The San Francisco call., 1908-07-13
U. s. MAPS COAL
FIELDS OF ALASKA
theological Survey Publishes Full
Report on Region About
Controller Bay
Oll and Anthracite Make Field
of Probably Great Value
Commercially
SPECIAL DISPATCH TO THE CALL


any Alaskan coal field have lust been
published by the United States geolog-
lca1 survey in bulletin 335, a report on
the geology and mineral resources of
the controller bay region by G. C.
Martin. In its investigation of Alaskan
mineral resources the survey has es-
taolished the policy of proceeding de-
tdiled oy reconnaissance work, not only
10 determine the areas of proba BILE
greatest commercial Importance. but
also to obtain an insight into the
larger geologic problems and thus pre-
pare the way for more refined studies
such preliminary investigation of
the fuel resources of the Pacific coast
OF Alaska, made in 1903-4, indicated
that the Controller bay region is the
part of this province that gives promise
or being of greatest immediate COM
'mercial Importance and led to its Sc
lection for detailed work, which was
carried on during the seasons of 1905
and 1906. The report just published
which may be obtained free of charge
by applying to the director of the
survey at Washington. D. c., contains
discussions of the history, geography
climate and vegetation, harbors and
railway routes, geology and mineral re-
sources. the latter including coal and
petroleum.
Not the least important part of the
report are its maps. A small topo-
graphic map shows the Pacific coast
from Yakutat bay to Prince William
sound, and large one the details
of the Controller bay region on scale
of one mile to the inch. This large
scale map forms the basis of a general
geologic map of the region. with sec
tions showing structure, and another
map showing the areas of the different
kinds Of coal and the location of coal
sections. The report is also illustrated
with photographs of prominent physical
features such as Chugach mountains
and Martin river glacier and Bering
glacier and Bering river canyon.
LANDS IN CONTROLLER BAY
The recorded history of the Con-
troller bay region dates back to the
beginning of Alaskan exploration, for
when Bering led the first expedition
across the north Pacific in 1741 his first
landfall was Cape st. Elias and his
first landing place was either Kayak
or Wingham island, by which Con-
troller bay is sheltered. But this be-
ginning was of little Importance, for
Bering went back across the Pacific
without even touching the mainland.
The commercial history of the region
began with the advent of the fur trad
ers, who were attracted by the sea
otters caught by the natives around
the rocks off Kayak and Wingham
islands; and trading posts were estab-
lished even during the Russian occu-
patton. After the decline of the sea
otter industry attempts were made to
establish salmon canneries, but these
were not successful.
The coal and petroleum Of the region,
the existence of which was probably
made known to the traders by the ma
tives, began to attract attention in 1896.
and prospectors soon came in large
numbers. Drilling for oil, begun in
continuously ever since. and several
hundred prospect openings for coal
have been made. 1t is probable that
all the coal lands within easy reach
have now been located.
The Importance of the transportation
problem in the region has been realized
since the beginning of development
and the building of trails has gone on
from year to year until foot travel is
now easy. Railroad surveys have been
under way for several years, and con-
struction on two roads was begun in
1907, when work was also started on
wharves and breakwaters at KataIla
bay and Whale island, which are with
in 20 miles of much of the coal field
These railroads will provide transpor-
tation not only for the Goals OF the
Bering river field, but also for the cop
per ores of the interior. At present
communication with outside regions is
carried on by water. Katalla, the post
Office and chief trading center for the
entire Controller bay country, is the
regular stopping place for steamers
from Seattle G.250 miles to the south
east) to Valdez 90 to Is hours jour
ney to the wesD and to Seward (24 to
SO hours to the west). Juneau, the
nearest large town on the east, is two
or three days journey from Katalla-
At Juneau, Valdez and Seward are
telegraph and cable Offices
OIL VALUE PRoBLEMATICAL
Although the producing oil well that
was obtained by drilling in 1902 re-
suited in a BOOM" the value of the
oil resources of the region is still prob
lematic. The geology is complex and
difficult to interpret and the relation
of the occurrence of the petroleum TO
the stratigraphy and structure has NOT
been clearly defined. The local geology
appears to be unfavorable to the pres-
ence of productive bodies of oil and
indicates that If oil is found in guam
tity the productive areas are frreru
larly distributed and will be dificult to
locate. 1t is possible, however, that
future investigation will show geologic
structure that is more favorable to the
development of good oil fields than
surface conditions indicate.
Concerning the value of the coal fields
no such doubt exists. Martin estimates
that approximately II square miles of
the area shown on his maps are under
laid by workable coal deposits, and 80
measured sections given in his report
show coal beds ranging in thickness
from 20 inches to more than 80 feet.
The coal Of the eastern end of the field
has the physical characters, burning
properties and chemical composition of
anthracite; that of the western end has
the softness, short smokeless flame.
coking properties and chemical compo-
sition of semibituminous steam coal.
in an intermediate area the coal is soft
but does not coke and is a semianthra-
cite. Field tests indicated that much
If not all, of the semibituminous coal
will yield. by proper treatment. coke
of good quality. This fact is of ex-
treme Importance in view of the pro-
ject to build local smelters for the
treatment of the Alaska copper ores.
MARKETS VITAL QUESTION
The question of markets for Alaska
coal is a vital one in connection with
the present activity in the DEVELOPMENT
of coal lands, both in the Rering
field and elsewhere in Alaska. OF the
10000 tons of coal consumed In tba