathrall, S.P.Marsh, 

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

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

and other Geologic Division 

personnel

Geologic mapping,

geochemical sampling, 

geophysical survey, 

mineral-resource 

assessment

Philip Smith Mountains 

quadrangle

Survey Pass quadrangle 

(AMRAP); fig. 9 (3)

Donald Grybeck Geologic mapping,

geochemical sampling, 

mineral-resource 

assessment

Survey Pass quadrangle

Ambler River quadrangle 

(AMRAP); fig. 9 (4)

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

I.F.Ellersieck, S.H. 

Hackett, N.R.D.Albert

Geologic, geochemical, 

geophysical, and 

telegeologlc surveys, 

mineral-resource 

assessment

Ambler River quadrangle

Gubik Formation (western 

Alaska Cenozoic); fig. 

9 (5)

L.D.Carter, D.M.Hopkins Stratigraphic analysis, 

including paleomagnetic 

and paleontologic studies

Umiat to Prudhoe Bay

Ipewik-Kukpuk; fig. 9 (6) I.L.Tailleur, C.H.Mayfield Geologic mapping,

Stratigraphic, tectonic, 

and palinspastic synthesis

Western North Slope

Arctic Coastal Plain (Arctic 

environmental studies 

program); fig. 9 (7)

O.J.Ferrians.Jr. Reconnaissance engineering Northeastern Alaska 

geologic studies, geologic 

mapping

North Slope Petroleum 

Program

R.D.Carter and other 

Geologic Division 

personnel

Appraisal of petroleum 

potential by means of 

surface and subsurface 

geological, geophysical 

and geochemical studies

North Slope

Geophysical investigations 

(North Slope Petroleum 

Program); fig. 9 (8)

B.A.Kososki Acquisition of data through 

fleldwork and interpretation thereof

Eastern North Slope

Lower Cretaceous depositional 

environment project (North 

Slope Petroleum Program); 

fig- 9 (9)

W.L.Adkison Well core studies North Slope

Outcrop investigations 

(North Slope Petroleum 

Program); fig. 9 (10)

C.G.Mull and other 

Geologic Division 

personnel

Outcrop observations to Northern Alaska 

determine structure, facies 

relationships, reservoir 

potential; sampling for 

geochemical and 

paleomagnetic analyses

Reservoir study of Lisburne 

group; structural and 

Stratigraphic studies 

(North Slope Petroleum 

Program) ; fig. 9 (11)

Petrographic studies of 

cores and samples; 

detailed well-log 

correlations; 

structural/stratigraphic 

profiles integrating 

geologic and geophysical 

data

Eastern part of North Slope

Geologic-geophysical profile 

across the Brooks Range 

Front; fig. 9 (12)

Gravity and magnetic

surveys, data reduction 

and compilation

Northeastern Alaska

Barrow Observatory; 

fig. 9 (13)

J.B.Townshend Geomagnetic observatory

A26
TABLE 3. Regional Projects, northern Alaska Continued

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work

National Petroleum Reserve: 

fig. 9 (area 14)

A.E.Letey and Topographic Topographic mapping 

Division personnel

Unmapped part of National 

Petroleum Reserve

Alaska Pipeline Revision; 

fig. 9 (15), fig 10 (8)

R.E.Fordham and Topographic Updating of topographic Pipeline route from Prudhoe 

Division personnel mapping Bay to Fairbanks

Eastern Brooks Range;

fig. 9 (16), fig. 10 (9)

A.E.Letey and Topographic Topographic mapping 

Division personnel

Eastern Brooks Range

Surficial geology, central 

Brooks Range (Arctic 

Environmental Studies); 

fig. 9 (17), fig. 10 (6)

See table 4 and section entitled "Regional projects, east-central Alaska."

Hughes-Shungnak area;

fig. 9 (18), fig. 11 (5)

See table 5 and section entitled "Regional projects, west-central Alaska."

survey; (3) completion of the regional gravity 

survey; (4) an aeromagnetic survey; and (5) 

analysis of hydrocarbon potential of shales. 

Project status: All fieldwork and analyses for 

metals have been completed. The geologic mapping was done in 1975 and 1976 by Reiser, 

Brosge, Robert L. Detterman and J. T. Dutro, 

Jr.; a Saderochit Group fence diagram by Detterman was published in 1976 (MF-744). Kenneth J. Bird is studying the hydrocarbon reservoir potential of the Lisburne Group and the 

source rock potential of shales. In 1976 Cathrall, Sherman P. Marsh, and four assistants 

collected geochemical samples at about 750 

localities and gravity data at about 300; the 

stream sediment data will be published early in 

1977. A National Geodetic Survey gravity profile will supplement the gravity data; data reduction by David F. Barnes will probably include terrain corrections. The aeromagnetic 

survey began in October 1976, and preliminary 

study of LANDSAT imagery has been done by 

J. R. LeCompte.

Project: Survey Pass quadrangle (AMRAP). 

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

Geology. 

Project chief: Donald Grybeck, U.S. Geological

Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska

99501; (907) 272-8228.

Project objectives: Reconnaissance geologic, 

geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic 

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

mapping at 1:250,000 scale, with detailed 

studies of mineral deposits (2) geochemical 

sample survey primarily through use of stream 

sediments and altered or mineralized rocks 

with detailed investigations of selected mineral 

deposits; (3) sampling mineralized areas for age 

determinations and for trace-elements and 

stable-isotope studies; (4) an aeromagnetic interpretation; (5) regional gravity study; and (6) 

investigation of potential for radioactive energy 

resources.

Project status: The project is planned for one field 

season. Fieldwork in 1977 will consist of 

geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, gravity measurements, and detailed investigations 

of mineralized areas. Preliminary maps and reports are scheduled for publication in 1978.

Project: Ambler River quadrangle (AMRAP). 

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

Geology. 

Project chiefs: I. L. Tailleur (party chief) and

C. H. Mayfield (team leader), U.S. Geological

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park,

A27
153"

162' °\ c *U '

0 100 200 KILOMETERS 

I i ... I__________I

67"

FIGURE 9. Locations of projects, northern Alaska.

A28
Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2254 and 

2147, respectively.

Project objectives: Reconnaissance geologic, 

geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic 

mapping for rapid assessment of mineral resources. Fieldwork included completion of 

geologic, geochemical, and gravity surveys at 

1:250,000 scale of quadrangle that contains 

most of the known southwest Brooks Range 

mineral belt.

Project status: Data have been collected and are 

being compiled for folio release June 1977. The 

Alaska Division of Geology and Geophysics 

(DOGG) has released in open file geologic and 

stream-sediment surveys of the southeastern 

part of the quadrangle done in 1972, cooperative stream-sediment surveys of the southcentral and southwestern part of the quadrangle done in 1973 and 1974, and 1:63,360- 

and l:250,000-scale aeromagnetic maps of the 

whole quadrangle. G. H. Pessel (DOGG) and 

W. P. Brosge have compiled, for immediate release, a preliminary geologic map based on 

1955, 1966, and 1972-74 studies. Mayfield has 

integrated 1976 mapping of the north part of 

the quadrangle with earlier work to produce a 

geologic base for other maps in the folio. I. Ellersieck has assembled analyses of all geochemical samples for release and is preparing 

geochemical maps for mineral-resource assessment. S. Hackett (DOGG) will derive 

geophysical maps based on available 

aeromagnetic, gravity, and geologic data. 

N. R. D. Albert has begun telegeologic maps, 

based in part on ground-to-LANDSAT-image 

correlations made in the field.

Project: Western Alaska Cenozoic Gubik Formation Study.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 9 (5).

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. 

2682 and 2659 respectively.

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

erosion and depositon 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, ostracods and mollusks should 

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 provide a basis for 

interpretation of paleoclimate. The project operates in cooperation with the Arctic nearshore 

studies of Erk Reimnitz and Peter Barnes, providing knowledge of the onshore stratigraphy 

that will assist in interpretation of seismic 

records and information obtained during offshore drilling. Information gathered 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: Samples gathered during the 

summer of 1975 have been examined for 

foraminifers, ostracods and mollusks, and fossil 

wood has been identified. Pollen studies and 

grain size analyses are in progress. An open-file 

report detailing the results of the investigation 

is in preparation.

Project: Ipewik-Kukpuk (western North Slope).

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 9 (6).

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: Mapping and interpretation of 

the geology of the western Brooks Range orogen 

and the northern Alaska petroleum province.

Project status: G. H. Pessel (Alaska Division of 

Geological and Geophysical Surveys) and Tailleur assembled and synthesized publicly accessible information from the Colville-Canning 

Rivers petroleum exploration regions into a 

multisheet folio of subsurface isopach and 

structure maps; the folio is in review for publication in the Miscellaneous Field Investigations Map series. Unpublished geologic mapA29
ping of the northern De Long Mountains and 

Misheguk Mountain guadrangles by E. G. 

Sable and others during 1949 to 1951 has been 

compiled into l:63,360-scale bases and is also 

being reviewed for release. Observations of 

Sinnektaneyak Mountain in the west-central 

Brooks Range in 1976 included detailed sampling of the easternmost synform of allochthonous, ophiolitelike rocks.

Project: Arctic Coastal Plain (Arctic Environmental Studies Program).

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 9 (7).

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 in this region (for example, the 

proposed Arctic Gas Pipeline). Planned 

fieldwork includes engineering-geologic mapping at a scale of 1:125,000. Studies of permafrost conditions, geomorphic features permafrost-related processes, and other geologic processes important to arctic engineering will be 

emphasized. Potential geotechnical problems 

that require special consideration include: slope 

stability, drainage conditions, frost action, 

thawing of permafrost, availability of natural 

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

Project status: Enough data have been collected 

during 5 weeks of helicopter-supported 

fieldwork to prepare preliminary engineeringgeologic maps of the entire region. After these 

maps have been prepared, 3 to 4 weeks of 

fieldwork will be required to prepare the final 

maps. Preliminary engineering-geologic maps 

will be completed for open files or the Miscellaneous Field Studies Map Series in 1977.

Project: North Slope Petroleum Program.

Region: Northern Alaska.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Energy Resources, 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, geophysical and 

geochemical 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: Individual projects include a reservoir study of the Lisburne Group, K. J. Bird; 

a subsurface seismic, gravity and well data 

study of the structural style of the eastern 

Brooks Range foothills, K. J. Bird, D. M. 

Giovannetti, R. D. Carter; interpretation of a 

north-south seismic record integrating gravity 

and well data, R. D. Carter, B. A. Kososki; 

gravity and magnetic studies of the Arctic National Wildlife Range, B. A. Kososki, C. D. 

Cavit, D. M. Giovannetti; geochemical and 

paleomagnetic analyses of eastern North Slope 

and western Brooks Range outcrop samples and 

shallow cores, C. G. Mull, G. W. Newman; 

transfer and organization of surface and subsurface rock material from Fairbanks to Anchorage, W. L. Adkison; general field investigations, Arctic National Wildlife Range and western Brooks Range, C. G. Mull; and helium 

"sniffer" surveys, eastern North Slope, C. G. 

Mull.

Project: Geophysical investigations (North Slope

Petroleum Program).

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and

Gas Resources. 

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

A30
Survey, Box 25046, MS 934, Denver Federal 

Center, Denver, Colo. 80225; (303) 234-4750.

Project objectives: The primary objective is to 

gain knowledge of the general subsurface stratigraphy of the North Slope sedimentary basin 

through utilization of geophysical data.

Project status: Gravity and magnetic surveys 

were conducted during the summer of 1976 in 

the Arctic National Wildlife Range and in the 

Shaviovik area. A U.S.G.S Bulletin describing 

the gravity field and rock densities of the Arctic 

National Wildlife Range along with a 

generalized geologic map of that area will be 

published in 1977. Seismic digital data processing by the U.S.G.S. Phoenix system of a sample NPR-4 seismic line has been completed and 

the highly satisfactory results described in an 

open-file report. Synthetic seismograms have 

been produced from five digitized sonic logs by 

the same system and will be used in the interpretation of a north-south seismic line across 

the North Slope.

Project: Lower Cretaceous depositional environment project (North Slope Petroleum Program).

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and 

Gas Resources.

Project chief: W. L. Adkison, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: The objective is to determine 

depositional environments, facies trends, hydrocarbon reservoir, and source potential of the 

Nanushuk Group in NPR-4 through the study 

of well cores. This project is carried out in conjunction with a similar study of outcrops of the 

Nanushuk.

Project status: Project will begin early in 1977. 

