Engineering-geologic map of the Alaska Highway corridor, Tetlin Junction to Canada border, Alaska

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
Engineering-geologic map of the Alaska Highway corridor, Tetlin Junction to Canada border, Alaska
Abstract:
During 2009, the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys continued a program, begun in 2006, of reconnaissance mapping of surficial geology in the proposed natural-gas pipeline corridor through the upper Tanana River valley. The study area is a 12-mi-wide (19.3-km-wide) area that straddles the Alaska Highway from the western boundaries of the Tanacross B-3 and A-3 quadrangles near Tetlin Junction eastward to the eastern boundaries of the Nabesna D-1 and C-1 quadrangles along the Canada border. Mapping during 2008-2009 in the Tanacross and Nabesna quadrangles linked with the mapping completed in the Tanacross, Big Delta and Mt. Hayes quadrangles in 2006-2008. Surficial geology was initially mapped in this third corridor segment by interpreting ~1:65,000-scale, false-color, infrared aerial photographs taken in July 1978 and August 1981 and plotting unit boundaries on acetate overlays. Verification of photo mapping was accomplished during the 2008 and 2009 summer field seasons, when map units were described, soil pits were hand dug, and samples were collected for analyses. The engineering-geologic map is derived electronically from the surficial-geologic map and shows the distribution of surficial-geologic and bedrock units grouped genetically with common properties that are typically significant for engineering applications.
Supplemental_Information:
Unit information and descriptions are included on each map sheet. The DGGS metadata standard extends the FGDC standard to include elements that are required to facilitate our internal data management. These elements, referred to as "layers," group and describe files that have intrinsic logical or topological relationships. Attribute information for the layers (entity) is included in this metadata file under the "Entity_and_Attribute_Information" section. The layers are titled: >border: outline shape of the study area >MapUnitPolys: map unit polygons
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Hubbard, T.D., Reger, R.D., and Gallagher, P.E., 2013, Engineering-geologic map of the Alaska Highway corridor, Tetlin Junction to Canada border, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2012-1B, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 2 sheets, scale 1:63,360.
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -142.5
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -141
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 63.378
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 62.529
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 2009
    Ending_Date: 2013
    Currentness_Reference:
    ground condition
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: map
  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: 7
      Transverse_Mercator:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.999600
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -141
      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 0.000001
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.000001
      Planar coordinates are specified in meters
      The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1927.
      The ellipsoid used is North American Datum of 1927.
      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?
    pir2012-1b-border
    outline shape of the study area (Source: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys)
    pir2012-1b-MapUnitPolys
    map unit polygons (Source: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys)
    map_unit
    Map unit label shown on map and described in text. See print version of map for more detail. (Source: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys)
    ValueDefinition
    A1Alluvial deposits - Qa, Qaa
    A2Alluvial deposits - Qai
    A3Alluvial deposits - Qab
    A4Alluvial deposits - Qat, Qfte
    A6Alluvial deposits - Qer
    CColluvial deposits - Qc, Qcf, Qcl
    E1Eolian deposits - Qe
    E2Eolian deposits - Qes
    L1Lake deposits - Qlb, Qld
    HManmade deposits - Qhf
    PPaludal peat deposits - P
    BBedrock and residual - b, b', b+b'
    lakelocation of modern lake

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?
    Digital cartography by: J.R. Weakland (2011, 2012), L .E. Southerland (2012), and P.E. Gallagher (2011, 2012, 2013), Reviewed by: R.A. Combellick (2010) Funding for this project is from the Alaska State FY09, FY10, and FY11 Capital Improvement Projects
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
    Attn: James Weakland
    GIS Analyst
    3354 College Road
    Fairbanks, AK
    USA

    (907)451-5029 (voice)
    dggsgis@alaska.gov
    Hours_of_Service: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays

Why was the data set created?

The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys conducted this project, funded by the state legislature, to evaluate the geology, geohazard and material resources along the Alaska Highway corridor from Delta Junction to the Canada border. The work was completed in preparation for a proposed natural gas pipeline, so that a baseline of geologic data would be publicly available upon which preliminary decisions could be made. The work was designed to serve as the springboard for the detailed work which would be required if a pipeline were to be built along this corridor.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
    USGS Tanacross A-1, 1952- minor revisions 1971 (source 1 of 9)
    U.S. Geological Survey, 1972, Tanacross A-1 Quadrangle: U.S. Geological Survey, Washington D.C..

