Geology Reports⌕ Search

Geology topics

Research about Adak Island

Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Adak Island.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Rhynchelmis aleutensis n. sp. (Clitellata: Lumbriculidae) from Adak Island, Alaska

A new lumbriculid worm, Rhynchelmis aleutensis , is described from streams on Adak Island, Alaska. The new species does not resemble other Alaskan or Siberian Rhynchelmis species. The paired spermathecal diverticula and the morphology of the male pores and atria suggest that it is more closely related to a species group known only from the western United States, south of Canada. The latter group has been associated with Sutroa Eisen, 1888.

Alaska↗

A new population of Aleutian shield fern ( Polystichum aleuticum C. Christens.) on Adak Island, Alaska

We report and describe a new population of the endangered Aleutian shield fern (Polystichum aleuticum C. Christens.) discovered on Mount Reed, Adak Island, Alaska. The new population is located at a lower elevation than the other known populations, placing the species' known elevational range between 338 m and 525 m. The discovery of this population is significant because it increases the total number of known populations and individuals for the species.

Alaska↗

Surficial geologic map of northern Adak Island, Alaska

Surficial deposits on northern Adak Island, Alaska include a variety of volcanic, glacial, eolian, and beach sediments. These deposits are the primary water-bearing units on the island and their distri- bution is shown on the accompanying surficial geologic map. An extensive sequence of volcanic debris-flow deposits (lahars) was identified on the eastern slope of Mount Moffett. The sedimentary characteristics of the lahar deposits indicate that they are related to volcanic eruptions of Mount Moffett and are evidence for Holocene volcanic activity at this volcano. Similar lahar deposits also are present on the southern slopes of Mount Adagdak. The surficial geologic map units described in the report are a basis for island-wide assess- ments of ground-water conditions, aquifer proper- ties, and general hydrogeologic conditions, and will be useful for determining the availability of potential construction materials.

Alaska↗

Eocene diatom chert from Adak Island, Alaska

Bedded quartz cherts that contain recognizable diatoms are rare in the geologic record and are described here for the first time. The Eocene Andrew Lake Formation on Adak Island, Alaska consists of about 800 m of sedimentary and volcanogenic rocks. Quartz cherts containing diatoms occur in the upper part of the Andrew Lake Formation and crop out on the northern part of the island. The quartz chert formed at about 70 degrees C as determined by its oxygen isotopic composition. The diatoms were preserved in the chert because early and rapid alteration of ubiquitous volcanic glass in the section released silica and saturated the pore waters with respect to opal-A. Then, temperature rapidly increased with burial and the pore waters became undersaturated with respect to opal-A (biogenic silica), which occurred at a temperature greater than that needed to convert opal-CT to quartz. At this stage, delicate species of diatoms dissolved and quartz precipitated around the remaining more robust diatoms, forming diatom theft. Subsequently, grain-growth occurred and quartz replaced the frustules on a very fine scale.

Alaska↗