As a forerunner to this project all the rock 

material in U.S.G.S. storage in Fairbanks was 

moved to Anchorage. When storage facilities 

are complete and the material has been 

cataloged, it will be available for inspection in 

Anchorage.

Project: Outcrop investigations project (North

Slope Petroleum Program). 

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 9

(10). 

Organizational status: Geologic Division, Office

of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and Gas Resources.

Project chief: C. G. Mull, U.S. Geological Survey, 

345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

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

Project objectives: Project studies are focused on 

assessment of the hydrocarbon potential of the 

North Slope. Studies of the Brooks Range to 

clarify its structural style and history and to 

show its relation to rocks underlying the Arctic 

Foothills and Coastal Plain are being carried 

out in conjunction with the Branch of Alaskan 

Geology. Study of the hydrocarbon reservoir 

and source potential of various stratigraphic 

horizons is an important aspect of assessment of 

the hydrocarbon resource potential of the unexplored part of the North Slope, including 

NPR-4 and the Arctic National Wildlife Range.

Project status: Eastern North Slope fieldwork in 

1976 included outcrop mapping and collection 

of samples for organic geochemical analysis, 

porosity and permeability determinations in 

potential hydrocarbon reservoir horizons, and 

paleontological study. Samples were also collected for a pilot study to determine the 

applicability of helium geochemistry as a remote hydrocarbon detection tool in permafrost 

terrain. These data, along with gravity and 

magnetic data obtained by B. A. Kososki, will 

be used in a preliminary report assessing the 

petroleum potential of various parts of the Arctic National Wildlife Range. G. W. Newman 

and others sampled several sections of 

Paleozoic rocks as part of a paleomagnetic 

study of the Brooks Range; the results of this 

study will be reported separately. Fieldwork 

was also carried out in the area of the upper 

Noatak River in the Schwatka and Endicott 

Mountains as part of a continuing study of the 

structural style and extent of major allochthonous sequences in the Brooks Range.

Project: Reservoir study of Lisburne Group and 

structural and stratigraphic studies in the 

eastern foothills of the Brooks Range (North 

Slope Petroleum Program).

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 9 

(11).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and 

Gas Resources.

A31
Project chief: Kenneth J. Bird, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: The goal is to map reservoir 

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

then constructing a series of lithofacies maps. 

Analysis of Lisburne well logs and selective 

study of well samples and thin sections are designed to determine reservoir characteristics 

and lithofacies. Study of well, geophysical, and 

surface data in the foothills of the eastern 

Brooks Range (Shaviovik area) is designed to 

provide a better understanding of the Cretaceous and Tertiary depositional setting and 

stratigraphic relations and to document further 

the tectonic style of the Brooks Range front.

Project status: A comprehensive report on the 

reservoir properties of the Lisburne Group has 

been released in open file and will appear in the 

American Association of Petroleum Geologists 

Bulletin. Additional study of well and outcrop 

data will allow extension of the study area and 

the construction of maps based on a correlation 

network and definition of the lithofacies. Gravity, magnetic, and other field data gathered 

during the past field season are being processed 

and will be combined with seismic and well information for structural and stratigraphic 

studies in the eastern foothills.

Project: Geologic-geophysical profile across the 

Brooks Range front, northeastern Alaska.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 9 

(12).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Energy Resources, Branch of Oil and 

Gas Resources.

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

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: The objective is to determine 

the structural style of the Brooks Range front 

and its relation to the petroleum potential of 

this area by studying a strip about 10 miles 

wide by 40 miles long extending from 

Shaviovik anticline in the foothills to Wahoo 

Lake in the range. This area is uniquely suited 

to a study of this type because of the variety of 

geologic and geophysical data available and the 

presence of the Kemik gas field. The data consist of surface geologic maps, three wells, several seismic lines, gravity and magnetic measurements, and rock samples. 

Project status: Gravity and magnetic data from 

50 stations were collected along this profile last 

summer by Dennis Giovannetti and Bruce 

Kososki. Data reduction by Giovannetti is 

nearly complete. Measurements of magnetic 

susceptibility of surface and subsurface samples are in progress, as are terrain corrections 

for some gravity stations. A stratigraphic 

summary of data from three wells and numerous outcrop sections along the profile is nearly 

complete. Acoustic logs from the wells have 

been digitized, and work is in progress on construction of synthetic seismograms. Review and 

updating of the surface geology by means of 

aerial photographs are also in progress. Data 

will be released by open file as soon as each 

phase of the study is completed. The stratigraphic summary, gravity data, and magnetic 

data are scheduled for release sometime in early 

1977. Final publication will be as a Bulletin.

Project: Barrow observatory.

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 9

(13).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Geochemistry and Geophysics, Branch 

of Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism.

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

Project objectives: The project entails 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: National Petroleum Reserve.

Region and map key: Northern 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 aims to provide 

new l:63,360-scale maps for that part of the 

National Petroleum Reserve (NPR-4) presently 

unmapped at that scale.

A32
Project status: There are 82 l:63,360-scale quadrangles to be mapped. The feasibility of 

generating control using special aerotriangulation procedures is currently being investigated. 

If successful, no field operations will be necessary, and map compilation will begin in FY 

1977.

Project: Alaska pipeline revision.

Region and map keys: Northern and east-central 

Alaska; fig. 9 (15); fig. 10 (8).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Special Mapping Center.

Project chief: Roy E. Fordham, Chief, Special 

Mapping Center, 1925 Newton Square East, 

Reston, Va. 22090; (703) 471-1711.

Project objectives: The objective is to revise 40 

l:63,360-scale maps and 9 l:250,000-scale maps 

from Prudhoe Bay to the vicinity of Fairbanks 

to show the trans-Alaska pipeline, service 

roads, and other related features.

Project status: The revision of the l:63,360-scale 

maps will be completed in FY 1977. The 

l:250,000-scale revision is expected to be completed in FY 1978.

Project: Eastern Brooks Range.

Region and map keys: Northern and east-central 

Alaska; fig. 9 (16); fig. 10 (9).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

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

Mapping Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 

80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project will provide new 

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

previously unmapped at this scale. The project 

area consists of 57 l:63,360-scale quadrangles.

Project status: Twenty-three quadrangles have 

been published, with one additional quadrangle 

awaiting publication. Complete aerial photography coverage has now been obtained for the 

remaining 33 quadrangles. Advance manuscript copy for these quadrangles should be 

available by 1978.

EAST-CENTRAL ALASKA

Project: Big Delta quadrangle (AMRAP). 

Region and map key: East-central Alaska; fig. 10

(1). 

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

Geology.

2OO KILOMETERS 

__I

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

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

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: Primary objectives are to complete reconnaissance geologic mapping of the 

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

complete a reconnaissance geochemical sampling program; and evaluate the mineral resource potential of the area using geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and LANDSAT data.

Project status: Reconnaissance geologic mapping 

and reconnaissance geochemical sampling will 

be completed in 1977 by Helen L. Foster, Florence R. Weber, and Terry E. C. Keith. Final 

reports and maps should be completed by 1980. 

Preliminary geologic maps at a scale of 

1:63,360 have been published for the A-l and 

B-l quadrangles (MF-676), are compiled for 

publication of the A-2 and A-3 quadrangles, 

and are being compiled for the C-4 and other 

quadrangles. About 415 rock samples and 430 

stream-sediment samples from the Big Delta 

quadrangle have been analyzed by semiquantitative spectrographic analysis. Additional 

geochemical sampling will be done in 1977. 

Rocks from several localities have been dated 

by the K-Ar method by James G. Smith and 

Frederic H. Wilson.

ASS
TABLE 4. Regional projects, east-central Alaska

Name of project; map key Personnel Type of work Areas

Big Delta quadrangle 

(AMRAP); fig. 10 (1)

H.L.Foster, F.R.Weber, 

I.E.C.Keith, T.D.Hessln

Geologic mapping, minaralresource assessment

Big Delta quadrangle

Yukon Tanana Upland; 

fig. 10 (2)

H.L.Foster Geologic mapping,

geoch-emical sampling and 

special geologic studies

Eagle, Tanacross, Circle, 

and Big Delta quadrangles

Tanacross quadrangle (AMRAP): 

fig. 10 (3)

H.L.Foster and other 

Geologic Division 

personnel

Geochemlcal sampling, 

mineral-resource 

assessment

Tanacross quadrangle

Chandalar quadrangle 

(AMRAP); fig. 10 (4)

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

Reiser, D.E.Detra, S.C. 

Smith, T.A.Doerge, A.J. 

Medrano, J.H.DeYoung, Jr., 

J.Cady, D.F.Barnes, N.R.D. 

Albert

Geochemical sampling, 

geophysical survey, 

mineral-resource 

assessment

Chandalar quadrangle

Tanana Valley

t ransportatlon/developnent 

corridor; Fairbanks to 

Canadian border (Arctic 

Environmental Studies); 

fig. 10 (5), fig. 13 (14)

L.D.Carter, J.P.Galloway Geologic mapping of 

surficial deposits

Tanana Valley, Fairbanks 

to Canadian border

Surficial geology, central 

Brooks Range (Arctic 

Environmental Studies); 

fig. 10 (6), fig. 9. (17)

T.D. Hamilton, J. P.McCalp in Surficial geologic mapping, 

stratlgraphic studies

Philip Smith Mountains, 

Chandalar and Wiseman 

quadrangles

College Observatory; 

fig. 10 (7)

J.B.Townshend Geomagnetic and seismic Fairbanks 

observatory

Alaska Pipeline Revision; 

fig. 10 (8), fig. 9 (15)

See table 3 and section entitled "Regional projects, northern Alaska.

Eastern Brooks Range;

fig. 10 (9U fig- 9 (16)

See table 3 and section entitled "Regional projects, northern Alaska.

Project: Yukon-Tanana Upland.

Region and map keys: East-central and southern 

Alaska; fig. 10 (2); fig. 13 (17).

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: Objectives include geologic 

mapping, geochemical sampling, and special 

geologic studies in the Yukon-Tanana Upland.

Project status: A full-color geologic map (scale 

1:250,000) of the Eagle quadrangle (Map 1-922) 

is completed (1976). Work is continuing on the 

granitic rocks, but most of the activity of this 

project is now incorporated in the Big Delta 

AMRAP project.

Project: Tanacross quadrangle (AMRAP).

Region and map key: East-central Alaska; fig. 10 

(3).

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: 

(1) mineral resource evaluation of a poorly exposed geologically complex area using geologic, 

geochemical, geophysical, and LANDSAT data; 

and (2) presentation of the basic data used 

along with its interpretation.

Project status: The project is nearly finished and 

will be completed by the end of 1976 or early in 

1977. An aeromagnetic map and interpretation

A34
(MF-767-A) and 10 geochemical maps (MF767F-0) were completed in 1976. Interpretations of LANDSAT data, a mineral resource 

evaluation, and a gravity map are in preparation. Circular 734 (1976) describes the results of 

this project.

Project: Chandalar quadrangle (AMRAP).

Region and map key: East-central Alaska; fig. 10 

(4).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology and Branch of Exploration Research.

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

U.S. Geological Survey, Building 25, Federal 

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

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

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

345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

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

Project objectives: Geochemical, geophysical, 

telegeologic and mineral-deposit mapping will 

be combined with the available geologic reconnaissance map and aeromagnetic survey to 

provide the data for a rapid assessment of the 

mineral resources. 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.

Project status: In 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 and Geophysical Surveys, mapped 

and sampled copper mineral deposits. All 

analyses of stream sediments, rocks, and 

panned concentrates have been completed. The 

stream-sediment data were placed in open file 

in 1976, and production of computer-generated 

maps and statistical data is in progress. The 

mineral-resource map is being prepared by 

John H. DeYoung, Jr., and an aeromagnetic interpretation map by John Cady. A detailed 

gravity profile made by the National Geodetic 

Survey across half the quadrangle in 1975 will 

supplement the nearly 150 measurements previously made. David F. Barnes will compile a 

map showing the regional gravity field, but

scarcity of data will probably limit specific 

geologic interpretation. Preliminary study of 

LANDSAT imagery has been done by Nairn 

R. D. Albert.

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

Region and map keys: East-central and southern 

Alaska; fig. 10 (5); fig. 14 (14).

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. 2682.

Project objectives: The project objective is to compile a map showing the distribution of unconsolidated surficial deposits within the 

transportation-development corridor that extends southeastward up the Tanana Valley 

from Fairbanks to the Canadian border. Tables 

accompanying the map will include a description of lithology, topography, and geologic 

hazards in terms of the map units. Planned 

fieldwork includes geologic mapping at a scale 

of 1:125,000 in parts of the Fairbanks, Big 

Delta, Mt. Hayes, Tanacross, and Nabesna 

quadrangles.