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 Sheet
    Type_of_Source_Media: USGS topo map
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 63360
    Source_Contribution: base map
    USGS Tanacross A-2, 1955- minor revisions 1972 (source 2 of 9)
    U.S. Geological Survey, 1974, Tanacross A-2 Quadrangle: U.S. Geological Survey, Washington D.C..

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet
    Type_of_Source_Media: USGS topo map
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 63360
    Source_Contribution: base map
    USGS Tanacross A-3, 1948- minor revisions 2000 (source 3 of 9)
    U.S. Geological Survey, 2000, Tanacross A-3 Quadrangle: U.S. Geological Survey, Washington D.C..

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet
    Type_of_Source_Media: USGS topo map
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 63360
    Source_Contribution: base map
    USGS Tanacross B-3, 1949- minor revisions 1964 (source 4 of 9)
    U.S. Geological Survey, 1967, Tanacross B-3 Quadrangle: U.S. Geological Survey, Washington D.C..

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet
    Type_of_Source_Media: USGS topo map
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 63360
    Source_Contribution: base map
    USGS Nabesna C-1, 1955- minor revisions 1963 (source 5 of 9)
    U.S. Geological Survey, 1963, Nabesna C-1 Quadrangle: U.S. Geological Survey, Washington D.C..

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet
    Type_of_Source_Media: USGS topo map
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 63360
    Source_Contribution: base map
    USGS Nabesna D-1, 1952- minor revisions 1967 (source 6 of 9)
    U.S. Geological Survey, 1967, Nabesna D-1 Quadrangle: U.S. Geological Survey, Washington D.C.

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet
    Type_of_Source_Media: USGS topo map
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 63360
    Source_Contribution: base map
    USGS Nabesna D-2, 1955- minor revisions 1978 (source 7 of 9)
    U.S. Geological Survey, 1978, Nabesna D-2 Quadrangle: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet
    Type_of_Source_Media: USGS topo map
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 63360
    Source_Contribution: base map
    USGS Nabesna D-3, 1955- minor revisions 2000 (source 8 of 9)
    U.S. Geological Survey, 2000, Nabesna D-3 Quadrangle: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet
    Type_of_Source_Media: USGS topo map
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 63360
    Source_Contribution: base map
    Reger, R.D. and others, 2012 (source 9 of 9)
    Reger, R.D., Hubbard, T.D., and Gallagher, P.E., 2012, Surficial geology of the Alaska Highway corridor, Tetlin Junction to Canada border, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2012-1A, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 25 p., 2 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Type_of_Source_Media: document, map
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 63360
    Source_Contribution: surficial-geologic units
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 2010 (process 1 of 2)
    Geologic unit interpretation - Surficial-geologic units were initially identified by interpretation of ~1:65,000-scale false-color infrared aerial photographs taken in July 1978 and August 1981 and locally verified by field checking in 2008, 2009, and 2010. We interpreted the physical properties of the surficial-geologic units based on extrapolation from verified localities and from previously published reports and data. We inferred the potential geologic hazards from the typical physical properties of map units, including sediment texture and ground-ice content, and their typical topographic settings. Data sources used in this process:
    • Reger, R.D. and others, 2012
    Date: 2012 (process 2 of 2)
    GIS analysis and digital cartography - This map is derived electronically from the surficial-geologic map of the eastern corridor segment (Reger and others, 2012) using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Surficial geologic units were grouped based on common properties that are typically significant for engineering applications. Data sources used in this process:
    • USGS Tanacross A-1, 1952- minor revisions 1971
    • USGS Tanacross A-2, 1955- minor revisions 1972
    • USGS Tanacross A-3, 1948- minor revisions 2000
    • USGS Tanacross B-3, 1949- minor revisions 1964
    • USGS Nabesna C-1, 1955- minor revisions 1963
    • USGS Nabesna D-1, 1952- minor revisions 1967
    • USGS Nabesna D-2, 1955- minor revisions 1978
    • USGS Nabesna D-3, 1955- minor revisions 2000
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Carver, G.A., Bemis, S.P., Solie, D.N., Castonguay, S.R., and Obermiller, K.E., 2010, Active and potentially active faults in or near the Alaska Highway corridor, Dot Lake to Tetlin Junction, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2010-1, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 42 p
    Carver, G.A., Bemis, S.P., Solie, D.N., and Obermiller, K.E., 2008, Active and potentially active faults in or near the Alaska Highway corridor, Delta Junction to Dot Lake, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2008-3D, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 32 p
    Hubbard, T.D., and Reger, R.D., 2010, Engineering-geologic map of the Alaska Highway corridor, Robertson River to Tetlin Junction, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2009-6B, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Reger, R.D., and Hubbard, T.D., 2010, Reconnaissance interpretation of 1978-1983 permafrost, Alaska Highway corridor, Robertson River to Tetlin Junction, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2009-6C, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 13 p., 4 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Reger, R.D., and Solie, D.N., 2008, Engineering-geologic map, Alaska Highway corridor, Delta Junction to Dot Lake, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2008-3B, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 2 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Reger, R.D., and Solie, D.N., 2008, Reconnaissance interpretation of permafrost, Alaska Highway corridor, Delta Junction to Dot Lake, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2008-3C, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 10 p., 2 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Reger, R.D., Hubbard, T.D., and Carver, G.A., 2011, Surficial geology of Alaska Highway corridor, Robertson River to Tetlin Junction, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2009-6A, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 53 p., 4 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Reger, R.D., Hubbard, T.D., and Gallagher, P.E., 2012, Reconnaissance interpretation of 1978-1981 permafrost, Alaska Highway corridor, Tetlin Junction to Canada border, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2012-1C, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 27 p., 2 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Reger, R.D., Stevens, D.S.P., and Solie, D.N., 2008, Surficial-geologic map, Delta Junction to Dot Lake, Alaska Highway corridor: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2008-3A, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 48 p., 2 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Solie, D.N., Werdon, M.B., Newberry, R.J., Freeman, L.K., and Lessard, R.R., 2008, Major-oxide, minor-oxide, trace-element and geochemical data from rocks collected in the Alaska Highway corridor Mount Hayes Quadrangle, Alaska in 2006 and 2007: Raw Data File RDF 2008-2 v. 1.0.1, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 23 p

