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Sculpted by water, elevated by earthquakes—The coastal landscape of Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Within Glacier Bay National Park in southeastern Alaska, the Fairweather Fault represents the onshore boundary between two of Earth’s constantly moving tectonic plates: the North American Plate and the Yakutat microplate. Satellite measurements indicate that during the past few decades the Yakutat microplate has moved northwest at a rate of nearly 5 centimeters per year relative to the North American Plate. Motion between the tectonic plates results in earthquakes on the Fairweather Fault during time intervals spanning one or more centuries. For example, in 1958, a 260-kilometer section of the Fairweather Fault ruptured during a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, causing permanent horizontal (as much as 6.5 meters) and vertical (as much as 1 meter) displacement of the ground surface across the fault. Thousands to millions of years of tectonic plate motion, including earthquakes like the one in 1958, raised and shifted the ground surface across the Fairweather Fault, while rivers, glaciers, and ocean waves eroded and sculpted the surrounding landscape along the Gulf of Alaska coast in Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska↗

Geologic Map of the Nulato Quadrangle, West-Central Alaska

Introduction The Nulato quadrangle encompasses approximately 17,000 km2 (6,500 mi2) of west-central Alaska within the Yukon River drainage basin. The quadrangle straddles two major geologic features-the Yukon-Koyukuk sedimentary basin, a huge triangle-shaped Cretaceous depression that stretches across western Alaska from the Brooks Range to the Yukon delta; and the Ruby geanticline,a broad uplift of pre-Cretaceous rocks that borders the Yukon-Koyukuk basin on the southeast. The Kaltag Fault crosses the quadrangle diagonally from northeast to southwest and dextrally offsets all major geologic features as much as 130 km.

IMAP↗

Maps showing aeromagnetic survey and geologic interpretation of the Chignik and Sutwik Island quadrangles, Alaska

An aeromagnetic survey over part of the Chignik and Sutwik Island quadrangles, on the southern Alaska Peninsula, was flown in 1977 as part of the Alaska mineral resource assessment program (AMRAP). Maps at scales 1:250,000 and 1:63,360 have been released on open-file (U.s. Geological Survey, 1978a, 1978b). This report includes the aeromagnetic map superimposed on the topographic base (sheet 1) and an interpretation map superimposed on the topographic and simplified geologic base (sheet 2). This discussion provides an interpretation of the aeromagnetic data with respect to regional geology, occurrence of ore deposits and prospects, and potential oil and gas resources. The survey was flown along northwest-southeast lines, spaced about 1.6 km apart, at a nominal elevation of about 300 m above the land surface. A proton-precession magnetometer was used for the survey, and the resulting digital data were computer contoured at intervals of 10 and 50 gammas (sheet 1). The International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) of 1965, updated to 1977, was removed from the total field data.

Alaska↗

Mineralogical maps showing the distribution of ore-related minerals in the minus-30-mesh, nonmagnetic heavy-mineral fraction of stream sediment, Healy Quadrangle, Alaska

A reconnaissance mineralogical and geochemical survey of stream sediments in the Healy quadrangle was conducted during 1980-1982 as part of the Alaskan Mineral Resource Assessment Program (AMRAP) of the United States Geological Survey (USGS). As a result of the various AMRAP investigations, a mineral resource evaluation of the quadrangle was published by Cox and others (1989). The Healy quadrangle comprises 6,700 mi 2 in southern Alaska and is located 60 mi south of Fairbanks and 120 mi north of Anchorage. The quadrangle is traversed by the central Alaska Range, which forms a glacially sculptured arcuate mountain wall with a maximum elevation of 12,339 ft (Mt. Deborah). The lowest elevation is about 1,000 ft along the Nenana River. Access to the sample sites was provided by helicopters, with the exception of a few sites that were accessible by automobile from the Denali and George Park highways.

Alaska↗

Surficial Geologic Map of the Hughes Quadrangle, Alaska

This dataset represents surficial geologic mapping of the Hughes quadrangle, Alaska. It is used to create the mapsheet in MF-2408, which shows surficial deposits of the 1:250,000 scale Hughes quadrangle in north central Alaska.

Miscellaneous Field Studies Map↗

Surficial geologic map of the Bettles quadrangle, Alaska

This dataset represents surficial geologic mapping of the Bettles quadrangle, Alaska. It is used to create the mapsheet in MF-2409, which shows surficial deposits of the 1:250,000 scale Bettles quadrangle in north central Alaska.