Project status: Existing geologic mapping has 

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

checking and additional geologic mapping were 

undertaken in 1976 and will be completed in 

1977. A preliminary geologic map will be prepared in 1978.

Project: Surficial geology of the central Brooks 

Range (Arctic Environmental Studies Program).

Region and map key: Northern and east-central 

Alaska; fig. 10 (6); fig. 9 (17).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

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

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

Project objectives: The major objective is to provide data essential for investigations of

A35
energy-related transportation corridors across 

the central Brooks Range and for other studies 

involving land-use analysis and classification. 

This objective is being accomplished through 

preparation of l:250,000-scale surficial geologic 

maps showing (1) character, age, and genesis of 

unconsolidated deposits, and (2) locations of 

landslides, debris flows, and other geologic 

hazards. The maps also will be of value to programs involving geochemical studies or resource assessments of unconsolidated sediments. A general stratigraphic framework, 

based on measured sections, radiocarbon dates, 

soil analyses, and geomorphic age criteria, also 

is being developed for the region. This 

framework, which will tie together glacial and 

nonglacial deposits of the northern and southern Brooks Range, will provide a basic structure to which other Quaternary events in 

northern Alaska can be related.

Project status: Field mapping and ancillary 

studies of the Philip Smith Mountains and 

Chandalar quadrangles were completed during 

the summer of 1976. Final l:250,000-scale 

maps of these two quadrangles will be submitted for publication in 1977. Field mapping during the summer of 1977 will be carried out in 

the Wiseman quadrangle. A l:250,000-scale 

surficial geologic map for the Wiseman quadrangle should be submitted for publication during the winter of 1977-78.

Project: College Observatory.

Region and map key: East-central Alaska; fig. 10 

(7).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Geochemistry and Geophysics, Branch 

of Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism.

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 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: Nixon Fork stratigraphic studies

(Hughes-Shungnak). 

Region and map key: West-central Alaska; fig. 11

(1).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

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

Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, 

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

2248.

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

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

basic geologic framework for assessing the 

mineral potential of the Ruby geanticline and 

the petroleum possibilities of the Minchumina 

basin. The Nixon Fork region was selected for 

these initial investigations because it is one of 

the few areas with good bedrock exposures 

within the densely vegetated terrain of the 

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

and structural investigations of the Nixon 

Fork-Iditarod fault zone.

Project status: The project is planned for three 

field seasons. Field stratigraphic studies were 

completed during 3 weeks in 1975 and 2 weeks 

in 1976 by W. W. Patton, Jr., J. T. Dutro, Jr., 

and R. M. Chapman. In 1977 field efforts will be 

focused on compilation of a regional geologic 

map of the Medfra quadrangle. Completion of 

final reports is planned for 1978.

Project: Arctic mineral resources (Ruby quadrangle).

Region and map key: West-central Alaska; fig. 11 

(2).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

A36
TABLE 5. Regional projects, west-central Alaska

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work

Nixon Fork stratlgraphlc

studies (Hughes Shungnak); 

fig. 11 (araa 1)

H.H.Patton,Jr., J.T.Dutro, 

Jr., R.M.Chapman

Stratlgraphlc studies, 

reconnaissance geologic 

mapping

Medfra quadrangle

Arctic mineral resources 

(Ruby quadrangle); 

fig- 11 (2)

R.M.Chapman, W.W.Fatten,Jr. Reconnaissance geologic 

mapping, geochemlcal 

sampling

Ruby quadrangle

Nome Investigations; 

fig- 11 (3)

C .L.Humme1 Geologic mapping, Nome area 

geochemical and geophysical 

studies, mineral-resource 

assessment

Western Alaska uranium; 

fig. 11 (4)

Hughes Shungnak area; 

fig. 11 (5), fig. 9 (18)

T. P. Miller, R.L. Elliot

A.E.Letey and Topographic 

Division personnel

Geologic mapping, detailed 

petrologlc studies

Topographic mapping

Seward Peninsula; parts of 

Selawlk, Shungnak, Hughes, 

Candle, Melozitna quadrang

Mostly In Hughes and 

Shungnak quadrangles

Environmental studies of the 

northern Bering Sea; 

fig. 11 (6J, fig. 12 (7), 

fig- 15 (7)

See table 9 and section entitled "Regional projects, offshore Alaska.

100 

i I

200 KILOMETERS

FIGURE 11. Locations of projects, west-central Alaska.

Geology.

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

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

Project objectives: The overall objective is to provide an adequate geologic base for assessments 

of mineral-resource potential, regional geologic 

interpretations, and land-use evaluations in

A37
central Alaska. The Ruby quadrangle includes 

a critical and previously largely unmapped 

area of the Ruby geanticline, one of the major 

geologic features in interior Alaska. The 

specific objectives of this project are to delineate 

the major rock units, their ages, and structural 

and geochemical characteristics and to identify 

the relations between these units and those 

mapped elsewhere along the Ruby geanticline. 

Project status: Reconnaissance geologic mapping 

and some bedrock geochemical sampling of 

about 85 percent of the Ruby quadrangle were 

done in a total of 21 days by R. M. Chapman 

and W. W. Patton, Jr., in 1975 and by Chapman, Patton, and J. T. Dutro, Jr., in 1976. 

Extensive vegetation cover and lack of time 

generally precluded detailed examinations, but 

further field studies are warranted in some 

parts of this area. Most of the 15 percent of the 

quadrangle that remains to be mapped is north 

of the Yukon River in the northwest part of the 

quadrangle. Completion of the geologic mapping and compilation of geologic and geochemical maps are planned for 1977.

Project: Nome investigations.

Region and map key: West-central Alaska; fig. 11 

(3).

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 geological, geochemical, and geophysical 

investigations in a 5,000-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: Fieldwork has been completed, 

and data sufficient to depict the geology and 

mineral deposits at 1:125,000 scale are available for all of the region. The metamorphic 

complex has been subdivided into several major 

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. Selective sampling of the 

rocks making up the units, and of detritus derived from them, has been completed, and most 

of the samples have been analyzed. These ananalytical results 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 are planned for release in 

1977.

Project: Western Alaska uranium.

Region and map key: West-central Alaska; fig. 11 

(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 St., Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 272-8228.

Project objectives: The objective is to evaluate the 

uranium-thorium potential of selected areas in 

western Alaska. The investigation will include 

geologic field mapping, together with petrologic 

and radioactivity studies, in order to determine 

the nature and scope of mineralized areas.

Project status: Approximately 30 percent of the 

project has been completed. Preliminary results 

will be released prior to the 1977 field season 

with final reports to follow.

Project: Hughes-Shungnak area.

Region and map key: West-central and northern 

Alaska; fig. 11 (5); fig. 9 (18).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

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

Mapping Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 

80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project will provide new 

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

presently unmapped at this scale. The project 

area consists of 55 l:63,360-scale quadrangles.

Project status: Recent acquisition of some commercial aerial photography, in addition to 

existing Air Force photography, gives complete 

coverage of the area. Geological Survey field 

parties were in Alaska during the summer of 

1976 assisting the Bureau of Land Management to obtain geodetic control for their land

A38
cadastral program and were also able to obtain 

mapping control for over 50 percent of this project area. A tentative schedule calls for advance 

manuscript copy to be available in 1979.

SOUTHWESTERN ALASKA

Project: Goodnews and Hagemeister Island 

quadrangles and parts of Bethel, Dillingham, 

and Nushagak Bay quadrangles (AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

12 (1).

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 using reconnaissance geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and 

telegeologic mapping. Fieldwork also includes 

sampling of old metamorphic terrane and intrusive bodies for radiometric dating.

Project status: Fieldwork planned for project has 

been completed with the collection of about 

1,200 geochemical samples, additional gravity

data, and additional samples from old metamorphic terrane. Completion of analytical work 

is scheduled for December 1976. Completion of 

final reports, scheduled for 1977, depends 

somewhat upon availability of modern 

l:250,000-scale topographic base map.

Project: Chignik-Sutwik Island quadrangles 

(AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

12 (2).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

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

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

Project objectives: Reconnaissance geologic, 

geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic 

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

mapping at 1:250,000 scale, with detailed 

studies of the Chignik and Naknek Formations; 

(2) geochemical sample survey primarily 

through use of stream sediments and altered or 

mineralized rocks with a detailed investigation

TABLE 6. Regional projects, southwestern Alaska

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work

Goodnews and Hagemeister J.M.Hoare, W.L.Coonrad, 

laland quadrangles and parts T.D.Hessin and other 

of Bethel, Dillingham, and Geologic Division 

Nushagak Bay quadrangles personnel 

(AMRAP); fig. 12 (area 1)

Geologic mapping, Goodnews, Hagemeister

geochemical sampling, Island, Bethel, Dillingham,

mineral resource assessment and Nushagak Bay quadrangles

Chignik-Sutwik Island 

quadrangles (AMRAP); 

fig. 12 (2)

R.L.Detterman Geologic mapping, Chignik and Sutwik Island 

geochemical sampling, quadrangles 

mineral-resource assesament

Lake Clark quadrangle 

(AMRAP); fig. 12 (3)

W.H.Nelaon Geologic mapping,

geochemical sampling, 

mineral-resource assessment

Lake Clark quadrangle

Russian Mission-BethelGoodnews; fig. 12 (4)

A.E.Letey and Topographic Topographic mapping 

Division personnel

Russian Mission, Bethel and 

Goodnews quadrangles

Port Holler; fig. 12 (5) A.E.Letey and Topographic Topographic mapping 

Division personnel

Port Holler and Cold Bay 

quadrangles

Petroleum geology of Cook 

Inlet basin; fig. 12 (6), 

fig. 13 (7)

See table 7 and section entitled "Regional projects, southern Alaska."

Environmental studies of the 

northern Bering Sea; 

fig. 12 (7), fig. 11 (6), 

fig. 15 (7)

See table 9 and section entitled "Regional projects, offshore Alaska."

A39
62°

200 KILOMETERS

FIGURE 12. Locations of projects, southwestern Alaska.

of prophyry copper deposits; (3) sampling 

mineralized areas for age determinations and 

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

an aeromagnetic survey and interpretation; (5) 

regional gravity study; and (6) geothermal investigation of volcanic centers. 

Project status: The project is planned for two field 

seasons. Fieldwork in 1977 will consist of 

geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, gravity measurements, and detailed investigations 

of mineralized and geothermal areas. Preliminary maps and reports are scheduled for 1978.

Project: Lake Clark quadrangle (AMRAP). 

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig.

12 (3). 

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

Geology. 

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

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park,

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

Project objectives: Reconnaissance geologic,

geochemical, geophysical, and telegeologic

mapping will provide the data for a rapid asA40
sessment of the mineral resources of the quadrangle. Fieldwork is to include: (1) geologic 

mapping at 1:250,000 scale, with detailed 

studies of the mineral deposits; (2) geochemical 

sample survey primarily through use of stream 

sediments and altered or mineralized rocks 

with detailed investigations of selected mineral 

deposits; (3) sampling mineralized areas for age 

determinations and for trace-element and 

stable-isotope studies; (4) an aeromagnetic survey and interpretation; (5) regional gravity 

study; (6) investigation of potential for geothermal and radioactive energy resources; and 

(7) geochronology and isotope investigations of 

intrusive rocks.

Project status: The project is planned for two field 

seasons. Fieldwork in 1977 will consist of 

geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, gravity measurements, and detailed investigations 

of mineralized areas. Preliminary maps and reports are scheduled for 1978.

Project: Russian Mission, Bethel, Goodnews 

quadrangles.

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

12 (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: The objective is to prepare 

three new l:250,000-scale maps to replace the 

reconnaissance maps of that series. This revision was made possible by mapping the remaining 24 l:63,360-scale maps of this area.

Project status: Advance manuscript copy is 

available for the 24 l:63,360-scale maps, with 

publication scheduled for about 1978. The three 

new l:250,000-scale maps are in work and are 

also scheduled to be published by 1978.

Project: Port Moller.

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

12 (5).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

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

Mapping Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 

80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: This project will prepare eight 

new l:63,360-scale quadrangles of the Port 

Moller area.

Project status: Some of these quadrangles had 

been partially compiled but lack of photographic coverage halted the work. Aerial photography has now been obtained, and map compilation will begin in FY 1977.

