Reconnaissance geologic map of the Noatak C5, D5, D6 and D7 quadrangles, Alaska

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
Reconnaissance geologic map of the Noatak C5, D5, D6 and D7 quadrangles, Alaska
Abstract:
Reconnaissance geologic map of the Noatak C5, D5, D6 and D7 quadrangles, Alaska, Miscellaneous Investigations Series Map 1814, covers the northwestern part of the Noatak 1:250,000 quadrangle, an area of low relief characterized by gently sloping hills and broad tundra surfaces on unconsolidated deposits. Elevations range from sea level to 475 m at Mount Jarvis. Bedrock study is limited by scarce exposures; most hilltops are rubble covered and stream outcrops are few. Stratigraphic and structural relations are inferred largely from better exposed areas elsewhere in the western Brooks Range. Fieldwork for this map was conducted in June and July 1981, supplemented by earlier geologic studies, fossil collections, unpublished mapping, and aeromagnetic surveys. Bedrock geology consists of multiple thrust sheets containing coeval but lithologically variable rock successions. These thrust sheets are grouped into seven allochthons, each containing one or more sequences of sedimentary or igneous rocks. The Kelly River allochthon contains three sequences (Amphitheatre, Kelly, Eli) distinguished by differences in Mississippian units, especially the thickness and character of the Kogruk Formation and associated overlying and underlying strata. Regional studies indicate that thrusting began in Middle or Late Jurassic time during Brooks Range orogeny and largely ceased by Albian time, with later folding likely occurring between middle Cretaceous and early Tertiary. Cross sections illustrate generalized structural relations but remain speculative due to limited exposure. Thrust faults and allochthon boundaries are projected using structural styles observed in more mountainous areas. Intrasequence thrust sheets in the Amphitheatre and Kelly sequences form complex stacks between major interallochthon faults. Minimum regional shortening between the lowest and highest allochthons is on the order of hundreds of kilometers. Fossil collections from 1926 through 1981 provide age control for several units. The dataset provides geologic, structural, stratigraphic, and geochronologic information organized according to the GeMS and AK GeMS mapping schemas. The complete report, geodatabase, and ESRI fonts and style files are available from the DGGS website: https://dggs.alaska.gov/pubs/id/12879.
Supplemental_Information:
This geodatabase is organized according to the AK GeMS mapping schema Hendricks, M.D., Macpherson, A.E., Athey, J.E., Wyatt, W.C., Montayne, Simone, Buchanan, Wes, Rivera, P.G., and Steinleitner, A.M., 2024, AK GeMS data dictionary: A description of the Alaska geologic mapping schema: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Miscellaneous Publication 170 v. 2, 13 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/31172. The distribution package includes ESRI fonts and style files, along with usage instructions. Further documentation of the symbology is provided by Ekberg, P.G., Hendricks, M.D., and Athey, J.E., 2021, AK GeMS symbology: A description of the AK GeMS style file: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Miscellaneous Publication 169, 7 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/30584.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Mayfield, C.F., Ellersieck, Inyo, and Tailleur, I.L., 1987, Reconnaissance geologic map of the Noatak C5, D5, D6 and D7 quadrangles, Alaska: Miscellaneous Investigations Series Map I 1814, U.S. Geological Survey, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:63,360
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -165.277389
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -163.978251
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 68.002883
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 67.499772
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 1981
    Currentness_Reference:
    ground condition
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: geodatabase
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a vector data set.
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
      Universal_Transverse_Mercator:
      UTM_Zone_Number: 3
      Transverse_Mercator:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.999600
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -165
      Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0
      False_Easting: 500000.000000
      False_Northing: 0
      Planar coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair
      Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest .00000001
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest .00000001
      Planar coordinates are specified in Meters
      The horizontal datum used is NAD27.
      The ellipsoid used is Clarke 1866.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378206.4.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/294.9786982.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    noatak_c5_d5_d6_d7_quads_ak_gems_db
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS and USGS)
    noatak_c5_d5_d6_d7_quads_gems_db
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS and USGS)
    noatak_c5_d5_d6_d7_quads_gems_geopackage
    SQLite Database file (Source: DGGS and USGS)
    noatak_c5_d5_d6_d7_quads_gems_shapefile
    Shapefiles and open data files (Source: DGGS and USGS)

