Engineering Geology

Additional information

Projects

The Engineering Geology Section collects, analyzes, and compiles geologic data useful for engineering and hazard risk-mitigation purposes. Surficial-geologic maps portray the distribution of unconsolidated surficialgeologic materials and provide information on their engineering properties and potential as sources of construction materials and placer minerals. Studies of major geologic hazards such as earthquakes, active faults, and tsunamis result in reports outlining potential hazards in susceptible areas. The section advises other DNR divisions and state agencies regarding potential hazard risks to proposed developments and land disposals.

Engineering Geology FY13 project descriptions

  • ASAP Gasline - Multi-year geohazards investigation along the proposed Alaska Stand-Alone Gas Pipeline (ASAP) from Livengood to Anchorage
  • Alaska climate and cryosphere hazards program - The Climate and Cryosphere Hazards Program (CCHP)was developed to rigorously assess geologic hazards associated with climate variability and change and to publish information that will be used for forecasting and proactive planning, hazard mitigation, and emergency response in high-risk communities and developing areas.
  • Alaska quaternary fault and fold database - Collaborative effort with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to develop a Quaternary fault and fold database for the State of Alaska
  • Coastal geohazards - A coastal community geohazards evaluation and geologic mapping program in support of local and regional planning
  • Gas pipeline corridor - Geology, geohazards, and resources along the proposed gas pipeline corridor, Alaska Highway, from Delta Junction to the Canada border
  • MapTEACH - Mapping Technology Experiences with Alaska's Community Heritage: an education-outreach program that targets geospatial technology skills for rural Alaska students
  • Sagavanirktok geologic mapping - Bedrock and surficial geologic mapping in the Sagavanirktok River area, component of the Brooks Range Foothills and North Slope Program, STATEMAP Program
  • Susitna - Watana hydroelectric project - Evaluation of selected geologic aspects of the proposed Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project. Project consists of (1) a review of existing and new AEA contractor- developed seismic hazards reports, (2) a review of existing contractor-developed geologic maps of the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project area, and (3) conversion of the existing hardcopy geologic maps into digital GIS format.
  • Susitna basin hydrology - Study of the hydrology of the upper Susitna drainage basin, with a particular focus on modeling the effects of glacier wastage and retreat on streamflow. The study combines field measurements and computational modeling to improve estimates of runoff into the proposed reservoir of the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project.
  • Tsunami inundation mapping - Develop multiple hypothetical tsunami scenarios that are based on the parameters of potential underwater earthquakes and landslides for selected Alaskan coastal communities
  • Whittier - Study of geology and geologic hazards in the Whittier area, south-central Alaska - STATEMAP program