Stratigraphy and structure of the area of the Killik, Chandler, Anaktuvuk, and Colville Rivers, Alaska

Abstract

This report deals with results of field and laboratory studies carried out to May 1946 by the Geological Survey, largely as part of the Navy Department's program of petroleum investigations in northern Alaska. The immediate purpose of the work has been to collect and interpret stratigraphic and structural data pertinent to drilling in the Umiat area. Field studies were made during the summers of 1944 and 1945 in the drainage areas of the Colville, Killik, Chandler, and. Anaktuvuk Rivers (fig. 1). Paleontologic and microlithologic studies, together with stratigrahica1 and structural analysis of the areas, were carried out in the petroleum laboratory in Fairbanks. This work led. to preparation of a preliminary report submitted. in December, 1945. Additional detailed studies, in the Survey laboratories and offices in Washington, D. C., have resulted in some modification of earlier conclusions and changes in illustrations. The changes are minor and have no significant bearing on drilling in the Umiat area. The present report is accompanied. by revised conies of figures 1, 2, 3 (sheet 1) and. 5. These illustrations should be substituted for the comparable figures of the preliminary report. Figures 3 (sheet 2), 4, and. 6 of the earlier report stand unchanged and should, be added to the illustrations accompanying the present report. It is believed that work to date has revealed the general geologic picture of the area and. that the sequence of Upper Cretaceous rocks is established. The section of rocks in Umiat Test No. 1 has been approximately located within the sequence. This report, and the work on which it is based was done under the supervision of George O. Gates, who has contributed. much to the study.