The central Kuskokwim region, Alaska

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What does this data set describe?

Title: The central Kuskokwim region, Alaska
Abstract:
The central Kuskokwim region, Alaska, Professional Paper 268, synthesizes the geology, ecology, and mineral resources of Alaska's central Kuskokwim region. Located within a tectonically active mobile belt, the area features over 60,000 feet of sedimentary and volcanic rock, shaped by repeated mountain-building, faulting, and intrusive events from the Precambrian through the Cenozoic. Key igneous rocks include andesite, basalt, rhyolite, quartz monzonite, and diabase, with associated metamorphic zones. Mineral deposits-especially quicksilver, gold, and tungsten-are concentrated in rolling terrain near intrusive contacts. Geomorphic surfaces and active faults reflect ongoing uplift and erosion. The region's rich geologic history and resource potential make it a significant area for exploration. This data release is a conversion of the originating geospatial data published by the USGS and may include minor modifications necessary for schema compliance. The dataset contains geologic, structural, stratigraphic, and geochronologic data organized according to the GeMS and AK GeMS mapping schemas. The complete report, geodatabase, and ESRI fonts and style files are available from the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys website: http://doi.org/10.14509/3818.
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?
    Cady, W.M., Wallace, R.E., Hoare, J.M., and Webber, E.J., 1955, The central Kuskokwim region, Alaska: Professional Paper P 268, U.S. Geological Survey, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 132 p., 5 sheets
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -159.892101
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -156.547118
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 62.308343
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 60.439800
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 1945
    Ending_Date: 1952
    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: 4
      Transverse_Mercator:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.999600
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -159
      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?
    central_kuskokwim_region_ak_gems_db_pkg
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS and USGS)
    central_kuskokwim_region_gems_db_pkg
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS and USGS)
    central_kuskokwim_region_gems_geopackage
    SQLite Database file (Source: DGGS and USGS)
    central_kuskokwim_region_gems_shapefile_pkg
    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?
    Kinney Engineering, LLC staff used scanned and georeferenced paper maps to digitize geologic features into an AK GeMS database. Chris Wyatt conducted quality control of this digitizing work and completed the creation of the AK GeMS database. 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 G23AC00584, 2023, 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 product supports the integration of adjacent mapping efforts by USGS and DGGS staff, enabling multi-map merging across the central Kuskokwim region of southwestern Alaska. It delivers geologic insights that advance resource development by identifying key deposits of quicksilver, gold, and tungsten, and correlating them with specific formations, intrusive bodies, and favorable terrains. By outlining the region's complex tectonic framework and mineralization trends, the report offers a strategic foundation for locating untapped reserves and promoting responsible extraction in one of Alaska's most mineral-rich yet underexplored areas.

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: 1955 (process 1 of 2)
    Geologic mapping - Geologic mapping in the Central Kuskokwim Region was conducted in the late 1940s and early 1950s using a combination of field reconnaissance, aerial photograph interpretation, and stratigraphic correlation. Field teams documented lithologic units, structural features, and mineral occurrences across traverses. Topographic base maps and photogrammetric techniques were used to delineate faults, folds, and intrusive contacts. Rock samples were collected for petrographic and geochemical analysis to support unit classification.
    Date: 2025 (process 2 of 2)
    GIS analysis and digital cartography - This data distribution package's geologic and geographic features were organized and attributed according to the AK GeMS geologic mapping schema. The legacy data were programmatically transformed to provide download options in three formats: (1) an AK GeMS data package that includes the complete AK GeMS database and associated files, (2) a GeMS data package that is a conversion of the AK GeMS database into the base GeMS standard published by the USGS, and (3) a shapefile data package that includes two simple shapefile representations of the data. Data sources used in this process:
    • Ekberg, P.G. and others, 2021
    • Hendricks, M.D. and others, 2021
    • U.S. Geological Survey National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, 2020
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Bundtzen, T.K., Laird, G.M., and Gilbert, W.G., 1989, Material studies along Kuskokwim River, McGrath to Kalskag, southwest Alaska: Public Data File PDF 89-16, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 84 p
    Bundtzen, T.K., and Kline, J.T., 1986, Coal, peat, and geothermal potential of the Kuskokwim area plan: Public Data File PDF 86-88, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 16 p
    Collazzi, E.J., and Ireland, R.R.W., 1986, Hydrologic reconnaissance of the Kuskokwim River basin between Sleetmute and Aniak, Alaska 1982-1983: Report of Investigation RI 86-16, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:385,000
    Laird, G.M., and Bundtzen, T.K., 1985, Resource evaluation, southcentral Kuskokwim Mountains, Alaska: Public Data File PDF 85-25, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 2 p
    Krause, K.J., 1984, Photointerpretive map of morphological flood-plain deposits and materials resources, middle Kuskokwim River from Sleetmute to Kalskag: Report of Investigation RI 84-2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 p., 5 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Bundtzen, T.K., and Conwell, C.N., 1982, Madhatters of the Kuskokwim Quicksilver Mines: Miscellaneous Publication MP 13, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 5 p
    Jasper, M.W., 1962, Cinnabar province, Kuskokwim Region: Mineral Investigation MI 194-1, Alaska Division of Mines and Minerals, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 26 p
    Jasper, M.W., 1956, Parks cinnabar prospect (Willis & Lyman, owners), Sleetmute district, Aniak precinct, Kuskokwim region, Alaska (Sleetmute quadrangle): Prospect Evaluation PE 82-5, Alaska Territorial Department of Mines, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 9 p., 1 sheet, scale 1 inch = 100 feet
    Jasper, M.W., 1955, Willis cinnabar property, Sleetmute district, Aniak precinct, Kuskokwim region, Alaska: Prospect Evaluation PE 82-3, Alaska Territorial Department of Mines, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 19 p., 2 sheets
    Jasper, M.W., 1955, Kolmakof cinnabar prospect, Western Alaska Mining Company, Aniak precinct, Kuskokwim region, Alaska: Prospect Evaluation PE 82-4, Alaska Territorial Department of Mines, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 10 p., 3 sheets

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 USGS Professional Paper(P). This is the Premier series of the USGS. It consists of comprehensive reports of wide and lasting interest and scientific importance, characterized by thoroughness of study and breadth of scientific or geographic coverage.
  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? P 268
  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: 02-Oct-2025
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 Thu Oct 02 11:48:41 2025