U-Pb zircon ages from bedrock samples collected in the Tanacross and Nabesna quadrangles, eastern Alaska

Metadata also available as - [Parseable text] - [XML]

Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
U-Pb zircon ages from bedrock samples collected in the Tanacross and Nabesna quadrangles, eastern Alaska
Abstract:
This Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) Preliminary Interpretive Report presents uranium-lead (U-Pb) ages of zircons from 37 igneous and metamorphic samples collected during the 2019 field season in support of a 4,800-sq-km (1,860-sq-mi) bedrock geologic map of eastern Interior Alaska surrounding Mount Fairplay and the Ladue River drainage. The area lies north of the Alaska Highway and is approximately 65 km (40 mi) east of Tok, Alaska; it runs west from the Alaska-Yukon border to encompass the Taylor Highway. DGGS and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) staff identified this area as having underexplored potential to host deposits of critical minerals, including rare earth elements (REE), uranium, niobium, zirconium, tin, tungsten, bismuth, and rhenium, as well as conventional mineral resources including gold, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, and silver. The goal of this U-Pb isotopic study is to better understand the Devonian through Paleogene magmatic and tectonic events, which have been linked to most of the known mineralization in the Yukon-Tanana Uplands. The Mount Fairplay and Ladue River areas are characterized by amphibolite- to greenschist-facies metamorphic rocks-the Lake George assemblage, Ladue River unit, and the Klondike assemblage-which have Mississippian-Devonian and Permian protolith ages. Voluminous volcanic and plutonic rocks of varying composition and texture from the mid-Cretaceous (ca. 100-115 Ma), Late Cretaceous (ca. 65-71 Ma), and Paleogene (ca. 57-58 Ma) magmatic episodes were observed to be emplaced in both the Lake George and Ladue River metamorphic units. Alaska DGGS and the USGS staff have identified both generations of Cretaceous magmatism as having potential to host deposits of the critical minerals mentioned above. All components of this data release are available on the DGGS website: http://doi.org/10.14509/30732.
Supplemental_Information:
geochron-data:    Spreadsheets with geochronology lab results	
geochron-summary:    Identification numbers, coordinates, sample descriptions, and summary ages of each sample.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Wildland, A.D., Wypych, Alicja, Regan, S.P., and Holland, Mark, 2021, U-Pb zircon ages from bedrock samples collected in the Tanacross and Nabesna quadrangles, eastern Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2021-4, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 47 p.
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -142.466600
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -141.047900
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 63.729500
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 63.057800
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 2021
    Currentness_Reference:
    ground condition
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report, tables
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a point data set.
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest 0.0001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.0001. Latitude and longitude values are specified in decimal degrees. The horizontal datum used is WGS84.
      The ellipsoid used is WGS 84.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257223563000025.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    pir2021-004-geochron-data.zip, pir2021-004-geochron-data-dictionary.csv
    Spreadsheets with geochronology lab results (Source: U-Pb geochronology analyses were performed by Paul O'Sullivan of GeoSep Services)
    pir2021-004-geochron-summary.csv, pir2021-004-geochron-summary-data-dictionary.csv
    Identification numbers, coordinates, sample descriptions, and summary ages of each sample. (Source: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys)

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?
    The authors would like to thank Jen Athey, Travis Naibert, Rainer Newberry, Karri Sicard, Evan Twelker, and Chris Wyatt of the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys' Mineral Resources Section, Julian Lopez with Colorado College, Jalen Cox and Daisy Herrman with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the Arizona LaserChron Center staff for their contributions towards data collection, scientific discussions, and other support. This project was jointly funded by the State of Alaska and the U.S. Geological Survey's Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) through cooperative agreement G19AC00262. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Geological Survey. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey.
  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?

DGGS and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) staff identified the Mount Fairplay and the Ladue River drainage area as having underexplored potential to host deposits of critical minerals, including rare earth elements (REE), uranium, niobium, zirconium, tin, tungsten, bismuth, and rhenium, as well as conventional mineral resources including gold, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, and silver. The goal of this U-Pb isotopic study is to better understand the Devonian through Paleogene magmatic and tectonic events, which have been linked to most of the known mineralization in the Yukon-Tanana Uplands.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 2019 (process 1 of 2)
    Sample selection - Fresh, unweathered samples from surface bedrock outcrops were collected by DGGS field geologists; samples of representative rock types and important intrusive bodies were prioritized for analysis. Rocks were collected in summer 2019. Petrographic thin sections of each rock were examined to determine suitability for U-Pb geochronologic analysis.
    Date: 2019 (process 2 of 2)
    Sample preparation and data analysis - Zircon grains from rock samples were analyzed to obtain U-Pb isotopic geochronologic ages using the methods described in the accompanying report.
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Newberry, R.J., 2020, The Mount Fairplay igneous complex: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2020-1, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 32 p
    Solie, D.N., O'Sullivan, P.B., Werdon, M.B., Freeman, L.K., Newberry, R.J., Szumigala, D.J., and Hubbard, T.D., 2014, Zircon U-Pb age data, Alaska Highway corridor, Tanacross and Nabesna quadrangles, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2014-16, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 29 p
    Solie, D.N., Werdon, M.B., Freeman, L.K., Newberry, R.J., Szumigala, D.J., Speeter, G.G., and Elliott, B.A., 2019, Bedrock-geologic map, Alaska Highway corridor, Tetlin Junction, Alaska to Canada border: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2019-3, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 16 p., 2 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Todd, Erin, Wypych, Alicja, and Kylander-Clark, Andrew, 2019, U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope, age, and trace element data from zircon separates from the Tanacross D-1, and parts of D-2, C-1, and C-2 quadrangles: Raw Data File RDF 2019-5, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 10 p
    Twelker, Evan, 2021, Geologic investigation of the Ladue River-Mount Fairplay area, eastern Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2021-5, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 86 p
    Twelker, Evan, 2021, Economic geology of the Ladue River-Mount Fairplay area: Report of Investigation RI 2021-5F, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: p. 77-86
    Wypych, Alicja, Jones, J.V., III, and O'Sullivan, Paul, 2020, U-Pb Zircon ages from bedrock samples collected in the Tanacross D-1, and parts of the D-2, C-1, and C-2 quadrangles, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2020-2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 19 p

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

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    The analyses reported here reflect the same protocols and uncertainties described in the accompanying report. This publication is released in the DGGS Preliminary Interpretive Report (PIR) series. This series is intended for the timely release of preliminary interpretation of geologic observations and analytical data. The data and interpretations have been technically reviewed, with recognition of the work's limited scope, by one or two scientists familiar with the geologic context. The analyses and interpretations reported reflect the protocols and uncertainties described in the accompanying report.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Sample location coordinates (in WGS84 datum) were obtained using GPS-enabled field tablets, with a typical reported accuracy of +/- 10 meters.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    This data release is complete.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    Not applicable

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? PIR 2021-4
  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: 11-Aug-2021
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 Aug 10 17:26:30 2021