2006 Compilation of Alaska gravity data and historical reports

Richard W. Saltus; Philip J. Brown; Robert L. Morin; Patricia L. Hill

doi:10.3133/ds264

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2006 Compilation of Alaska gravity data and historical reports

Richard W. Saltus·Philip J. Brown·Robert L. Morin·Patricia L. Hill

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Abstract

Gravity anomalies provide fundamental geophysical information about Earth structure and dynamics. To increase geologic and geodynamic understanding of Alaska, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has collected and processed Alaska gravity data for the past 50 years. This report introduces and describes an integrated, State-wide gravity database and provides accompanying gravity calculation tools to assist in its application. Additional information includes gravity base station descriptions and digital scans of historical USGS reports. The gravity calculation tools enable the user to reduce new gravity data in a consistent manner for combination with the existing database. This database has sufficient resolution to define the regional gravity anomalies of Alaska. Interpretation of regional gravity anomalies in parts of the State are hampered by the lack of local isostatic compensation in both southern and northern Alaska. However, when filtered appropriately, the Alaska gravity data show regional features having geologic significance. These features include gravity lows caused by low-density rocks of Cenozoic basins, flysch belts, and felsic intrusions, as well as many gravity highs associated with high-density mafic and ultramafic complexes.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 50.98609893339354° to 71.45515260247822° latitude; -178.9453125° to -129.97169494628906° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Richard W. Saltus, Philip J. Brown, Robert L. Morin, Patricia L. Hill. 2008. 2006 Compilation of Alaska gravity data and historical reports. https://doi.org/10.3133/ds264

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