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
    This map was converted to GeMS or digitized into GeMS by Kinney Engineering, LCC., quality controlled, and then finalized by DGGS staff (Chris Wyatt). Ally M. Steinleitner implemented final database quality control and packaging. This geologic map (or report or conversion or product, etc.) was funded by the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program under STATEMAP award number G24AC00521, 2024, and the State of Alaska General Fund. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government.
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
    Metadata Manager
    3354 College Road
    Fairbanks, AK
    USA

    (907)451-5020 (voice)
    (907)451-5050 (FAX)
    dggspubs@alaska.gov
    Hours_of_Service: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays
    Contact_Instructions:
    Please view our website (https://www.dggs.alaska.gov) for the latest information on available data. Please contact us using the e-mail address provided above when possible.

Why was the data set created?

This mapping improves Alaska's ability to evaluate mineral and hydrocarbon resource potential in the northwestern Noatak region. By defining the distribution of thrust sheets, allochthons, and key Mississippian carbonate units, the work strengthens geologic models used to assess zinc lead silver mineral systems and to understand the significance of regional bitumen seeps and other hydrocarbon indicators. The resulting geologic framework supports informed land use planning, resource permitting, and exploration decisions, providing the State, industry, and researchers with reliable geologic information for a remote and under exposed part of northwest Alaska.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
    Ekberg, P.G. and others, 2021 (source 1 of 3)
    Ekberg, P.G., Hendricks, M.D., and Athey, J.E., 2021, AK GeMS symbology: A description of the AK GeMS style file: Miscellaneous Publication MP 169, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 7 p
    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Contribution: GIS analysis and digital cartography
    Hendricks, M.D. and others, 2021 (source 2 of 3)
    Hendricks, M.D., Ekberg, P.G., Athey, J.E., Wyatt, W.C., Willingham, A.L., and Naibert, T.J., 2021, AK GeMS data dictionary: A description of the Alaska geologic mapping schema: Miscellaneous Publication MP 170, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 10 p
    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Contribution: GIS analysis and digital cartography
    U.S. Geological Survey National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, 2020 (source 3 of 3)
    U.S. Geological Survey National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, 2020, GeMS (Geologic Map Schema) - A standard format for the digital publication of geologic maps: Techniques and Methods TM 11-B10, U.S. Geological Survey, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 p
    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Contribution: GIS analysis and digital cartography
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 1981 (process 1 of 2)
    Geologic mapping - Field mapping was conducted in June and July 1981 in the northwestern Noatak quadrangle. Bedrock observations were made at scattered outcrops, rubble covered hilltops, and limited stream exposures. Stratigraphic and structural relations were interpreted by comparing local observations with better exposed areas elsewhere in the western Brooks Range. Earlier geologic studies, fossil collections, unpublished mapping, and aeromagnetic survey results were reviewed and incorporated into the compilation. Thrust sheets, allochthon boundaries, and structural contacts were projected using structural styles documented in nearby mountainous areas. Cross sections were constructed to show generalized structural relations based on available surface data and inferred subsurface geometry.
    Date: 2026 (process 2 of 2)
    Data packaging - DGGS organized and attributed the geologic and geographic features according to the AK GeMS schema, then programmatically transformed the data into four distribution formats: (1) an AK GeMS data package containing the full database and supporting files, (2) a GeMS data package converted to the USGS base standard, (3) a SQLite database file, and (4) a simplified shapefile package with shapefile representations of the data.
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Dow, W.G., 1998, Organic geochemistry of Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic shales from the northwestern De Long Mountains, western Brooks Range, Alaska, 1994-1997: Public Data File PDF 98-35, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 181 p., 1 sheet, 1 DVD
    Dow, W.G., 2000, Geochemical analysis of outcrop samples from Tingmerkpuk project: Raw Data File RDF 2000-3, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 66 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:250,000
    Dow, W.G., and Talukdar, S.C., 1995, Geochemical analysis of outcrop samples northwestern De Long Mountains, Brooks Range, Alaska: Public Data File PDF 95-29, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 43 p
    Hubbard, T.D., and Wolken, G.J., 2024, Surficial-geologic map of the Kivalina area, northwest Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2024-8, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 5 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:50,000
    LePain, D.L., and Adams, K.E., 1999, Stratigraphy and depositional setting of the Tingmerkpuk sandstone (Neocomian), northwestern De Long Mountains, western Arctic Slope, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 1999-2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 5 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:127
    Mickey, M.B., and Haga, Hideyo, 1998, Micropaleontogy of Cretaceous and Jurassic shales from the northwestern De Long Mountains, western Brooks Range, Alaska, 1994-1997: Public Data File PDF 98-34, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 193 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:250,000
    Mickey, M.B., and Haga, Hideyo, 2000, Biostratigraphy report, 129 outcrop samples, western De Long Mountains (Tingmerkpuk) North Slope, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2000-8, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 99 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:250,000
    Mickey, M.B., Haga, Hideyo, and Mull, C.G., 1995, Paleontologic data: Tingmerkpuk Sandstone and related units, northwestern De Long Mountains, Brooks Range, Alaska: Public Data File PDF 95-31, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 44 p
    Mull, C.G., 1995, Preliminary evaluation of the hydrocarbon source rock potential of the Tingmerkpuk Sandstone (Neocomian) and related rocks, northwestern De Long Mountains, Brooks Range, Alaska: Public Data File PDF 95-30, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 22 p
    Mull, C.G., 2000, Summary report on the geology and hydrocarbon potential of the foothills of the northwestern De Long Mountains, western Brooks Range, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2000-9, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 16 p
    Mull, C.G., and Adams, K.E., 1989, Bedrock geology of the eastern Koyukuk basin, central Brooks Range, and east-central Arctic Slope along the Dalton Highway, Yukon River to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, Volume 2: Guidebook GB 7 vol. 2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 167 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:2,851,200

