Surficial-geologic and structural map of the Maynard Mountain landslide, Seward D-5 Quadrangle, southcentral Alaska

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Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
Surficial-geologic and structural map of the Maynard Mountain landslide, Seward D-5 Quadrangle, southcentral Alaska
Abstract:
Surficial-geologic and structural map of the Maynard Mountain landslide, Seward D-5 Quadrangle, southcentral Alaska, Preliminary Interpretive Report 2025-1, presents a geologic map of the Maynard Mountain landslide, a large, slow-moving mass identified on the southeast slopes of Maynard Mountain, approximately 3.5 km WNW of Whittier, Alaska. The landslide was one of 43 newly recognized features revealed through satellite remote sensing analysis in the Prince William Sound region (Schaefer et al., 2024). Eleven of these landslides pose potential hazards to infrastructure and communities, including tsunami generation. While satellite data confirmed slow deformation of the Maynard Mountain landslide, it did not resolve its size, volume, failure mechanism, or likelihood of rapid failure. This geologic map addresses that gap by delineating surficial features, structural geology, and geomorphic indicators that inform assessments of landslide depth, extent, movement history, and potential hazard. The mapped features provide a foundation for future modeling, monitoring, and risk mitigation efforts in the region. 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/10.14509/31430.
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?
    Bull, K.F., and Staley, D.M., 2025, Surficial-geologic and structural map of the Maynard Mountain landslide, Seward D-5 Quadrangle, southcentral Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2025-1, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:5,000
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -148.761843
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -148.717263
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 60.802204
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 60.781603
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 2012
    Ending_Date: 2025
    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: 6
      Transverse_Mercator:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.999600
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -147
      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 NAD83.
      The ellipsoid used is GRS 80.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257222101.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    maynard_mnt_ak_gems_db
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS)
    maynard_mnt_gems_db
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS)
    maynard_mnt_gems_geopackage
    SQLite Database file (Source: DGGS)
    maynard_mnt_gems_shapefile
    Shapefiles and open data files (Source: DGGS)

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?
    We would like to thank Dr. Jeff Coe for his mapping inspiration and the thorough and constructive review. Geologic mapping was funded by the U.S. Geological Survey National Cooperative Mapping Program, award numbers G12AC20187, 2012. Ally M. Steinleitner implemented final database quality control and packaging. Geologic map conversion to the GeMS standard was funded by the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program under STATEMAP award number G21AC10706, 2022, 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 map provides a detailed surficial-geologic and structural interpretation of the Maynard Mountain landslide in the Seward D-5 Quadrangle, southcentral Alaska. It supports hazard assessment by delineating geologic and geomorphic features that inform estimates of landslide size, depth, movement history, and potential failure mechanisms. The map addresses gaps identified in recent satellite remote sensing analyses and serves as a foundational dataset for future modeling, monitoring, and risk mitigation efforts in the Prince William Sound region.

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: 2014 (process 1 of 2)
    Geologic mapping - Fieldwork for this map was conducted over eight days in 2012, with additional site assessments carried out during two subsequent field seasons. Outcrops were accessed by helicopter, road, and trail. The mapping focused on delineating surficial geologic features, structural elements, and geomorphic indicators of the Maynard Mountain landslide.
    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?
    Benowitz, J.A., Layer, P.W., Wypych, Alicja, and Freeman, L.K., 2017, 40Ar/39Ar ages of rocks collected from the Passage Canal area, Seward D-7 Quadrangle, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2017-4, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 6 p
    Freeman, L.K., Montayne, Simone, and Wypych, Alicja, 2017, Major-oxide and trace-element geochemical data from rocks collected near Panorama Mountain, Mile 104 Seward Highway, Crow Pass, and Whittier, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2017-12, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 p
    Gillis, R.J., and O'Sullivan, P.B., 2024, Apatite fission-track ages for the Valdez Group and the Passage Canal and the Billings plutons from the Passage Canal area of Prince William Sound, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2024-30, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 7 p
    Gillis, R.J., O'Sullivan, P.B., and Donelick, R.A., 2024, Zircon U-Pb ages of the Valdez Group and the Passage Canal and Billings plutons from the Passage Canal area of Prince William Sound, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2024-29, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 13 p
    Hubbard, T.D., Wolken, G.J., Stevens, D.S.P., and Combellick, R.A., 2013, High-resolution lidar data for the Whittier area, Passage Canal, and Portage Lake, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2013-3, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 5 p
    Nicolsky, D.J., and Suleimani, E.N., 2018, Potential maximum permanent flooding, Whittier, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2011-7B, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:6,500
    Nicolsky, D.J., Suleimani, E.N., Combellick, R.A., and Hansen, R.A., 2011, Tsunami inundation maps of Whittier and western Passage Canal, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2011-7, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 65 p., 4 sheets, scale 1:14,000
    Nicolsky, D.J., Wolken, G.J., Combellick, R.A., and Hansen, E., 2011, APPENDIX B: Potential rockfall-generated tsunami at Whittier, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2011-7A, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: p. 57-65
    Schaefer, L.N., Kim, Jinwook, Staley, D.M., Lu, Zhong, and Barnhart, K.R., 2024, Satellite interferometry landslide detection and preliminary tsunamigenic plausibility assessment in Prince William Sound, southcentral Alaska: Open-File Report OF 2023-1099, U.S. Geological Survey, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 22 p
    Wolken, G.J., and Balazs, M.S., 2014, Inventory and preliminary assessment of geologic hazards in the Passage Canal-Portage Valley area, south-central Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2014-1, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 15 p
    Zechmann, J.M., Wikstrom Jones, K.M., and Wolken, G.J., 2024, Lidar-derived elevation for Maynard Mountain, southcentral Alaska, collected July 29, 2022: Raw Data File RDF 2024-11, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 11 p

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 DGGS Preliminary Interpretive Report (PIR). A PIR provides timely release of maps and reports with a preliminary interpretation of geology or analytical data. Several scientists familiar with the geology of map area reviewed this product for general readability and logical consistency, but it has not undergone technical peer review.
  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? PIR 2025-1
  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: 27-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 Mon Oct 27 17:12:38 2025