The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-06-08
-Dietz on Science
VAST ALASKAN
AREAS WAITING
TO Be CHARTED
Chief GeoIogiSt Urges U. S.
to Continue Giant
Surveying Task.
nv nax-rr rv-r1
b1 DAVID DE IL
Scripps- Howard Science Editor


Anyone who thinks that there are
no more frontiers left to explore,
is invited to listen to the words of
DR.. Philip S. Smith, chief Alaskan
geologist Of the u. S. Geological
Survey.
The Alaskan branch of the Sur
vey has been at work for the last
thirty-five years, making topo-
graphical maps of more than $780,
900 square miles of territory and
opening up thousands of miles of
trails. Investigations of mineral de-
posts and other studies of Alaskan
conditions made by the survey fill
400 publications.
DR.. Smith says: ITO write of the
Alaskan branch only in terms Of the
past might leave the impression
that its days of strenuous labor are
over and that it has fulfilled its
mission.
Such an impression, I believe, is
not warranted, for as I see the flu
ture needs there is and will be an
increasingly greater demand for the
kinds of service it is qualified to
give.
Mineral Wealth Hidden
Less than half of the vast area
of Alaska has been mapped and in
vestigated on even reconnaissance
standards, so that there is more
than 100000 square miles, or an area
about thirty-five times the size of
Massachusetts, that has not been
surveyed, and probably in at least
two-thirdS Of that area there are
tracts which may contain mineral
development.
DR.. Smith also gives an excellent
explanation of why it is Uncle Sans
job to do the exploring in Alaska.
Much more than nine tenths of
Alaska still remains absolutely in
the possession of the national gov
eminent" he says.
Therefore the governments own
interest as landlord would alone
suffice to necessitate its undertake
ink the work.
Opportunities Are Numerous
knowledge of the physical fea-
lures of its holdings and of their
resources that may be of value is
obviously indispensable for intelli-
gent development, profitable utili-
cation and effective administration.
DR.. Smith also points out that
the interests of the government in
Alaska are also the interests of it's
citizens.
The same type of information
regarding Alaskas mineral re-
sources that the administrators of
the government activities need also
is useful to the individual men and
women woh see Alaska as a land
of opportunity for their endeavors,"
he says.
1t is also pointed out by DR..
Smith that certain types of investi-
cations can be carried on only by
government agencies. This is be-
cause records are available for Of
fetal inspection which could not
be seen by private Investigators.
Federal Control Essential
The production of gold from an
individual mine is of itself a pri-
vate matter that is regarded as more
or less a secret, and yet knowledge
OF the total amount of gold pro-
duced from all the mines in differ
ent districts or of different types
is significant to world policies as
well as those of more local circles.
THE collection Of such informa-
tiOn necessarily must be carried on
by some such organization as the
elficale ..aKpami fioiG
geological survey which can be re-
lied on to respect the confidential
character of the information sup
piled and has so comprehensive a
knowledge of the mining industry
throughout the territory that its
findings are complete, continuous
and reliable"