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

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    Engineering-geologic map units were derived from the surficial-geologic map. Physical properties of engineering-geologic map units are interpretive, based on extrapolation from verified localities and from previously published reports and data. Certainty in identification of the map units varies due to the scale and interpretive nature of the mapping. The geologic unit interpretations and boundaries presented in this report result from interpretation of nominal 1:65,000-scale aerial photographs as well as investigative traverses throughout the map area, aerial reconnaissance via helicopter, and examination of road-cuts and river exposures. Potential geologic hazards are inferred from the typical physical properties of map units, including sediment texture and ground-ice content, and their typical topographic settings. Except for a few test pits, no subsurface investigations or laboratory analyses were used for this publication. The reader is cautioned that this map is intended only as a general guide, and that unevaluated geologic resources and hazards may be present. Detailed geotechnical investigations should be conducted prior to utilization of any map units for engineering purposes. This map has received one technical review by a scientist familiar with the subject matter. We incorporated the reviewer's suggestions into the final draft.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    All boundaries are inferred or approximately located. Surficial mappers recorded observations on 1:50,000 scale (nominal) color-infrared aerial photographs and 1:63,360 scale topographic base maps. We believe the total horizontal accuracy of the mapped surficial-geologic contacts is on the order of 25 m or better, with somewhat lesser accuracy expected in areas of rugged relief.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    This dataset includes shapefiles that contain information about the mapped and interpreted engineering-geologic deposits in the map area distinguishable at a scale of 1:63,360. No analytical tests were conducted for this report. The table describes engineering properties that are generally present in the mapped surficial deposits, but local variations and exceptions are most certainly to be expected. The reader is therefore cautioned that this map is intended only as a general guide, and that unevaluated geologic resources and hazards may be present. Detailed geotechnical investigations should be conducted prior to utilization of any map units for engineering purposes.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    Polygon topology was present and clean on the original ArcGIS geodatabase. All polygon features were topologically validated using ArcGIS prior to export to shapefile format.

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
    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 (http://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? PIR 2012-1B
  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-Mar-2013
Metadata author:
Metadata manager
3354 College Road
Fairbanks, AK
USA

(907)451-5020 (voice)
Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
Metadata extensions used:
Generated by mp version 2.9.50 on Wed Sep 01 15:22:11 2021