SOUTHERN ALASKA

Project: Seward-Blying Sound quadrangles 

(AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13 (1).

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 included: 

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

geochemical surveying for metals by sampling 

and analysis of stream sediments and pan 

concentrates; (3) aeromagnetic survey of the 

entire quadrangle; (4) obtaining additional 

gravity data to enhance existing map; (5) telegeologic mapping using LANDSAT (formerly 

ERTS) imagery; (6) detailed geologic mapping 

in gold district near Hope, Alaska, including 

mapping and geochemical sampling in mines; 

and (7) sampling of greenstones on Resurrection Peninsula and Knight Island for 

paleomagnetic studies.

Project status: Fieldwork was completed during 

the 1976 field season. Project work is now focusing on preparation of a folio that includes 

geochemistry, geophysics, telegeology, and 

mineral economics, in addition to the geologic 

data. A detailed study of the Hope gold district 

is being done by P. A. Mitchell. Paleomagnetic 

study of greenstones is under the direction of C. 

S. Gromme. The folio and additional reports on 

stratigraphy, structure, geophysics, and 

economic geology are scheduled for completion 

during 1977.

Project: Talkeetna quadrangle (AMRAP).

A41
TABLE 7. Regional projects, southern Alaska

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work

Seward-Blying Sound 

quadrangles (AMRAP); 

fig. 13 (area 1)

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

Winkler, P.A.Mitchell, 

C.S.Gromme, J.Hillhouse, 

R.Tripp, W.Crimm, 

M.L.Silberman

Geologic mapping, Seward and Blying Sound 

geochemical and geophysical quadrangles 

studies, mineral-reaource 

assessment

Talkeetna quadrangle 

(AMRAP); fig. 13 (2)

B.L.Reed, S.W.Nelson, R.L. Geologic mapping, Talkeetna quadrangle 

Detterman, A.K.Armstrong, geochemical and geophysical 

J.T.Dutco,Jr.,G.C.Curtin, studies, mineral-resource 

R.Karlson, I.F.Ellersieck, assessment 

R.Morin, R.Tripp

Alaska coastal environments; 

fig. 13 (3)

A.T.Ovenshine, S.R.

Bartsch-Winkler, Reuben 

Kachadoorian, Jeffrey 

Rupert

Sedimentology studies, core Turnagain Arm 

sampling and interpretation

Anchorage D-3 quadrangle 

(Earthquake Hazards); 

fig. 13 (4)

George Plafker, R.L. 

Detterman

Geologic mapping,

stratigraphic studies

Anchorage D-3 quadrangle

Gulf of Alaska Tertiary 

province; fig. 13 (5), 

fig. 14 (8)

George Plafker, G.R.Winkler, Fieldwork nearly complete, 

Travis Hudson, R.G.Tysdal, office compilation 

and other Geologic 

Division personnel

Yakutat, Mount Saint Ellas 

Bering Glacier, Icy Bay, 

Cordova, and Middleton 

Island quadrangles

Talkeetna Mountains 

quadrangle (AMRAP) ; 

fig. 13 (6)

Petroleum geology of Cook 

Inlet basin; fig. 13 (7), 

fig. 12 (6) '

Bela Caejtey.Jr. , R.L. 

Miller, W.H. Nelson, M.L. 

Silberman

L. B.Magoon

J.D.Sims. M.J.Rvmer.

Geologic mapping, 

geochemical sampling

Framework and petroleum 

geology

B a thv metric and limnoloeic

Talkeetna Mountains quadrang 

and adjacent areas (mainly 

in Anchorage quadrangle)

Cook Inlet region

Kenai Peninsula

surveys, coring of lake 

bottoms; assessment of 

earthquake recurrence 

intervals

Alaska seismic studies J.C.Lahr, M .E.Blackford, 

C.Stephens, S.C.Conens 

and other Office of 

Earthquake Studies 

personnel

Assessment of level of

seismicity and potential 

seismic risk, operation of 

SO siesmic stations

Cook Inlet to Yakutat

Anchorage Borough; 

fig. 13 (9)

Anchorage; fig. 13 (10)

Bering Glacier-Mount Saint 

Ellas area; fig. 13 (11)

Seward; fig. 13 (12)

H.R.Schmoll Surficial geologic mapping Anchorage Borough 

with environmental geologic 

interpretations

A.E.Letey and Topographic Topographic mapping 

Division personnel

A.E.Letey and Topographic Topographic mapping 

Division personnel

A.E.Letey amd Topographic Topographic mapping 

Division personnel

Anchorage area

Bering Glacier, Mount Saint 

Ellas, and Yakutat 

quadrangles

Seward area

Valdez; fig. 13 (13) A.E.Letey and Topographic 

Division peraonnel

Topographic mapping Valdez area

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13 (2). 

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

A42
TABLE 7. Regional projects, southern Alaska Continued

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work

Tanana Valley

t ransport ati on/development 

corridor, Fairbanks to 

Canadian border (Arctic 

Environmental Studies); 

fig. 13 (14), fig. 10 (5)

See table 4 and section entitled "Regional projects, east-central Alaska.

Engineering geology studies, See table 8 and section entitled "Regional projects, southeastern Alaska, 

certain coastal communities; 

fig. 13 (15), fig. 14 (5)

preliminary assessment of mineral resources in 

the quadrangle. Fieldwork consists of:

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

(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 mineralresource 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 was begun 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 completed studies on Tertiary coal 

bearing rocks; and Gary Curtin and Richard 

Karlson undertook 1 month of geochemical 

studies. In 1976 Reed, Nelson, and visiting 

geologists Detterman, Augustus K. Armstrong, 

and J. Thomas Dutro, Jr., completed geologic 

mapping of the quadrangle. Curtin, Karlson, 

and Richard Tripp spent 1 month completing a 

reconnaissance geochemical sampling program

138°

GULF OF ALASKA

100 

,1_

2OO KILOMETERS 

__I

FIGURE 13. Locations of projects, southern Alaska.

A43
and also provided logistical support for gravity 

measurements made by Robert Morin. The 

geologic map and final reports are scheduled for 

completion in 1977.

Project: Alaskan coastal environments.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13 (3).

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. 2231, 2234.

Project objectives: The original objective of the 

project was to gain an understanding of the 

sedimentary system of upper Turnagain Arm. 

The scope of the project is now being broadened 

to include studies of geologic hazards at 

selected sites in Alaska's coastal zone. Goals of 

the Turnagain Arm investigation are: (1) completing a reconnaissance of surface sediments 

by means of textural, compositional, and facies 

analysis; (2) preparing detailed sedimentological maps of Girdwood Bar; (3) studying transgressive intertidal deposits at Portage, formed 

as a result of subsidence accompanying the 

1964 Alaska earthquake; (4) evaluating post1964 erosion of the shoreline at Hope; (5) determining the age of placer gold deposits at 

Hope; (6) analyzing a 100-m sediment core from 

Portage; and (7) developing a better understanding of the Quaternary history of the 

Turnagain Arm area. Objectives of the Pillar 

Mountain landslide study are to evaluate the 

landslide and to develop techniques for continuously monitoring it.

Project status: The Turnagain Arm part of the 

project is nearly complete. The first five objectives were met through fieldwork during 1973 

to 1976; reports have been published and interpretations have been presented orally at scientific meetings. Core drilling essential to objective 6 was completed in May 1975. Sampling 

and radiography of the core are complete; textural and mineralogical analyses are nearly 

complete. The study of foraminifers and 

diatoms which indicate changes in environment is nearing completion; organic material 

for carbon-14 dating is being concentrated. In 

1977 A. T. Ovenshine, Reuben Kachadoorian, 

Susan Bartsch-Winkler, and Jeffrey Rupert 

will continue laboratory studies and will report

on the sedimentary and seismic history at Portage as interpreted from the core. Fieldwork at 

Pillar Mountain was undertaken in August

1976. Additional studies may be required in

1977. Work during the winter of 1976-77 is 

concentrating on reporting the conceptual design of monitoring systems.

Project: Anchorage D-3 quadrangle (Earthquake 

hazards).

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13 (4).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chiefs: George Plafker and Robert L. 

Detterman, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 

Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

(415) 323-8111, ext. 2201 and 2244, respectively.

Project objectives: Detailed geologic mapping of 

several areas of possible Holocene offset along 

the Castle Mountain fault system and investigation of several large potentially dangerous 

landslides in the Hicks Creek area. Planned 

fieldwork includes: (1) geologic mapping at 

1:63,360 scale of entire quadrangle; (2) detailed 

geologic mapping of areas of possible Holocene 

offset along Boulder Creek; (3) detailed investigations of landslide areas to determine time 

and extent of movement; and (4) stratigraphic 

studies of the Mesozoic and Tertiary rocks.

Project status: Reconnaissance geologic and 

earthquake hazards mapping was completed 

along segments of the Castle Mountain and 

Caribou faults by Plafker, Detterman, Travis 

Hudson, and R. G. Tysdal in 1973 and 1974. 

Several areas of possible Holocene offset on the 

Caribou fault were noted, and numerous landslides were delineated in areas along the Glenn 

Highway where buildings are currently being 

constructed. Results of the reconnaissance survey are published, and a geologic quadrangle 

map is planned.

Project: Gulf of Alaska Tertiary province. 

Region and map key: Southern and southeastern

Alaska; fig. 13 (5); fig. 14 (8). 

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,

A44
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 nearly complete during 

1975 season. Publications during 1976 include 

two on intrusive igneous and metamorphic 

rocks of the Saint Elias Mountains by Hudson 

and others and a geologic map of the Cordova 

B-2 and part of A-2 quadrangles by Tysdal and 

others. Work in preparation includes reconnaissance geologic maps of the Yakutat, Mount 

Saint Elias, Bering Glacier, Icy Bay, Cordova, 

and Middleton Island 1:250,000 quadrangles as 

well as several papers on stratigraphy and 

paleontology of the province.

Project: Talkeetna Mountains quadrangle (AMRAP).

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13 (6).

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 stableisotope studies; and (4) completion of a regional 

gravity survey.

Project status: During June 1976, Csejtey and 

Willis H. Nelson completed reconnaissance 

geologic mapping in about 90 percent of the 

quadrangle. Geochemical sampling was carried 

out in the western one-third of the quadrangle 

by Gary C. Curtin in 1975. Fieldwork planned 

for 1977 includes geochemical sampling, gravity measurements, and some geologic mapping. 

Preliminary maps and reports are scheduled for 

completion in 1977. Publication of final reports 

is planned for late 1978.

Project: Petroleum geology of Cook Inlet Basin.

Region and map key: Southern and southwestern 

Alaska; fig. 13 (7); fig. 12 (6).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Offices 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. 2979.

Project objectives: The major objectives are concurrent study of the geologic framework and 

petroleum geology of Lower Cook Inlet for inclusion in the Environmental Impact Statement required by law for the anticipated Federal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) lease sale. 

Products of this project include: (1) in the Cape 

Douglas area, descriptions and samples of 

stratigraphic sections of Jurassic, Cretaceous, 

and Tertiary rocks; (2) new geologic maps of the 

Cape Douglas and Seldovia areas; (3) a geologic 

map of Cook Inlet at 1:250,000 scale; and 

(4) 480 km of 3600 %o CDP marine seismic 

data. From this work, the onshore geology will 

be extended into the subsurface of Lower Cook 

Inlet. Rock, oil, gas, and water samples were 

collected and are being analyzed geochemically. 

These and other data will help determine the 

origin and general location of new oil and gas 

reserves.

Present status: Additional fieldwork in the Cape 

Douglas area is being planned for the summer 

of 1977 to complete the geologic map. A report 

on the framework geology of Lower Cook Inlet 

correlating onshore geology to offshore seismic 

data is being reviewed for publication in 1977. 

Reports on petroleum geology and sandstone 

composition are in preparation. This project is 

approximately 70 percent completed.

Project: Earthquake-induced structures in sediments.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13 (8).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Earthquake Studies, Earthquake 

Hazards Branch.

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

94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2252 or 2081.

Project objectives: The major objectives are to determine: (1) the existence of earthquakeA45
induced structures in glaciolacustrine sediments; (2) if such structures are correlative 

within and between lakes; and (3) the relation 

between the character and magnitude of structures in sediments of differing grain size. These 

data will be used to determine an earthquake 

history for a part of the Kenai Peninsula. 