Miscellaneous Field Studies Map↗

Aeromagnetic map of the Nabesna Quadrangle, Alaska

The aeromagnetic map (sheet 1) of the Nabesna quadrangle was prepared in 1971 and subsequently released by the State of Alaska as an open-file map (Alaska Div. Geol. and Geophysics, 1973). The data were collected along north-south traverses spaced at 1.6 km intervals at an altitude of 330 m (1000 ft) above the ground. Compilation was originally in the form of 30' x 15' quadrangles at a scale of 1:63,360; these quadrangles have been combined and reduced to form the present map at a scale of 1:250,000. Contour interval is 10, 20, 100, or 500 gammas, depending on the local range in the earth's magnetic field.

Alaska↗

Aeromagnetic map of the Tanacross Quadrangle, Alaska

The aeromagnetic map (sheet 1) of the Tanacross quadrangle was prepared in 1971 and subsequently released by the State of Alaska as an open-file map (Alaska Div. Geology and Geophysics, 1973). The data were collected along north-south traverses spaced at 1.6-km intervals and from an altitude of 300 m above the ground. Compilation was originally in the form of 30 by 15-minute quadrangles at a scale of 1:63,500; these quadrangles have been combined and reduced to form the present map at a scale of 1:250,000. Contour interval is 10, 20, 100, or 500 gammas, depending upon the steepness of local gradients in the Earth's magnetic field.

Alaska↗

Distribution and abundance of copper in stream sediments and moraine debris, McCarthy Quadrangle, Alaska

A geochemical survey was conducted in the McCarthy quadrangle, Alaska, to identify areas containing anomalous concentrations of various metallic and nonmetallic elements. This study incorporates the results of analyses for copper, from 1,454 stream sediment and glacial moraine debris samples collected in the quadrangle, and analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey between 1961 and 1976 using semiquantitative emission spectrophotometry. In addition, the study includes most of the analytical results of the samples of stream sediment from the White River area, located in the northwestern part of the quadrangle, which were collected and analyzed by the Alaska Division of Mines and Geology (Knaebel, 1971).

Alaska↗

Distribution and abundance of lead in stream sediments and moraine debris, McCarthy Quadrangle, Alaska

A geochemical survey was conducted in the McCarthy quadrangle, Alaska, to identify areas containing anomalous concentrations of various metallic and nonmetallic elements. This study incorporates the results of analyses for lead, from 1,453 stream sediment and glacial moraine debris samples collected in the quadrangle, and analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey between 1961 and 1976 using semiquantitative emission spectrophotometry. In addition, the study includes most of the analytical results of the samples of stream sediment from the White River area, located in the northwestern part of the quadrangle, which were collected and analyzed by the Alaska Division of Mines and Geology (Knaebel, 1971).

Alaska↗

Geochemical and generalized geologic map showing distribution and abundance of molybdenum, copper, and lead in stream sediments in the Chandalar Quadrangle, Alaska

This geochemical map shows the distribution and abundance of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) of -80 mesh (177 micrometers) stream sediment samples in the Chandalar quadrangle, Alaska. The map is a part of a series of geochemical maps that together with the background information circular (Reiser and others, 1978) comprise the folio on the Chandalar quadrangle, Alaska. The data are plotted on a subdued base map showing the generalized geology, topography, and sample localities. Map symbols showing the ranges of metal values are indicated on the accompanying histograms and all values shown are considered anomalous. An explanation of sampling, preparation, analytical procedures and geochemical raw data for all samples are discussed by O'Leary and others (1976). The -80 mesh (177 micrometers) stream sediment medium was used in this study because of the regional setting in the north-central Brooks Range. Given the rather restrictive time and manpower constraints the -80 mesh (177 micrometers) stream sediment combined with panned concentrates was determined to be the most economical and adequate medium in this case where clastic sediments are being derived from local bedrock. The study area is generally one of high relief with short fast-moving streams and broad glacial valleys. All samples were taken from active streams, as close to the center channel as possible. All sediments were considered to be locally derived. Care was taken, when sampling an obviously glaciated terrane, to sample above or upstream from morainal material, wherever possible. Most samples were taken in areas where bedrock was within 30 m of the sample site.

