SEARCH · Geology Reports
Results for “Geological Investigations, Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4, Alaska”
Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Stratigraphy and structure of the area of the Kurupa, Oolamnagavik, Killik, and Colville Rivers
The area between 68° 3C' and 69° 08 N. latitude and between 154° and 155° 20 W. longitude was covered by U. S. Geological Survey party 4 during the period May 18 to September 2. Traverses were confined mainly to the valleys of the Kurupa, Oolamnagavik, and Colville Rivers inasmuch as very little rock is exposed in the interstream areas. This report is a compilation of the field data and of the results of office and laboratory work on rock specimens, fossils, and aerial photographs of the area. An interpretation of the structure and stratigraphy of this area is presented, and possible correlations with the Killik River area to the east are suggested. Some revisions of the conclusions in this report may become necessary in the light of further field work in adjacent areas and heavy mineral studies, but it is believed that any changes will not materially alter the geologic picture of the area.
Suggested correlation in Simpson seeps region
During the 1949 drilling season eight core tests were completed in the Simpson Seeps area up to October 25th„ This program, which is still in progress, was undertaken to provide an explanation for the surface seeps near Caps Simpson. The shallowest of the eight holes reached 800 feet; the deepest was drilled to a depth of 1460 feet. Geophysical data on the shallow horizons indicate that the Simpson Seeps Core Tests shown on the section have been drilled in an area of nearly north-south strike. The five core tests that most nearly approximate a section normal to the strike were chosen for the accompanying cross Section. An east-west strike, accompanied by strong anomalous dips of fifteen to twenty degrees to the north is indicated by geophysical data about five miles north of the cross section.
The subsurface stratigraphy and structure of the Simpson area
During the summer of 1949, 12 core tests were drilled in the vicinity of Simpson Seep No. 2 on the east side of the Simpson peninsula. These tests were drilled in an attempt to determine the origin of the Simpson oil seeps and to evaluate the petroleum possibilities of the area. These holes failed to satisfy the objective for which they were drilled, but did define a nearly north-south linear ridge of essentially unconsolidated sand enclosed by a monotonous sequence of clay shale. A gas-bearing horizon and good oil shows were encountered on the crest of the ridge in the vicinity of Seep No. 2 during the 1949 drilling season. In November 1949 the Operating Committee approved the drilling of additional core holes in this area to resolve the complex geologic problems encountered by the shellow drilling of the previous season. Four additional tests had been completed by November 1, 1950, and a fifth is now in progress. Drilling completed thus far in 1950 has resulted in more accurate delineation of the sand ridge, and a flowing oil well has been discovered on the west edge of the ridge near Seep No. 3.
Review and photogeologic evaluation of some selected anticlines in the Maybe Creek area
The following report presents in tabulated form the location, structure, and stratigraphy of various anticlines in the Maybe Creek area which are presently considered to be reasonably favorable drilling sites, References to mere complete sources of information for each anticline are listed. The accompanying diagram (Fig. 1) presents a generalized stratigraphic picture of the section that would be penetrated by a hole located on the crest of each of these structures. The zonal thicknesses, as shown in this diagram, are average figures and they probably vary from anticline to anticline within this area as they do elsewhere on the North Slope. The thickness of postulated favorable sands and also the stratigraphic horizon reached by each of the proposed 1,500-foot holes may be further affected by the postulated prezone F unconformity. It seems probable that zone E is essentially absent at Umiat. At the Weasel Creek anticline a total of approximately 1,700 feet of zone E sediments appear to be present. This is probably the complete zone E section. Thus the thickness of zone E sediments m4y vary considerably from place to place within the area west of Umiat covered by this report, and these possible variations are not shown in the diagram (Fig. 1). Interpretations of depth and thickness of favorable sands are based on the facies studies of T. G. Payne1/. Discussions presented are limited to Nanushuk Group rocks and no reference is made nor inference intended as to possible favorable stratigaphic or structural conditions in the older sedimentary rocks.
Calculated gravity anomaly produced by possible fault under line 27-48
The seismograph data from Line 27-48 of Party 47 indicates the possibility of a high angle fault win a displacement of roughly 1,000 feet under South Barrow Test Well No. 2. This fault vas discussed in E. Wiancko's report for United Geophysical Company entitled "Report of Reflection Seismograph Survey in the Barrow Area During 1948". Mr. Delta. and Mr. English recently expressed a desire to know the magnitude of the calculated gravity anomaly produced by this probable fault. Their purpose was to determine the feasibility of proving and locating this fault, if exists, by several traverses with the gravimeter. As interpreted in Wiancko's report, the fault is nearly east-west in strike and is a reverse fault with the up-thrust block on the north side. The assumptions made for the calculation of the theoretical anomaly were that the density of the basement rock was 2.7, the density of the overlying rocks was 2.2 and the fault itself was taken directly from Plate I, Drawing No. 2044, of Wiancko's report, simplified, and reduced by a factor of 2. The calculated anomaly is shown in Fig. 1. A polar chart similar to the type described on pages 153-154 of Heiland's "Geophysical Exploration" was used in computing the value of the anomaly. It was assumed that the feature is two-dimensional. Broken lines indicate values of limited accuracy. It should be mentioned here that Mr. Roland Henderson and Mr. Isidore Zietz of the Section of Geophysics of the Geological Survey carried out the calculations and plotted Fig. 1.