Project status: Preliminary investigations were 

begun in August 1975, with bathymetric surveys of Eklutna, Big, Summit (on Seward 

Highway), Kenai, Upper Trail, and Skilak 

Lakes. Piston core samples, as much as 1 m 

long, were retrieved from all lakes except Eklutna and Trail Lakes. The cores from Skilak 

Lake were most useful in determining the presence of probable earthquake-induced structures 

in sediments. Six zones of deformational structures as well as five ash beds were found in 

cores from Skilak Lake. Zones of structures 

were dated at 1964, 1911 or 1912, 1901, 1883, 

1870 and 1810. Each date corresponds to an 

earthquake that affected the region. The oldest 

sediments retrieved were dated by varve counts 

at about 1785 A.D. In summer of 1976 investigations were concentrated on Skilak, Hidden, 

Summit, Kenai, and Tustumena Lakes. Cores 

ranging in length from about 1 m to more than 

4 m were collected from all these lakes. Laboratory investigations are now required to determine the contents of the cores.

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 50 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; summuarization 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: Anchorage Borough, Alaska.

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Environmental Geology, Engineering 

Geology Branch.

Project chief: Henry R. Schmoll, U.S. Geological 

Survey, Mail Stop 903 KCG, Box 25046, Denver, Colo. 80225; (303) 234-3290 or 234-3721.

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

boroughwide land-use planning. Providing this 

information involved geologic mapping 

(primarily of surficial deposits), determining 

physical properties of selected materials, correlating geologic units, deciphering geologic 

history, and evaluating geologic processes. The 

studies were undertaken in response to requests from local government officials; the 

studies have been coordinated with hydrologic 

investigations by the Water Resources Division.

Project status: Fieldwork, begun in 1965 and continued with major field seasons through 1970 

and minor investigations since then, has been 

completed. Maps at 1:24,000 scale (metropolitan area) and at 1:63,360 scale (remainder of 

the borough) are being prepared for publication; a final report is contemplated. Several interpretative maps and reports derived from the 

geologic maps and designed for use by planners 

and developers have been published. The project is mainly in recessed status at present, but 

some work will continue under the aegis of a 

new statewide project, Environmental Geology 

of Alaska Coal Lands.

Project: Anchorage.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13 

(10).

A46
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 meters, will 

provide modern large-scale maps of the greater 

Anchorage area. Sixteen of these maps are 

standard line maps and 15 quadrangles 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. The maps are scheduled to be 

published in early 1978.

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

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13 

(11).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

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

Mapping Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 

80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The project 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 1979. No field operations are 

scheduled.

Project: Seward.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13 

(12).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

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

Mapping Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 

80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The objective is to prepare six 

new l:25,000-scale metric maps of Seward and 

vicinity.

Project status: This is a newly authorized project. 

Aerial photography was obtained by the National Ocean Survey in 1976. Field control will 

be obtained during 1977.

Project: Valdez.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 13 

(13).

Organizational designation: Topographic Division, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.

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

Mapping Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 

80225; (303) 234-2351.

Project objectives: The objective is to prepare five 

new l:25,000-scale metric maps of Valdez and 

vicinity.

Project status: This is a newly authorized project. 

Aerial photography was obtained by the National Ocean Survey in 1976. Field control will 

be obtained in 1977.

SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA

Project: Ketchikan-Prince Rupert quadrangles

(AMRAP). 

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig.

14 (1). 

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

Geology. 

Project chiefs: Henry C. Berg and Raymond L.

100 

I

130°

200 KILOMETERS 

_I

FIGURE 14. Locations of projects, southeastern Alaska.

A47
TABLE 8. Regional projects, southeastern Alaska

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work

Ketchikan-Prince Rupert 

quadrangles (AMRAP); 

fig. 14 (area 1)

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

Smith, R.D.Koch

Geologic mapping, mineralresource assessment

Ketchikan and Prince Rupert 

quadrangles

Juneau investigations; 

fig. 14 (2)

D.A.Brew, A.B.Ford Geologic and geochemical 

mapping, mineral-resource 

assessment

Juneau and Taku River 

quadrangles

Petrology of La Perouse 

layered intrusion 

fig. 14 (3)

R.A.Loney, G.R.Himmelberg, 

G.K.Czamanske

Detailed mapping, laboratory Fairweather Range, Glacier 

study of samples and cores Bay National Monument

Surficial geology, Juneau 

urban area and vicinity; 

fig. 14 (4)

R.D.Miller Fieldwork completed; report Juneau area 

preparation

Engineering geology studies, 

certain coastal communities 

fig. 14 (5), fig. 13 (15)

L.A.Yehle Geologic mapping, evaluation Yakutat, Hoonah, Sitka,

of geologic hazards Metlakatla, Haines, Skagway,

Petersburg, Wrangell, and 

Ketchikan quadrangles

Sitka Observatory; 

fig. 14 (6)

W.E.Oijbakken Geomagnetic and seismic 

studies

Craig quadrangle; 

fig. 14 (7)

G.D.Eberlein, Michael 

Churkin, Jr.

Geologic mapping, Craig quadrangle 

stratigraphic, petrologic 

and structural studies

Gulf of Alaska Tertiary 

province; fig. 14 (8), 

fig. 13 (5)

See table 7 and section entitled "Regional projects, southern Alaska."

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 of four recently completed geologic and 

mineral-resource investigations within the 

.quadrangle.

Project status: In September 1976, Berg, Elliott, 

James G. Smith, and Richard D. Koch completed reconnaissance geologic mapping of the 

southern tip of Portland Peninsula within the 

Prince Rupert quadrangle. Travis Hudson 

joined the field party during this time to lead a 

3-day mapping and topical study of the plutons 

associated with the recently discovered Quartz 

Hill porphyry molybdenum deposit near Wilson 

Arm. Mapping activities were then moved to 

previously unmapped interior areas of southern

Revillagigedo Island. During the past year, 

complete geochemical data from all pre-1976 

sampling in the area were released in open file, 

and preliminary reports were completed. Twothirds of the geologic mapping has been completed to date, and reconnaissance geochemical 

sampling now covers about one-third of the region. A 2-month helicopter-supported field season in 1977 will complete the fieldwork for this 

project. Principal efforts will include geologic 

mapping of the remaining unmapped parts of 

Revillagigedo Island and Cleveland Peninsula, 

and a geochemical survey of a major part of the 

quadrangles. Preliminary maps and reports, 

including a l:250,000-scale map of Portland 

Peninsula, are scheduled for completion in 

1977. Final project reports are due in 1978.

Project: Juneau investigations.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig.

14 (2). 

Organizational designation: Geologic Division,

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan

Geology.

A48
Project chief: D. A. Brew, U.S. Geological Survey, 

345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

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

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

geologic and geochemical mapping and 

mineral-resource appraisal of a broad transect 

across the Coast Range batholithic complex. 

The transect begins in metavolcanic and metaclastic rocks of a low-grade intermediate pressure and temperature facies series on the 

southwest and progresses through higher grade 

schists, gneisses, and spatially associated 

meta-intrusive rocks to the relatively young intrusive rocks and associated metavolcanic and 

metaclastic rocks of a low pressure-high temperature 'facies series along the international 

boundary. Geochronologic studies of the transect are made in cooperation with the Coast 

Range geochronology project, J. G. Smith, 

Chief. This information will provide the regional framework for the Juneau Gold Belt and 

for mineral occurrences immediately east of the 

U.S.-Canada boundary.

Project status: The project has been active since 

1964 with full or near-full seasons devoted to 

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

1973. To date, detailed (1:31,680) mapping of 

about three quadrangles has been completed; 

one preliminary 1:31,680 quadrangle map has 

been published, and the two others have been 

submitted for publication; three short papers 

have been published, and three more submitted 

for publication. Completion of the reconnaissance geologic mapping of the remainder of the 

Juneau and Taku River 1:250,000 quadrangles 

will require one more full season with helicopter support, not anticipated for the near future. 

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

primarily engaged in other projects) continue 

compilation and 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: Petrology of La Perouse layered intrusion.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 

14 (3).

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 determine the petrogenesis, geologic setting, and 

economic potential of the La Perouse layered 

intrusion by petrographic, chemical, and structural means. The Ni-Cu sulfide-bearing basal 

ultramafic zone is largely unexposed, and data 

concerning it come mostly from drill cores 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 is complete. Fieldwork in the La Perouse area was 

severely limited by bad weather in the summer 

of 1976. A few weeks' work, planned for the 

summer of 1977, should complete the field 

study. Robert A. Loney and Glen R. Himmelberg are continuing the petrographic study of 

the surface samples of the gabbro. Himmelberg 

has completed the microprobe analysis of the 

silicate minerals in the core samples. Gerald 

Czamanske and Lewis Calk are continuing the 

petrographic and microprobe study of the 

sulfide minerals. First reports will probably be 

submitted in 1978.

Project: Surficial geology of the Juneau urban 

area and vicinity.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 

14 (4).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Environmental Geology, Engineering 

Geology Branch.

Project chief: R. D. Miller, U.S. Geological Survey, Mail Stop 903 KCG, Box 25046, Denver, 

Colo. 80225; (303) 234-2960 or 234-3721.

Project objectives: The project has provided detailed mapping of the surficial deposits in and 

adjacent to the Juneau urban area and has obtained data regarding distribution and physical 

properties of geologic materials as aids 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 was 

published as 1-805 in 1975. Preparation on the 

final report, to be published as a U.S. Geological

A49
Survey Professional Paper, has been delayed 

while the project chief is assigned to groundresponse studies in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah.

Project: Reconnaissance engineering geology of 

certain coastal communities, Alaska.

Region and map key: Southeastern and southern 

Alaska; fig. 14 (5); fig. 13 (15).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Environmental Geology, Engineering 

Geology Branch.

Project chief: L. A. Yehle, U.S. Geological Survey, Mail Stop 903 KCG, Box 25046, Denver, 

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

Project objectives: Objectives are to evaluate, by 

reconnaissance field methods, the general and 

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

reports.

Project status: Reconnaissance fieldwork has 

been completed and open-file reports released to 

the public for Sitka and Yakutat and (under 

earlier project chief, R. W. Lemke) Haines, 

Skagway, Wrangell, and Ketchikan. An openfile report on Metlakatla has been submitted for 

release; formal reports and open-file reports on 

other communities (and several in southwestern, west-central, and northern Alaska) will be 

prepared when time is available because the 

project chief was diverted to another project, 

Environmental Geology of Alaska coal lands.

Project: Sitka Observatory.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 

14 (6).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Geochemistry and Geophysics, Branch 

of Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism.

Project chief: Willis E. Osbakken, U.S. Geological Survey, Box 158, Sitka, Alaska 99835; (907) 

747-3332.

Project objectives: The observatory operates 

seismic instruments for acquiring information 

on the global occurence of earthquakes; telemeters seismic and the 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 either directly or through the

Branch of Electromagnetism and Geomagnetism at Denver.

Project status: This project is a continuing one; 

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

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

data furnished to Palmer are considered vital to 

the Warning System, as Sitka Observatory is 

the only data source south of Yakutat. As a 

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

community, being 1 of 13 selected observatories 

used in the derivation of KP, the planetary 

geomagnetic activity index. Geomagnetic data 

collected at the station find a wide variety of 

uses, including the compiling of magnetic 

charts, radio propagation studies, and ionospheric studies. Recently installed digital and 

analog recording equipment has increased the 

production of geomagnetic data.

Project: Craig quadrangle.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 

14 (7).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

Project chiefs: G. Donald Eberlein and Michael 

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

Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

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

Project objectives: The primary objective is to 

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

quadrangle at 1:250,000 scale as a frame of 

reference for resource appraisal, development, 

and multi-use planning. Secondary objectives 

relate to developing the stratigraphic, petrologic, and structural data needed to understand, especially in the light of modern plate 

tectonic concepts, the geologic evolution of a 

major part of the Alexander Archipelago.

Project status: Fieldwork was completed in 1975. 

Map compilation is underway to formulate a 

legend that will permit H. C. Berg, A. L. Clark, 

and A. T. Ovenshine to compile parts of the 

1:250,000 quadrangle that are peripheral to the 

central part of the quadrangle being compiled 

by G. D. Eberlein and Michael Churkin, Jr.

A50
Open-file compilation is scheduled for 1977. 

Publication plans also call for releasing 

Geologic Quadrangle Maps of the Craig C-5 

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

the form of topical papers, are in various stages 

of completion.

OFFSHORE ALASKA

Project: Eastern Gulf of Alaska continental shelf.

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

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of PacificArctic Geology.