Alaska↗

Geochemical and generalized geologic map showing distribution and abundance of zinc in stream sediments in the Chandalar Quadrangle, Alaska

This geochemical map shows the distribution and abundance of zinc in -80 mesh (177 micrometers) stream sediment samples in the Chandalar quadrangle, Alaska. The map is a part of a series of geochemical maps that together with the background information circular (Reiser and others, 1978) comprise the folio on the Chandalar quadrangle, Alaska. The data are plotted on a subdued base map showing the generalized geology, topography, and sample localities. Map symbols show the metal values that are considered anomalous; these symbols are defined on the accompanying histograms. An explanation of sampling, preparation, analytical procedures and the geochemical raw data for all samples are presented by O'Leary and others (1976). The -80 mesh (177 micrometers) stream sediment medium was used in this study because of the regional setting in the north-central Brooks Range. Given the rather restrictive time and manpower constraints the -80 mesh (177 micrometers) stream sediment combined with panned concentrates was determined to be the most economical and adequate medium in this case where clastic sediments are being derived from local bedrock. The study area is generally one of high relief with short fast-moving streams and broad glacial valleys. All samples were taken from active streams, as close to the center channel as possible. All sediments were considered to be locally derived. Care was taken, when sampling an obviously glaciated terrane, to sample above or upstream from morainal material, wherever possible. Most samples were taken in areas where bedrock was within 30 m of the sample site. Due to poor sensitivity for zinc by spectrographic analysis (200 ppm) all zinc analyses were done by atomic absorption.

Alaska↗

Geochemical and generalized geologic map showing distribution and abundance of nickel, cobalt, lanthanum and yttrium in stream sediments, Chandalar 1° by 3° quadrangle, Alaska

This geochemical map shows the distribution and abundance of nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), lanthanum (La), and yttrium (Y) in -80 mesh (177 micrometers) stream sediment samples in the Chandalar quadrangle, Alaska. The map is a part of a series of geochemical maps that together with the background information circular (Reiser and others, 1978) comprise the folio on the Chandalar quadrangle, Alaska. The data are plotted on a subdued base map showing the generalized geology, topography, and sample localities. Map symbols showing the ranges of metal values are indicated on the accompanying histograms and all values shown are considered anomalous. An explanation of sampling, preparation, and analytical procedures, and geochemical raw data for all samples are discussed by O'Leary and others (1976). The -80 mesh (177 micrometers) stream-sediment medium was used in this study because, given the rather restrictive time and manpower constraints, this medium combined with panned concentrates was determined to be the most economical and adequate medium in this area of the north-central Brooks Range where clastic sediments are derived from local bedrock. The study area is generally one of high relief with short fast moving streams and broad glacial valleys. All samples were taken from active streams, as close to the center channel as possible. All sediments were considered to be locally derived. Care was taken, when sampling an obviously glaciated terrane, to sample above or upstream from morainal material, wherever possible. Most samples were taken in areas where bedrock was within 30 m of the sample site.

Alaska↗

Geochemical and generalized geologic map showing distribution and abundance of barium, arsenic, boron, and vanadium in stream sediments in the Chandalar Quadrangle, Alaska

This geochemical map shows the distribution and abundance of barium (Ba), arsenic (As), boron (B), and vanadium (V) in -80 mesh (177 micrometers) stream sediment samples in the Chandalar quadrangle, Alaska. The map is a part of a series of geochemical maps that together with the background information circular (Reiser and others, 1978) comprise the folio on the Chandalar quadrangle, Alaska. The data are plotted on a subdued base map showing the generalized geology, topography, and sample localities. Map symbols showing the ranges of metal values are indicated on the accompanying histograms and all values shown are considered anomalous. An explanation of sampling, preparation, analytical procedures, and geochemical raw data for all samples are discussed by O'Leary and others (1976). The -80 mesh (177 micrometers) stream sediment medium was used in this study because of the regional setting in the north-central Brooks Range. Given the rather restrictive time and manpower constraints the -80 mesh (177 micrometers) stream sediment combined with panned concentrates was determined to be the most economical and adequate medium in this case where clastic sediments are being derived from local bedrock. The study area is generally one of high relief with short fast-moving streams and broad glacial valleys. All samples were taken from active streams, as close to the center channel as possible. All sediments were considered to be locally derived. Care was taken, when sampling an obviously glaciated terrane, to sample above or upstream from morainal material, wherever possible. Most samples were taken in areas where bedrock was within 30 m of the sample site. Due to the poor sensitivity by spectrographic analysis for arsenic, 200 ppm (parts per million), all arsenic analyses were done by colorimetry.

