The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1907-03-05
Geodetic Survey Describes Alaska
Country on Paper
FEW TOWNS NEAR SOLOMON RIVER
OF THIS LOCALITY
30 NILES EAST OF COAST is
GREATLY SLOPiNG.

Two maps on the scale of Il mile to
an inch of region about so miles
east Of Nome, Alaska, have recently
been prepared by topCSraphers of the
United States Geological survey.
These maps, known as the Solomon
and Casadepaga sheets, are bounded
by the parallels of 81 degrees 80 min
ute: and 65 degrees and by the meri-
dians 164 degrees and 164 degrees so
minutes. 1t is interesting to note that
on account of the more northern iati-
tude the length of a degree Of lOngi-
tude is almost exactly equal to that
of half degree at the latitude of
Montgomery, Ala. The control of these
maps was executed by the United
States coast and geOdetic survey
The topography was the work Of
Messrs T. G. Gerdine, w. B. COrse
and b. A. YOder of the geological sur
vey under the direction of Alfred II.
Brooks, geologist in charge.
The region represented by the
Solomon and Casadepaga maps is Of
interest chiefly on account of the GOLD
deposits AS early as 1899 the geo.
'ogical survey sent an expedition into
he field to study the economic prob.
was the publication of a map on a
scale of four miles to an inch with a
contour interval of 200 feet. 1t was
realized, however, that such a small
scale was not suitable for the more
detailed needs that would arise with
he further development of the dis
riot. Maps on a larger scale with a
contour interval of 25 feet which
could be used by engineers in making
preliminary estimates and plans for
grades location of roads and railroads,
bitches, waterpOwer and other con-
StructiOn works have accordingly
been prepared.
Few Towns in Area.
There are few towns or settlements
in the area. Solomon and Dickson on
opposite sides Of Solomon river are
the main points from which supplies
are distributed to the different min
ing camps along the creeks. A rail-
road over 80 miles long follows the
main rivers from Dickson to Penelope
creek. This road will ultimately be
extended the entire length of the Casa
depaga river and down the Niukluk to
Council.
The main Typographical features
represented by these maps consist of
a gently slOping nearly flat plain and
much dissected. hilly country. The
plain, which belongs to the class of
coastal plains, extends northward
from the shores of Norton Bay. It's
maximum width is about six miles in
quadrangle. but it gradually narrows
until it is entirely wanting at Topkok
Head. The hilly country constitutes
the entire remainder of the surface.
1t is a dissected plateau region in
which the surface form is often very
closely dependent upon the rock
structure. Wherever massive lime
stone occurs in the field the slopes
become very steep and the topography
is rugged. AS examples of such forms,
which are distinctly recognizable from
the maps, attention may be called to
the ridge in the extreme northwestern
part of the Solomon sheet or to the
hills on the north central portion of
te Casadepaga quadrangle.
The region is entirely devoid of all
trees except stunted willows so that
topographic details may be clearly
seen and accurately delineated The
excessive growth of moss and dwarf
vegetation produces typical tundra,
which is a great drawback TO geo.
logical Investigations and to correct
Interpretation of the past physio-
graphic history of the region. This is
especially true in the coastal plain
province.
These maps may be obtained at the
rate of 5 cents each from the director
Of the United States geological sur