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    Attribute fields within each feature class are populated using the map symbology and corresponding applicable values from the GeMS and AK GeMS specifications. When known, certainty in attribute interpretation is indicated in the relevant fields. Attribute accuracy varies throughout the map and is scale-dependent.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Certainty in feature boundaries or location varies throughout the map. Data fields within each feature class and the accompanying orientation and location confidence lookup tables record the authors' degree of confidence in the location of applicable features.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    This publication is a U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Investigations Map (I Series), a series that presents interpretive geologic studies, maps, and graphics on a wide range of scientific topics. I Series maps provide detailed geologic information supported by field observations, analytical data, and topical investigations. They supply practical, site specific geologic documentation intended to support scientific research, resource evaluation, land management, and regional geologic interpretation.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    All polygon features were topologically validated according to the AK GeMS geologic mapping schema specifications.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints:
This report, map, and/or dataset is available directly from the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (see contact information below).
Use_Constraints:
Any hard copies or published datasets utilizing these datasets shall clearly indicate their source. If the user has modified the data in any way, the user is obligated to describe the types of modifications the user has made. The user specifically agrees not to misrepresent these datasets, nor to imply that changes made by the user were approved by the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys. The State of Alaska makes no express or implied warranties (including warranties for merchantability and fitness) with respect to the character, functions, or capabilities of the electronic data or products or their appropriateness for any user's purposes. In no event will the State of Alaska be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or other damages suffered by the user or any other person or entity whether from the use of the electronic services or products or any failure thereof or otherwise. In no event will the State of Alaska's liability to the Requestor or anyone else exceed the fee paid for the electronic service or product.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
    Metadata Manager
    3354 College Road
    Fairbanks, AK
    USA

    (907)451-5020 (voice)
    (907)451-5050 (FAX)
    dggspubs@alaska.gov
    Hours_of_Service: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays
    Contact_Instructions:
    Please view our website (https://www.dggs.alaska.gov) for the latest information on available data. Please contact us using the e-mail address provided above when possible.
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? I 1814
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    The State of Alaska makes no expressed or implied warranties (including warranties for merchantability and fitness) with respect to the character, functions, or capabilities of the electronic data or products or their appropriateness for any user's purposes. In no event will the State of Alaska be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or other damages suffered by the user or any other person or entity whether from the use of the electronic services or products or any failure thereof or otherwise. In no event will the State of Alaska's liability to the Requestor or anyone else exceed the fee paid for the electronic service or product.
  4. How can I download or order the data?

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 01-Sep-2026
Metadata author:
Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
Attn: Simone Montayne
Metadata Manager
3354 College Road
Fairbanks, AK
USA

(907)451-5020 (voice)
(907)451-5050 (FAX)
dggspubs@alaska.gov
Hours_of_Service: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays
Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
Metadata extensions used:
Generated by mp version 2.9.50 on Tue Sep 01 17:09:49 2026