Construction Materials

The Alaska Division of Geology & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) seeks to provide information about potential sources of construction materials by documenting the character and distribution of sand and gravel deposits. Our geologic mapping and construction materials investigations focus on areas with State-identified need. This often includes areas near existing or planned infrastructure corridors, as well as remote communities that have limited access to sand and gravel resources.

Material site, Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska

Exploration, development, and maintenance projects often require tremendous quantities of construction materials, potentially surpassing the available supply from existing State, and private material sites. DGGS is collaborating with stakeholders to identify areas of critical need, often located near communities or along proposed or existing infrastructure corridors, to target fieldwork and mapping efforts in these areas. The outcomes of our work provide essential data for project development and implementation decisions.

Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources Project (ASTAR)

As part of a state initiative to strengthen regional and community infrastructure within the North Slope Borough and facilitate access to natural resources, DGGS is working with contractors to evaluate sand and gravel resources on the North Slope of Alaska for the Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources Project (ASTAR). Sand and gravel are in very short supply, and there is widespread interest in identifying sources of material for maintenance and development activities across the region. Resource investigations and mapping have been ongoing since 2019, and field station data have been published for areas near Utqiagvik, Atqasuk, Wainwright, and Inigok within the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska. Additional field data near Point Lay and Anaktuvuk Pass are anticipated soon.

ASTAR geologists use a power auger to drill for a sand and gravel resource assessment on the North Slope