Preliminary reports on the Carbon Creek anticline and on the upper Meade River, Alaska
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The Navy Oil Unit of the United States Geological Survey has been investigating the geology of Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4, northern Alaska. As part of this program, heavy-mineral samples were prepared from cores of the test wells and core holes and studied to determine stratigraphic correlations. Using the following criteria: (1) presence of diagnostic minerals or mineral suites; (2) relative abundance of specific minerals; (3) degree of rounding of mineral grains; (4) distinction as to grain form; eight heavy-mineral zones have been recognized in Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Quaternary sedimentary rocks. Correlations based on these zones are shown. Source areas and rocks are discussed in relation to geologic history and genesis of the Mesozoic and Quaternary sedimentary rocks.
Geological Survey Party No. 4 was assigned an investigation of the Ikpikpuk and Titaluk Rivers and East Fork of the Ikpikpuk River mainly for the purpose of obtaining stratigraphic information which would be of use in determining the parts of the Upper Cretaceous sequence that underlie the areas investigated by United Geophysical Company parties 43 and 46. A total of five days were spent in geological investigations of the Titaluk River with a Cub plane equipped with pontoons. The party was composed of the geologist and Don Hulshizer, pilot of Wien Alaska Airlines. The geologist and Ronald K. Sorem, field assistant, traversed the Ikpikpuk River by boat from the junction of Maybe Creek and the Kigalik River to near the junction of the East Fork. From the northernmost point reached by boat traverse, the river was examined by plane to north of latitude 70° N., but no outcrops or rubble indicating bedrock were seen. The East Fork was also examined from the air but no outcrops or rubble were observed.
In 1952 the National Park Service became interested in setting aside a large wilderness area in northeastern Alaska. The area is approximately 7,000 square miles in size, with boundaries as follows: beginning at Camden Bay south along the Katakturuk River to lat. 68° N.; then east to long. 144° 33' W.; south to lat. 68° N.; then east to the Canadian Boundary. The two river areas which the Park Service is most interested in examining for ecology, botany, archaeology, and geology are the upper Firth and Kongakut Rivers.
Geological Survey Party 4 began studies at a point on the Colville River 18 miles downstream from the mouth of the Killik River on July 19. From this point the studies were continued along the Colville River to near the mouth of Prince Creek. The investigation was completed on September 1 and the party returned to Umiat. A traverse was made along the lower half of Prince Creek and along one of its northern tributaries between September 8 and September 15. Canvas boats were used for transportation along the Colville River and a weasel was used to traverse Prince Creek. The party was composed of four members: R. L. Detterman and D. E. Mathewson, geologists; J. L. Townley, surveyor; and Charles Segal, cook.
This report presents the general conclusions pertaining to the correlation of Cretaceous and Tertiary rocks in test wells and outcrops in the central area of northern Alaska (fig. 1) by means of heavy minerals. Approximately 1.000 drill and outcrop samples have been studied. In order to relate the materiel here presented to the regional geologic picture of the central area, the restored facies cross-sections A-A' and B-B' of T.G. Payne 1/ are used as a basis for the graphic presentation of the heavy mineral zonation. Section C-C' of Payne is not used because most of it lies outside the area treated in this report and because of new geological and geophysical interpretations in the Barrow area as the result of recent exploration. Instead, the heavy mineral zonation along a somewhat different section C-C' (see fig. 1) is discussed but not illustrated.
The stratigraphy and structure of the area of the Colville north of Umiat was studied by U. S. GeologicaI Survey Party No. 1 during the period of May 31 to July 19, 1947. The. party, consisting pf two geologists, a cook, and a "weasel" mechanic, left Umiat in two "weasels”. The weasels were used to transport the party and equipment from camp to camp, and also made it possible for the geologists to work as far as 15 to 20 miles out from a camp in one day. A ten-foot canvas-boat was carried along. During most of the month of June even the smaller tributaries to the Kogohokruk carried enough melt and run off water to make them navigable in the 10-foot boat. The party returned to Umiat on June 23, after traversing both the Kikiakrorak and the Kogohokruk Rivers, and several smaller tributaries to the Kogohokruk.
In 1946 U. S. Geological Survey Party 2 was assigned the task of carrying out detailed structural and stratigraphic investigations in the area of Maybe Creek*. Field studies indicated the presence of a large anticlinal structure whose axis lies just south of Wolf Creek. Later structural data compiled from aerial photographic studies indicated that the anticline is a closed structure 8-9 miles long, and as much as 6 miles wide. The evidence for a closure on the east end of the structure appears very strong, but not enough evidence was obtained to prove closure on the west end. In 1947 U. S. Geological Survey Party 1 spent two weeks at Wolf Creek, mapping bedding traces on the west end of the structure with plane table and alidade, in an attempt to prove or disprove west closure on the anticline. Party 1, consisting of 3 geologists, cook, and a "weasel" mechanic, left Umiat on July 21, and returned on August 5. Two "weasels" were used for the transportation of the party and equipment, and were also used extensively in mapping the area.