Name of Project; map key Personnel Type of work

Eastern Gulf of Alaska 

continental shelf; 

fig. 15 (area 1)

George Plafker Evaluation of tectonic 

framework, petroleum 

potential, and geologic 

hazards

Eastern Gulf of Alaska 

continental shelf

Beaufort and Chukchi Seas 

resource assessment; 

fig. 15 (2)

Arthur Grantz, Gary 

Boucher, S.L.Elttreli 

O.T.Whltney

Subsea surveys to determine 

geologic structure and 

assess mineral-fuel and 

mineral -resource potential

Beaufort and Chukchi Seas

Environmental geologic

studies of the Beaufort and 

Chukchi Seas; fig. 15 (2)

P.W.Barnes, Erk Relmnltz, 

D.E.Drake, L.J.Tolmll

Arctic shelf sedimentary 

processes

Beaufort and Chukchi Seas 

continental shelves

Environmental geologic studies, T.L.Valller, J.V.Gardner 

southern Bering Sea; 

fig. 15 (3)

Outline and document 

seafloor Instability

Bering Sea

Geologic framework and 

resource assessment, 

Aleutian-Bering Sea region; 

fig. 15 (4)

M.S.Marlow Marine geological and 

geophysical survey

Bering Sea

Environmental geologic studies, B.F.Molnla, P.R.Carlson 

Eastern Gulf of Alaska; 

fig. 15 (5)

Evaluation of marine 

geophysical and 

sedimentologlcal data

Eastern Gulf of Alaska

Erosion and deposition of 

shelf sediments, eastern 

Gulf of Alaska; fig. 15 (5)

B.F.Molnla, P.R.Carlson Sedimentation and seismic 

studies

Eastern Gulf of Alaska

Faulting and Instability of 

shelf sediments, eastern 

Gulf of Alaska; fig. 15 (5)

P.R.Carlaon, B.F.Molnla, 

J.C.Hampaon,Jr. , S.C. 

Klttelson, W.P.Levy

Investigation of seafloor 

sediments for geologic 

hazards

Eastern Gulf of Alaska

Geologic framework and

resource assessment of the 

western Gulf of Alaska; 

fig. 15 (6)

Roland von Huene Evaluation of tectonic 

framework, petroleum 

potential, geologic hazards

Western Gulf of Alaska

Environmental studies of the 

northern Bering Sea; 

fig. 15 (7), fig. 12 (7), 

fig. 11 (6)

C.H.Nelson, D.A.Cacchlone, 

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

Drake, R.H.Hunter

High -resolution profiling, 

side-scan sonar, 

vlbracorlng, bottom camera 

and TV, current 

meter /nephelome ter tripod, 

storm-surge wave modeling

Northern Bering Sea, 

Kuskokwlm River 

drainage

Analyses of well data,

Bristol Bay basin, Alaska 

Peninsula

Hugh McLean Petrographlc, geochemlcal Bristol Bay basin 

and paleontologlc analyses 

of cores and cuttings

TABLE 9. Regional projects, offshore Alaska

A51
174" 171° 168° 165° 162° 159" 153" 150° 147° 144° 141°

to

170° 168° 166° 164" 162° 160° 158° 156" 154" 132° 130°

FIGURE 15. Locations of projects, offshore Alaska.
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 is the project objective.

Project status: Geophysical surveys and bottom 

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

scheduled 1976 sampling cruise was cancelled. 

Tentative plans for 1977 are to collect fill-in 

multichannel seismic data aboard the R/V S. P. 

Lee, and to carry out a deep bottom sampling 

program with the R/V Sea Sounder. Reports 

completed during 1976-77 include a preliminary structural map of the offshore Gulf of 

Alaska Tertiary province by Terry Bruns and 

Plafker; a report on refraction profiling on the 

OCS between Kayak Island and Icy Bay by Ken 

Bayer and others; an analysis of the reservoir 

characteristics of Tertiary sandstone by Gary 

Winkler and others; and a study of the biostratigraphy of the Yakataga Formation by 

Plafker and Warren Addicott.

Project: Beaufort and Chukchi Seas resource assessment.

Region and map key: Offshore (northern Alaska); 

fig. 15 (2).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of PacificArctic Geology.

Project chief: Arthur Grantz, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: Objectives are to determine 

the geologic structure and stratigraphy and to 

assess the mineral-fuel and mineral-resource 

potential of the Alaskan continental shelf and 

slope in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas of the 

Arctic Ocean.

Project status: The reconnaissance phase of 

fieldwork on this project was completed during 

the 1974 field season. Several reports on the 

reconnaissance geologic framework and petroleum potential of the continental shelf in the 

Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, and related topical 

studies, have been released, and others are in 

preparation. Most of the basic data acquired 

each field season have been released during the 

following winter or spring. An intermediatescale geophysical program on the BeaufortChukchi continental shelf and slope will begin 

in the 1977 field season. Preliminary plans call 

for the concurrent acquisition of multichannel 

seismic reflection, gravity, magnetic, and longrange refraction data from the U.S. Geological 

Survey R/V S. P. Lee. This vessel will also obtain some deep seismic refraction measurements utilizing ocean-bottom seismometers 

(OBS). Preliminary plans envision the 

availability of a U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker to 

serve as a shooting ship for an extensive OBSbased deep seismic refraction program. This 

ship would also obtain high-resolution seismic 

and precision bathymetric profiles and perhaps 

gravity measurements over the continental 

shelf and slope.

Project: Environmental geologic studies of the 

Beaufort and Chukchi Seas.

Region and map key: Offshore (northern Alaska); 

fig. 15 (2).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of PacificArctic 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: One objective is to study the 

present arctic sediment transport regime. Data 

on river effluents, ice rafting, turbidity, spacecraft 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. Other objectives include: definition of 

the character, mode of transport, source, and 

physical and chemical composition of bottom 

materials, including permafrost; 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 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, sedA53
iment 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 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, 

and several more are in progress and contemplated, detailing studies of the sea ice 

stamukhi, rates of ice gouging, coastal oceanography, suspended sediment distribution, river 

icings, and river overflow. For the open-water 

periods of 1977, additional fieldwork is planned 

to include seismic reflection profiling, vibrocoring, diving observations, hydrography, thermoprobes, bathymetry, and suspendedsediment studies, from the U.S.G.S. coastal R/V 

Karluk.

Project: Environmental geologic studies of the 

southern Bering Sea.

Region and map key: Offshore (southwestern 

Alaska); fig. 15 (3).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of PacificArctic Geology.

Project chiefs: T. L. Vallier and J. V. Gardner, 

U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, 

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

2971 and 2972.

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 collected data, possible 

geologic hazards to petroleum recovery and 

transportation, such as faulting and slope failures, can be evaluated.

Project status: A 6-week cruise was completed 

this summer (1976) on the R/V Sea Sounder. 

About 18,000 km of high-resolution singlechannel seismic profiles (60KJ sparker, uniboom, 3.5 kHz) were collected along with 7,000 

km of magnetic profiles and 4,000 km of gravity 

profiles. Eight-five sampling stations were occupied. Data analysis is presently underway.

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

Region and map key: Offshore (west-central, 

southwestern Alaska); fig. 15 (4).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of PacificArctic 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 4-week 

geophysical and geologic survey of the central 

Bering Sea shelf and adjacent slope and basin 

on board the R/V S. P. Lee. The Lee will be 

equipped to collect 24-channel seismic reflection, gravity, magnetic, bathymetric, and intermediate- and high-resolution seismic reflection data during the summer of 1977. A second 

1- or 2-week cruise on the R/V Sea Sounder to 

collect heat flow data in the deep Bering Sea 

basin is also scheduled for the summer of 1977. 

The data from both cruises will be used in a 

regional resource assessment as well as an 

evaluation of environmental hazards of the 

Aleutian-Bering Sea region prior to leasing of 

the area for oil and gas exploration.

Project status: A preliminary assessment of oil 

and gas potential and environmental hazards 

for the Bering Sea shelf has been published as 

U.S. Geological Survey open-file report 76-785. 

This report summarized data collected prior to 

1975. Approximately 700 km of 24-channel 

seismic reflection data collected in 1975 has 

been published as U.S. Geological Survey 

open-file report 76-652. These data have been 

incorporated in a manuscript describing the 

evolution of St. George basin and the southern 

Bering Sea shelf. This report is in press and will 

be published in early 1977 by the American 

Geophysical Union as part of a monograph on 

continental margins.

Project: Environmental geologic studies of the 

eastern Gulf of Alaska.

Region and map key: Offshore (southern, southeastern Alaska); fig. 15 (5).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of PacificArctic Geology.

Project chiefs: Bruce F. Molnia and Paul R. 

Carlson, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 

Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 

94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2804, 2853, 2612.

Project objectives: This project has two primary

A54
objectives: (1) to locate, identify, and study 

areas of the Gulf of Alaska continental shelf 

with characteristics that could adversely affect 

exploration, development, and production of 

petroleum, minerals and other commodities; 

and (2) to develop an understanding of the 

geologic history of the Gulf of Alaska continental shelf through the evaluation of marine 

geophysical and sedimentological data. 

Project status: Evaluation of marine geophysical 

and sedimentological data led to the identification of 54 lease tracts that were either partially 

or completely affected by submarine slumping, 

and 70 lease tracts that had either surface or 

nearsurface faults. Stipulations were placed in 

the leasing arrangements of several tracts, and 

other tracts were removed from consideration 

in Gulf of Alaska lease sale #39. This project 

will continue to evaluate information on environmental hazards and to recommend removal of potentially dangerous areas from consideration for leasing in future offshore sale. 

Interpretation of the geologic history of the 

Gulf of Alaska continental shelf will also continue.

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

Region and map key: Offshore (southern, southeastern Alaska); fig. 15 (5).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of PacificArctic Geology.

Project chiefs: Bruce F. Molnia and Paul R. 

Carlson, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 

Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025; 

(415) 323-8111, ext. 2804, 2853, 2612.

Project objectives: The main objective of this project is to locate areas of high erosion, high deposition, and sediment bypassing on the Gulf of 

Alaska continental shelf. In addition, we are 

identifying sediment source areas, transportation pathways, and final deposition sites. The 

methods used in locating the areas of sediment 

activity are: high-resolution seismic profiling, 

side-scan sonar, sediment sampling, analyses of 

aerial photography and satellite imagery, and 

analysis of suspended material in the water 

column.

Project status: This project originated in September 1974. Since then five geophysical 

cruises and two sediment sampling cruises

have been conducted in the field area, as well as 

a river sampling program supported by helicopter and float plane. Over 25,000 km of geophysical profiles and 600 sediment samples have 

been collected. The profiles and samples are in 

various stages of analysis, as are the photographic images. To date, we have produced a 

surface-sediment distribution map, an isopach 

map of Holocene sediment, and a series of reports. One report documents rapid shoreline 

erosion and retreat in the Pt. Riou region of Icy 

Bay, where over 1.3 km of shoreline has been 

eroded since 1941. The maps have been released in open file. Future products will include: maps of variation in sediment size, maps 

of primary sediment sources and sinks, maps of 

surface bedforms and sedimentary structures, 

and maps of areas of high erosion, deposition, 

and bypassing.

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

Region and map key: Offshore (southern, southeastern Alaska); fig. 15 (5).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of PacificArctic 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 before any activities related to petroleum exploration begin. 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), the NOAA Surveyor (April-May 1975), and M/V Sea Sounder 

(June 1976), the R/V Acona (April 1976), and 

the R/V Sea Sounder (June 1976) have provided 

about 25,000 km of 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) disA55
tribution 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 1977 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 television and bottom cameras 

and will be selectively sampled with piston and 

box corers.

Project: Geologic framework and resource assessment of the western Gulf of Alaska. 

Region and map key: Offshore (southern, southeastern Alaska); fig. 15 (6).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of PacificArctic Geology.

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

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2818. 

Project objectives: Investigation of the tectonic 

framework, resource potential, and potential 

environmental geologic hazards for resource 

development are the main objectives. This project is closely coordinated with the environmental geologic studies of the western Gulf of 

Alaska project.

Project status: Geologic and geophysical surveys 

made prior to 1976 have been summarized in 

U.S. Geological Survey open-file report 76-325. 

Geophysical fieldwork during the summer of 

1976 resulted in the following line miles (nautical miles) of geophysical data: 

Multichannel seismic 1,638 

Sparker 160 KJ 1,828 

Uniboom-mini spark 1,619 

Gravity 1,828 

Magnetic 1,720 

Sonobuoy stations 30 

Samples (dart cores) 30 

These data are being reduced and analyzed for 

presentation in open-file reports and papers in 

scientific journals. Plans for the 1977 field 

season include additional multichannel work to 

complete a map of the general tectonic 

framework of the area and seismic refraction 

measurements to provide data from greater 

depths.