Alaska↗

Metalliferous mineral resource potential of the Seward and Blying Sound quadrangles, southern Alaska

This mineral potential map is the final report in a series of publications that makes up a folio on the Seward and Blying Sound quadrangles of southern Alaska. It draws on data largely presented in previous publications of the folio. The studies were undertaken as part of the Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment Program (AMRAP), a program designed to provide information for Federal, State, local, and industry decisions concerning the future uses of Alaskan lands and resources.

Alaska↗

Geologic map of the Christian quadrangle, Alaska

Most of the Christian quadrangle is in the Porcupine Plateau; the northwestern part is in the southern Brooks Range, and the southern quarter is in the Yukon Flats. Outcrops of bedrock are poor or lacking, except in the Brooks Range. Although large valley glaciers have moved through the Porcupine Plateau, along the East Fork Chandalar and Vanticlese Creek, most of the upland areas in the Porcupine Plateau have not been eroded by ice. Consequently the rocks are deeply weathered and many outcrops in the low hills east of the East Fork are only soil and rubble. The southern quarter of the quadrangle in the Yukon Flats is covered with unconsolidated glacial and alluvial deposits. The Christian quadrangle is at the east end of the southern Brooks Range schist belt. Here three geologic terranes that originate well south of the Brooks Range intersect the subterranes of the southern Brooks Range along northward-directed thrust faults and northeast-striking strike slip faults. The displaced terranes from the south have been mapped by Jones and others (1987), as the schist of the Ruby terrane, the mafic rocks and phyllite of the Tozitna terrane, and the graywacke of the Venetie terrane. The typical rocks of the southern Brooks Range Arctic Alaska terrane at this intersection are the carbonate and clastic rocks of the Hammond subterrane, and the schist of the Coldfoot subterrane. The Coldfoot schist ends at a probable strike-slip fault about 10 miles west of the Christian quadrangle. At that place the mafic rocks and phyllites of the Angayucham terrane that form the south flank of most of the Brooks Range veer sharply northeastward across the Coldfoot subterrane schist and terminate it. A small fragment of the Endicott Mountains subterrane of the Arctic Alaska terrane also lies within the Christian quadrangle, but the main body of this subterrane lies north of the quadrangle.

Alaska↗

Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Aniakchak Volcano, Alaska

Aniakchak is an active volcano located on the Alaska Peninsula 670 kilometers southwest of Anchorage. The volcano consists of a dramatic, 10-kilometer-diameter, 0.5 to 1.0-kilometer-deep caldera that formed during a catastrophic eruption 3,500 years ago. Since then, at least a dozen separate vents within the caldera have erupted, often explosively, to produce lava flows and widespread tephra (ash) deposits. The most recent eruption at Aniakchak occurred in 1931 and was one of the largest explosive eruptions in Alaska in the last 100 years. Although Aniakchak volcano presently shows no signs of unrest, explosive and nonexplosive eruptions will occur in the future. Awareness of the hazards posed by future eruptions is a key factor in minimizing impact.

Alaska↗

Hydrologic data from Nation, Kandik, and Yukon rivers, Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska

Flow data were collected from two adjacent rivers in Yukon?Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska?the Nation River (during 1991?2000) and the Kandik River (1994?2000)?and from the Yukon River (1950?2000) at Eagle, Alaska, upstream from the boundary of the preserve. These flow records indicate that most of the runoff from these rivers occurs from May through September and that the average monthly discharge during this period ranges from 1,172 to 2,210 cubic feet per second for the Nation River, from 1,203 to 2,633 cubic feet per second for the Kandik River, and from 112,000 to 224,000 cubic feet per second for the Yukon River. Water-quality data were collected for the Nation River and several of its tributaries from 1991 to 1992 and for the Yukon River at Eagle from 1950 to 1994. Three tributaries to the Nation River (Waterfall Creek, Cathedral Creek, and Hard Luck Creek) have relatively high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and sulfate. These three watersheds are underlain predominantly by Paleozoic and Precambrian rocks. The Yukon River transports 33,000,000 tons of suspended sediment past Eagle each year. Reflecting the inputs from its major tributaries, the water of the Yukon River at Eagle is dominated by calcium?magnesium bicarbonate.

Open-File Report↗