Progress report on the Kiligwa anticlinorium
This report was prepared to assist in the planning of seismic profiles to be run across the anticlinorium in the vicinity pf the Kiligwa River. The stratigraphy and structure of the mapped area south of the anticlinorium are reviewed.
The Driftwood anticline
Recent interest in the anticlines near the headwaters of the Utukok River has prompted the issuance of two special reports. This, the first of the two reports, deals with the Driftwood anticlines, the second will consider the Awuna anticline and the western part of the Carbon Creek anticline. At present, only trimetrogon photography is available in this area. This limits the accuracy and completeness of the photographic studies. Vertical photos were flown this summer but they will probably not be available for study before the November meeting. At such time as they are retrieved a more thorough photo investigation will be made.
Preliminary report on the stratigraphy and structure of the Driftwood anticline
No abstract available.
Preliminary report on the stratigraphy and structure of the upper Utukok and Kokolik Rivers area
U. S. Geological Survey Navy Oil Unit Party I examined the surface geology of the area of the upper Utukok River and east fork of the Kokolik River from June 28 to September 3, 1950. The party consisted of six men: E. G. Sable and M. D. Mangus, geologists; C. L. Hummel and F. H. Shannon, field assistants; R. D. Gerard, cook; and L. E. Hall, weasel mechanic. Three weasels were used for transportation in the field. The area examined approximates 1,000 square miles and is in the extreme southwest corner of Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4. It is bounded on the west by Iligluruk Creek (east fork of the Kokolik) and on the east by Driftwood Creek. With the exception of Driftwood Creek, major streams were ascended to their headwaters in the De Long Mountains. A traverse southward over the Utukok-Kugururok Rivers divide was successfully completed, providing a "tie-in" with the work of Navy Oil Unit Party 7. Several traverses were made 8 miles north of the Driftwood anticline and to the west fork of the Colville River. The objectives of this part of the summer's work were (1) the geologic mapping and stratigraphic study of the rocks exposed in this area, and (2) measurement of stratigraphic thicknesses of sediments older than those exposed in the Driftwood anticline. Geology was plotted on vertical and trimetrogon oblique aerial photographs. Altitudes were established by altimeter traverses. The northern part of this area was previously investigated by members of the Navy Oil Unit. In 1947 R. M. Thompson and W. L. Barksdale1/ visited outcrops along the Utukok River, and in 1949 R. M. Chapman and E. G. Sable2/ examined exposures along the Kokolik River. (See fig. 1, index map.)
Preliminary report on the stratigraphy and structure of the upper Siksikpuk - Nanushuk Rivers area
Structural and stratigraphic studies of the rocks in the Siksikpuk and Nanushuk Rivers area were conducted by Navy Oil Unit party No. 2 during the summer field season of 1950. The field party consisted of six men: two geologists; two field assistants; a cook; and a weasel mechanic. Three weasels were used for transportation of equipment and personnel. The area examined covers approximately 1;000 square miles of the Arctic Foothills province and lies between the Itkillik River on the east and the Chandler River on the west. The area is drained by the Nanushuk, Anaktuvuk, Siksikpuk; and Chandler Rivers. The mapped area adjoins the Okpikruak and Kiruktagiak Rivers area1/ to the west. The primary objective of the geologic work in this area was detailed stratigraphic study of pre-Nanushuk group rocks in the Southern Foothills belt as a supplement to the work begun in the Okpikruak and Kiruktagiak Rivers area in 1949. A secondary objective was areal mapping and structural studies for the purpose of delimiting structures favorable for drilling tests of the Lisburne limestone. Parts of this area had been reconnoitered by members of the U. S. Geological Survey in previous years. In 1901 F. C. Schrader traversed the Anaktuvuk River, In 1945 R. E. Fellows, R. M. Chapman, and C. T. Bressler visited outcrops along the northern margin of the area in the vicinity of the Anaktuvuk River and Kanayut Creek, E. J. Webber and R. L. Detterman examined a few of the cutbanke along the Nanushuk River in 1947 and in 1949. A. L. Bowsher, Sr.; and J, T. Dutro mapped an outlier of Lisburne limestone north of Nanushuk Lake during the 1949 field season.
Preliminary report on the stratigraphy and structure of the upper Oolamnagavik, Kurupa, and Etivluk Rivers area
No abstract available.
Preliminary report on the stratigraphy and structure of part of the Carbon Creek and Ketik anticlines
U. S. Geological Survey Party No. 4 mapped the stratigraphy and structure of parts of the Carbon Creek and Ketik anticlines during the summer of 1950. The area, which lies in quadrangles I-19 and I-20 is shown in figure 1. Large-scale maps, compiled from plane-table surveys, give a more detailed picture of two parts of the area, the west plunge of the Carbon Creek anticline (fig. 2) and a segment near the middle of the Ketik anticline (fig. 3).