Project: Environmental geologic studies of the

northern Bering Sea.

Region and map key: Offshore, west-central and 

southwestern Alaska; fig. 15 (7); fig. 11 (6); fig. 

12 (7).

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of PacificArctic 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 by pathways of artificially and 

naturally introduced materials.

Assessment of the mineral-resource potential 

of near-surface sedimentary minerals will be 

completed.

Project status: A 1-month cruise to the northern 

Bering Sea covered 3,500 km of geophysical 

tracklines and collected 3.5 kHz, Uniboom, 

side-scan radar, and 60-kilojoule sparker records; 20 vibracores, 25 box cores, 30 Soutar 

Van Veen, and 10 gravity core sampling stations were completed. Suspended-sediment 

samples, nephalometry data, and hydrographic 

measurements were collected at 176 stations. 

A GEOPROBE instrument was sited in the 

center of Norton Basin; it gathered currentmeter data (at four levels in the first meter 

above the bottom), took bottom photographs, 

measured light transmission, and measured 

wave pressures throughout the month it was 

on the sea floor. Sediment cores were logged for 

lithology, photographed, radiographed, and 

subsampled at sea. Composition and geotechnical properties of cores also were measured at 

sea. Selected subsamples from cores are presently undergoing laboratory analyses for texture, mineralogy, paleontology, radiocarbon 

dates, lead-210 dates, carbon content, hydrocarbon fractions, and trace elements. Traceelement analyses have been completed on 300

A56
bottom-surface bulk-sediment samples collected in previous years.

Project: Analyses of well data, Bristol Bay Basin, 

Alaska Peninsula.

Region: Offshore and southwestern Alaska.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Offices of Energy Resources and Marine Geology, Branch of Pacific-Arctic Geology and 

Branch of Oil and Gas Resources.

Project chief: Hugh McLean, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

Project objectives: The project will evaluate the 

hydrocarbon potential of Mesozoic and Tertiary 

sedimentary rocks in the Bristol Bay basin. 

The program will include petrographic, 

geochemical, and paleontologic analyses of core 

and cuttings material from exploratory wells 

drilled along the northern margin of the 

Alaska Peninsula. Petrographic and X-ray 

analyses will be used to estimate sandstone 

reservoir properties. Geochemistry will provide 

data on petroleum source rock potential and 

thermal history of the basin. Preliminary results of this study will be published in an 

open-file report prior to leasing of offshore 

acreage in the Bristol Bay area. Detailed mapping of selected onshore areas will provide reliable correlation with multichannel seismic 

lines in the offshore.

Project status: The analytical part of the project 

will be completed by early 1977, with publication of available data scheduled for the summer of 1977. Geochemistry of three wells is 

currently being funded by the General Crude 

Corporation, Houston, Tex. Additional geochemistry may be funded by the Conservation 

Division in Anchorage, Alaska.

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. Geological Survey. Most cooperative projects concern the hydrology of Alaska and 

are statewide in scope; others have a regional 

focus. Project locations are shown in figure 16.

STATEWIDE PROJECTS

Project: Metamorphic facies map of Alaska.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Mineral Resources, Branch of Alaskan 

Geology.

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

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

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

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

Miller, and H. N. Reiser.)

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Division of 

Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

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

scale metamorphic facies map of Alaska showing metamorphic facies, facies groups, facies 

series, selected isograds, and granitic rock 

bodies in the style of the metamorphic facies 

map explanation suggested by the International Union of Geological Sciences (1967). The 

map is planned as a contribution to a Map of the 

Metamorphic Belts of the World, which is sponsored by the Commission for the Geological 

Map of the World (of the International Geological Congress and the International Union of 

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

publication.

Project status: Progress to date includes preliminary compilation and review of regional metamorphic facies maps at 1:1,000,000 scale for all 

of the state, coding of background metamorphic 

mineral locality information, and start of the 

final compilation of the 1:1,000,000 regional 

maps.

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.

A57
TABLE 10. Statewide cooperative projects

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

Metamorphic facies D. A. Brew, Bela Csejtey, Office compilation Statewide 

map of Alaska Jr., A . B .Ford , H.L . 

Foster, T. P. Miller, 

H.N. Reiser

Geologic map of H.M.Beikman Office compilation Statewide 

Alaska

instrumentation

Sediment stations P. J. Still Monitoring a network Statewide 

of sediment-study 

stations

TAPS construction C.E.Sloan Evaluation of pipeline Statewide

Floods from small S.H.Jones Flood peak data Statewide 

Drainage areas collection from a 

network of creststage gages

Cooperating Agencies

State of Alaska, Division 

of Geological and 

Geophysical Surveys

State of Alaska, Division 

of Geological and 

Geophysical Surveys

Lament -Doherty Geophysical

of Alaska, U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers

U.S. Forest Service, 

U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers

State of Alaskm, Alaska

(APSCO)

State of Alaska, 

Department of Highways, 

U.S. Forest Service

Alaska Power Administration,

of stream, lake and 

estuary gaging 

stations

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, Department 

of Natural Resources, 

Municipality of Anchorage, 

Kenai Peninsula Borough

Water resources G.S.Anderson 

studies of coastal

Ground-water inventory G.S.Anderson

Evaluate water 

resources and 

for development

Ground-water data

of conditions

Statewide (southern 

and western coastal 

areas )

Statewide

State o 

Depar 

Resou

State o 

Depar 

Resou

Alaska, 

ment of Natural 

ces

Alaska, 

ment of Natural 

ces

Monitoring water le\ 

in a network of 

observation wells

ils Statewide State of Alaska,

Department of Natural 

Resources, Kenai Penii 

Borough, Municipality 

of Anchorage

Hydrologic studies 

for fisheries 

enhancement 

fig. 16 (2), (3), 

(4), (5)

G.A.McCoy Limnological investiga- Statewide 

tions, gas saturation 

measurements, and water 

quality data collection

State of Alaska, 

Department of Fish 

and Game

Project objectives: The objective of this project is 

to prepare a multicolored geologic map of 

Alaska at a scale of 1:2,500,000. The compilation will be a summary of mapping done by 

hundreds of geologists who have worked in 

Alaska at various times since geologic mapping 

was begun there in the late 1800's. This wall 

map will serve a nationwide audience by providing a ready visual reference upon which 

planning for future geologic studies, such as 

earthquake hazard evaluation, mineralresource estimates, and exploration programs

for new mineral resources, can be based. The 

map will be accompanied by a report briefly describing the stratigraphic units shown and will 

reference the detailed maps of smaller areas 

used for compilation.

Project status: Five uncolored geologic maps at a 

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

which are preliminary compilations on which 

the final multicolored map is being based, have 

been published. These include Miscellaneous 

Field Studies Maps MF-611, covering the 

southwestern part of the State; MF-612, coverA58
174" 171° 168° 165" 162" 159° 153° 150° 147° 144° 141"

170' 168° 166° 164° 162° 160° 158° 156° 154° 134° 132" 130°

FIGURE 16. Locations of projects of the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating agencies.
ing the south-central part; MF-673, covering 

southeastern Alaska; MF-674 covering the 

Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands; and 

MF-789, covering northern Alaska. The entire 

project will be completed by the end of 1977.

Project: Alaska strong-motion instrumentation 

program.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Earthquake Studies, Seismic Engineering Branch.

Project chief: Ed Etheredge, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 

94025; (415) 323-8111, ext 2881.

Cooperating agencies: Federal Highway Works 

Administration; Lamont-Doherty Geophysical 

Observatory; University of Alaska; U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers.

Project objectives: The major objectives are to 

gather data on potentially damaging seismically generated ground motion and to examine 

the response of structures, such as buildings, 

dams, and bridges, to this motion. This information is essential to engineering and seismological studies aimed at the reduction of 

damage and loss of life due to earthquakes.

Project status: The Alaska strong-motion project 

is a continuing, long-range research program 

that has been in operation since 1964. The 

Seismic Engineering Branch (with support by 

the National Science Foundation) currently 

operates a network of 34 strong-motion 

accelerographs located in seismically active 

areas and in major population centers. The 

network extends from Ketchikan in the southeast to Adak Island in the Aleutians and north 

to Fairbanks. The network is undergoing continuous expansion and modernization. Since 

project inception, more than 30 strong-motion 

records have been obtained from Alaskan instruments.

Project: Sediment stations.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources

Division, Alaska District Office. 

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

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

277-5526. 

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

transport; and (5) ranges of turbidity. 

Project status: Continuing.

Project: TAPS construction hydrology.

Region and map key: Statewide (trans-Alaska 

pipeline corridor, Prudhoe Bay to Valdez); fig. 

16(1).

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: C. E. Sloan, U.S. Geological Survey, 218 E Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501; 

(907) 277-5526.

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Alaska 

State Pipeline Coordinator's Office (APSCO).

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

water quality resulting from waste disposal, 

construction distrubance, and oil spills.

Project status: Field data collection of physical 

and chemical water quality parameters is 

nearly complete. Benthic invertebrate collections need identification before analysis of impacts can be completed. Reports on impacts resulting from construction disturbance in the 

Little Tonsina and Salcha Rivers are in preparation.

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 1977. A flood frequency and magA60
nitude analysis by multiple-regression methods 

will be made to define a set of equations that 

can be used to estimate flood magnitudes for 

selected recurrence intervals at any site on ungaged streams in Alaska. The equations will 

relate floods to drainage-basin characteristics. 

The flood-frequency analysis will be completed 

by June 1977. A hydrologic reconnaissance of 

the TAPS haul road was made during spring 

breakup in 1975, and a report is being prepared.

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 environemntal impact of these and other proposed activities.

Project status: Continuing; all data are published 

in the annual series "Water Resources Data for 

Alaska." The 1976 report is expected to be completed by September 1977.

Project: Water resources studies of coastal zone

communities. 

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) 277-1563. 

Cooperating agencies: Kenai Peninsula Borough;

State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological and Geophysical 

Surveys.

Project objectives: This project will study and 

evaluate the availability and quality of the 

water resources, determine current water-use 

patterns, monitor critical hydrologic variables, 

and determine potential for water-resource development in several Alaskan coastal communities that will be affected by anticipated 

development of offshore petroleum reserves.

Project status: A summary of the status of the 

water-resources information for the various 

coastal zone communities has been prepared. A 

priority list for community studies has been established, based on the adequacy of understanding of the hydrologic system to meet the 

project objectives and the anticipated degree 

and timing of impact in each of the communities. Water-resources evaluations have 

begun in the Kenai, North Kenai, and Seward 

areas.

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.

Cooperating agencies: State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

Project objectives: The purpose of the project is to 

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

plans include field inventories to acquire newly 

available data, water-quality sampling, and 

geophysical logging.

Project status: Conversion of existing groundwater data files to the new National GroundWater Site-Inventory Data Base has begun. 

Data for the Kenai, North Kenai, Kodiak, Valdez to Copper Center, Cordova, and Yakutat 

areas were processed within the system. A report entitled "Water resource reconnaissance of 

St. George Island, Pribilof Islands, Alaska," by 

G. S. Anderson was published in 1976. A summary of ground-water conditions prepared 

within this project is included in a report on 

water resources of the Kodiak-Shelikof area to 

be published in 1977.

A61
Project: Ground-water stations.

Region: Statewide.

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

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

Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 279-1563.

Cooperating agencies: State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys; Kenai Peninsula 

Borough; Municipality of Anchorage.

Project objectives: This project maintains a network of observation wells to provide data on 

ground-water levels throughout Alaska. 

Water-level data indicate the status of ground 

water in storage or in transit and the 

availability of water supplies, permit estimation and forecast of base flow of streams, and 

identify areas where changes in ground-water 

levels may affect current or planned land-use 

and water supply development. The core of the 

monitoring network provides long-term records 

for regional or watershed studies which in turn 

serve as a basis for correlation of short-term 

hydrologic records and data collection activities 

for specific purposes.

Project status: Continuing water-level records for 

long-term (Federal) observation wells are to be 

published annually in "Water Resources Data 

for Alaska." Data from special-purpose or 

project-oriented water-level networks are processed for use and selected for publication in 

project reports.

Project: Hydrologic studies for fisheries enhancement.

Region and map keys: Statewide (east-central, 

southwestern, southern and southeastern 

Alaska); fig. 16 (2), (3), (4), (5).

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

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

99501; (907) 279-1563.

Cooperating agency: State of Alaska, Department of Fish and Game.

Project objectives: These studies will provide 

basic hydrologic data for fisheries enhancement 

practices.

Project status: Present plans include site evaluations at four proposed fish hatchery sites in 

southeastern Alaska, a limnological study of

Cannery Lake in Prince William Sound, 

water-quality evaluation and gas saturation 

measurements at existing hatcheries, and continued water quality monitoring of the Salcha 

River at the crossing of the trans-Alaska oil 

pipeline.

NORTHERN ALASKA

Project: North Slope water-resources study. 

Region and map key: Northern Alaska; fig. 16

(6).

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 information from various sources on water use 

and water-supply development in the North 

Slope area and evaluates the availability and 

quality of water. Emphasis is on winter conditions when potable water is scarce and companies operating in the area experience severe 

water shortages.

Project status: The project is in its second year. 

Survey research and investigations by other 

agencies indicate that freezing causes both 

ground-water flow through taliks underlying 

rivers and surface-water flow to cease during 

late winter in many areas. Limited research is 

planned for next year. Efforts will be directed 

toward completion of a report and monitoring 

activities of companies engaged in exploration 

and development of water supplies on the North 

Slope.

EAST-CENTRAL ALASKA

Project: Geohydrology of Fairbanks-North Star

Borough. 

Region and map key: East-central Alaska; fig. 16

(7).

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; U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency.

A62
TABLE 11. Regional cooperative projects

North Slope water- G.L. Nelson 

resources study; 

fig. 16 (area 6}

Geohydrology of G.L. Nelson 

Fairbanks -North 

Star Borough ; 

fig. 16 (7)

Kodlak-Shellkof 

area; fig. 16 (8)

Hydrologic studies D.R.Scully

mining; fig. 16 (9), 

(10), (11)

Type of work Area(s)

Summary and evaluation Northern Alaska 

of water availability 

and quality, North Slope

quality and availability,

effects

Data compilation of Southwestern Alaska

Information

Collection of basic Upper Cook Inlet and 

hydrologic data in Healy coal field 

areas with proven 

coal reserves and 

in an area of active 

coal mining

Fieldwork completed, Eastern Kodiak Island

P prep rat on and lo er n

Cooperating agencies

State of Alaska, Department

Conservation

Fairbanks-North Star Borough, 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,

Agency

State of Alaska, Department 

of Environmental 

Conservation

U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency

State of Alaska, Department

Department of Geological

Kodiak Island and 

lower Cook Inlet areas

and Geophysical Surveys

Hydrologic compilation G.W.Free they 

for Cook Inlet area; 

fig. 16 (12)

Collection and

compilation of basic 

hydrologic data, for 

agency and public use

Cook Inlet State of Alaska, Department 

of Natural Resources, 

Department of Environmental 

Conservation, Kenai Peninsula 

Borough, Municipality of 

Anchorage

Geohydrology of the 

Anchorage area; 

fig. 16 (13)

Chester Zenone Hydrologic data

collection network, 

water availability 

studies, and related 

urban hydrology problems

Anchorage ares Municipality of Anchorage, 

State of Alaska, Department 

of Fish and Game

Eastern Gulf of Alaska 

seismlcity

Seismic network to 

monitor earthquake 

activity

Prince William Sound 

to Yakutat

National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration

Glacier Bay National 

Monument Wilderness 

Study Area; fig. 16 

(14)

Reconnaissance geologic Glacier Bay National 

mapping, geochemical Monument 

and geophysical surveys 

mi ne ra 1 -r es ou r ce 

assessment

U.S. Bureau of Mines, Alaska 

Field Operations Center, 

Juneau

each studies of the 

Culf of Alaska 

shoreline In Glacier 

Bay National 

Monument

B.F.Molnia Beach profiling, 

sediment and 

vegetation sampling

Glacier Bay Natic 

Monument

U.S. National Park Service

Project objectives: Objectives are to assess water 

quality and availability and to monitor the effects of urbanization on water resources in the 

Fairbanks-North Star Borough, particularly 

the North Pole and Farmer's Loop areas. Data 

from observation and private wells, drillers' 

logs, and base flow measurements on many 

creeks are being incorporated into an analysis 

of water availability in the uplands. An extensive sampling program is intended to define the 

extent of arsenic and nitrate contamination in 

wells of the uplands area. On the flood plain, 

the hydrographs of rivers and observation wells 

are being used to define aquifer parameters. 

These data are being combined with regional

water-table and water-quality information in 

an analysis of the alluvial aquifer. 

Project status: Analysis of the alluvial aquifer 

has been completed, and a report is in preparation. The analysis of the availability and quality of water in the uplands has been hampered 

by the lack of historical records. Measurements 

of spring flow and base flow, however, will be 

combined with well hydrographs to give estimates of regional transmissivity and storage 

coefficients. The Fairbanks-North Star 

Borough is utilizing a record of natural 

ground-water discharge in land-use planning. 

Arsenic contamination of numerous wells in 

the Ester Dome-Sheep Creek Road area was

A63
discovered this year, and sampling is continuing to determine its cause and distribution.

SOUTHWESTERN ALASKA

Project: Water resources of Kodiak-Shelikof 

area.

Region and map key: Southwestern Alaska; fig. 

16 (8).

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: The program includes compilation and summary of all available waterresources information for the Kodiak-Shelikof 

area. The water-resources data summary will 

provide a reduced data base for planning 

water-resources development, for delineating 

water problem areas, for making impact evaluations, and for evaluating existing water quality and availability.

Project status: All available water-resources information for the Kodiak-Shelikof area has 

been compiled and summarized. An atlas-type 

interpretative hydrologic analysis of these data 

will be published in 1977.

SOUTHERN ALASKA

Project: Hydrological studies related to coal mining.

Region and map keys: Southern Alaska; fig. 16 

(9), (10), (11).

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: D. R. Scully, U.S. Geological Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 279-1563.

Cooperating agency: Environmental Protection 

Agency.

Project objectives: This project is designed to collect data that characterize present hydrologic 

conditions in areas of known potential for coal 

development and in an area of active mining. 

Information obtained includes: (1) quantity and 

seasonal distribution of water discharge; (2) 

seasonal and areal variations in surface-water 

quality, including organic and inorganic constituents, minor-element concentrations, sediment load, and turbidity; and (3) stream-basin 

characteristics.

Project status: Field investigations were made in 

April, May, July, August, and October 1976 at 

the Beluga, Healy, and Peters Creek coal areas. 

Similar field investigations are scheduled for 

the same areas in 1977. Data collection will 

continue through the 1979 season.

Project: Petroleum potential of reservoir and 

source rocks in the eastern Kodiak Island and 

lower Cook Inlet areas.

Region: Eastern Kodiak Island and lower Cook 

Inlet.

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

Project chief: I. F. Palmer, U.S. Geological Survey, 800 "A" Street, P.O. Box 259, Anchorage, 

Alaska 99510.

Cooperating agencies: State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (co-project chief, 

W. M. Lyle).

Project objectives: This project was initiated to 

provide quantitative measurements of reservoir and source rock potential of stratigraphic 

units that may project into offshore areas. 

These data are needed to facilitate prospect 

area and tract evaluations.

Project status: All fieldwork is complete, and 

most laboratory analyses have been completed. 

All drafting of stratigraphic sections has been 

completed, and draft of report is in progress.

Project: Hydrologic data compilation for the Cook 

Inlet area.

Region and map key: Southern and southwestern 

Alaska; fig. 16 (12).

Organizational designation: Water Resources 

Division, Alaska District Office.

Project chief: G. W. Freethey, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 1209 Orca Street, Anchorage, Alaska 

99501; (907) 279-1563.

Cooperating agencies: State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Natural Resources, Division of 

Geological and Geophysical Surveys; Kenai 

Peninsula Borough; Municipality of Anchorage.

Project objectives: The purpose of the project is to 

collect, compile, and make available to 

cooperating agencies existing hydrologic data

A64
for the Cook Inlet area. The information to be 

compiled encompasses all ground-water, 

surface-water, and quality-of-water data in files 

and publications of the U.S. Geological Survey 

and the State of Alaska, as well as new data to 

be collected during field inventories of the study 

area. The amassed data may be used as a foundation for investigations involving: groundwater availability and quality in rapidly developing areas, including landfills; changes in 

ground-water levels; and surface-water resources of the agricultural, recreational, and 

developing residential areas. 

Project status: Data collection and compilation 

for the Matanuska, Susitna, and Knik drainage 

basins, and the west shore of Cook Inlet are 

approximately 75 percent complete. Compilation of hydrologic data in the Kenai Peninsula 

Borough and Anchorage Municipality areas 

has been a part of ongoing projects and is approximately 25 percent complete. No formal 

publications are planned for 1977.

Project: Geohydrology of the Anchorage area.

Region and map key: Southern Alaska; fig. 16 

(13).

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 agencies: Municipality of Anchorage; State of Alaska, Department of Fish and 

Game.

Project objectives: This project monitors the effects of urban development on water and 

water-related resources and assesses water 

availability for increasing demands in Anchorage and vicinity, the major population, commercial, and trading center, for the State's 

natural resource development activities.

Project status: General hydrologic information 

and potential urban hydrology problems were 

described early in this 11-year-old project. A 

series of reports followed on specific waterresource-related problems water supply and 

waste-water disposal in a mountain slope area, 

water level maintenance in lakes in a lowland 

muskeg terrain undergoing residential development, pollution potential to aquifers from 

overlying solid waste disposal sites, and feasibility of a conjunctive surface-water and

ground-water supply for a proposed fish hatchery. Under a reduced scope the project now focuses on potential for ground-water supplies for 

Eagle River and hydrologic model studies of the 

effects of artificial recharge on ground-water 

availability and the regional hydrologic system. A reduced data collection network will 

continue to monitor urbanization effects, provide continuity of long-term records, and serve 

as a basis for hydrologic analyses as required.

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: The network of seismic stations, 

installed in 1974, was realined slightly in 1976 

in order to improve earthquake detection and 

hypocenter locations in the Icy Bay vicinity. 

This area has exhibited a relatively high level 

of microearthquake activity with respect to the 

whole project study area. Quarterly reports of 

the eastern Gulf of Alaska seismicity are submitted to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within 4 months of the 

quarter completion date.

SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA

Project: Glacier Bay National Monument Wilderness Study Area.

Region and map key: Southeastern Alaska; fig. 

16 (14).

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.

A65
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 geochemical sampling. 

Aeromagnetic, paleomagnetic, and gravity surveys were completed in 1976 as were reconnaissance bedrock geologic and geochemical studies 

of the westernmost part of the Monument. 

Manuscript submittal is tentatively scheduled 

for 1978 but may be postponed if the 1977 

studies show the need for continuation into the 

1978 field season.

Project: Beach studies of the Gulf of Alaska 

shoreline in Glacier Bay National Monument.

Region: Southeasten Alaska.

Organizational designation: Geologic Division, 

Office of Marine Geology, Branch of PacificArctic Geology.

Project chief: Bruce F. Molnia, U.S. Geological 

Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 

Calif. 94025; (415) 323-8111, ext. 2804, 2853.

Cooperating agency: National Park Service.

Project objectives: This project, which is partially 

funded by the National Park Service, began in 

1976. Its objectives are: (1) to characterize the 

beach in Glacier Bay National Monument between Cape Fairweather and Icy Point; and (2) 

to predict the effects of an oil spill on the 

studied segment of beach. Beach characterization consists of both aerial and ground reconnaissance and the interpretation of aerial photographs. Qualitative oil-spill evaluation consists of a synthesis of information about beach 

morphology, tidal conditions, meteorology, vegetative cover, sediment parameters, and similar factors.

Project status: Three weeks of fieldwork in July 

1976 by B. F. Molnia, T. R. Bruns, J. H. Cudnohufsky, J. C. Hampson, Jr., and S. C. Kittelson established 30 permanent beach profile stations and collected over 70 sediment samples. 

Profiles at each station site have been constructed and tied into tidal base level. Sediment 

samples are being analyzed by rapid sediment 

analyzer. Vegetative samples and tree borings 

are being analyzed to characterize the age and 

type of plant cover. The initial group of profiles 

will serve as a baseline to compare against future beach work. A winter observation program 

is planned for early 1977, and a reoccupation of 

the original 30 sites for the summer of 1977.

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1977 - 789-025/70 A66