Surficial geology and geohazards in the Alaska Highway corridor, Alaska

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
Surficial geology and geohazards in the Alaska Highway corridor, Alaska
Abstract:
Surficial geology and geohazards in the Alaska Highway corridor, Alaska, Professional Report 124, presents geologic mapping along the Alaska Highway corridor from Delta Junction to the Canada border. This work supports future infrastructure decisions. We used airphoto and lidar interpretations, helicopter surveys, and ground reconnaissances to perform detailed Quaternary geologic mapping and evaluate potential geohazards. This report compiles the Division's field mapping from 2006 through 2012 and details the Quaternary depositional history and geohazards in the corridor. The complete report, geodatabase, and ESRI fonts and style files are available from the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys website: http://doi.org/10.14509/29701.
Supplemental_Information:
This geodatabase is organized according to the AK GeMS mapping schema 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: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Miscellaneous Publication 170, 10 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/30669. 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?
    Reger, R.D., Hubbard, T.D., and Koehler, R.D., 2021, Surficial geology and geohazards in the Alaska Highway corridor, Alaska: Professional Report PR 124, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 149 p., 18 sheets, scale 1:63,360
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -146.238274
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -140.456035
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 64.135546
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 62.527076
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 1983
    Ending_Date: 2024
    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?
      The map projection used is Alaska Albers.
      Projection parameters:
      Standard_Parallel: 55.0
      Standard_Parallel: 65.0
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -154.0
      Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 50.0
      False_Easting: 0
      False_Northing: 0
      Planar coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair
      Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.0000000030536018158500163
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.0000000030536018158500163
      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?
    ak_hwy_surficial_ak_gems_db_pkg
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS)
    ak_hwy_surficial_gems_db_pkg
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS)
    ak_hwy_surficial_gems_shapefile_pkg
    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?
    Many colleagues in the field and in Fairbanks provided assistance, cartographic and computer support, sample analyses, photographs, and stimulating discussions. We gratefully incorporated thorough edits by Paula Davis and De Anne Stevens and constructive reviews provided by Rod Combellick, Steve Masterman, and Diana Solie, which helped clarify this report. We thank Joni Robinson and Kristen Janssen for contributing their professional layout skills. We appreciate permission to access the Tetlin Wildlife Refuge and U.S. Army land as well as private lands of the Tanacross, Doyon, Northway, and Tetlin Native corporations. The geologic map database was converted to GeMS, quality controlled, and then finalized by DGGS staff Wes Buchanan, Ally Steinleitner, and DGGS contractors. 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 report provides basic surficial-geologic information useful for determining geologic hazards and locating aggregate material for engineering use.

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: 2012 (process 1 of 2)
    Geologic mapping - We initially mapped surficial geology by interpreting stereoscopic pairs of ~1:65,000-scale, false-color, infrared aerial photographs taken in July 1978, August 1980, August 1981, and July 1983 and plotting unit boundaries on acetate overlays. During this initial survey, we gave special attention to identifying geologic processes and conditions with the potential to negatively impact future development in the corridor, including active faults, permafrost, mass-movement features, and areas prone to flooding Surficial geology and geohazards in the Alaska Highway corridor. We also identified potential sources of construction materials and incorporated information from previous geologic reports. Photo mapping was verified during fieldwork in 2006-2012 when map units were described and samples collected for analyses. Following the orthorectification of the aerial photographs and attached acetate overlays, we digitized unit boundaries onscreen using ArcGIS and prepared surficial-geologic maps and interpretive permafrost maps. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) software, we derived engineering-geologic maps from the surficial-geology maps. These maps show the distribution of surficial-geologic and bedrock units grouped genetically with common properties that are typically significant for engineering purposes. After the initial photo interpretation and publication of the preliminary maps and reports, DGGS acquired airborne lidar (light-detection and ranging) data in 2010 and 2011 for ~7,770 km2 of the Alaska Highway corridor, mainly in a 1.6-km-wide strip centered along the Alaska Highway. We used lidar data to create bare-earth digital elevation models (DEMs), which represent the bare ground surface by effectively removing the surface vegetation. The density of lidar data returns was sufficient to create high-quality hillshade images. The hillshade images proved to be the most useful type of remotely sensed data for identifying and characterizing landforms and were especially helpful for locating potentially active faults and landforms related to slope instability in areas of dense vegetation and thick eolian sand. Preliminary surficial-geologic mapping was improved by comparing our initial photointerpreted geologic maps with the high-resolution lidar hillshade images. Evaluating the lidar images considerably enhanced our understanding of the history of extensive late-Pleistocene outburst flooding in the upper Tanana River drainage. We confirmed and identified numerous flood-related landforms and constructed topographic profiles using bare-earth DEMs that allowed us to estimate paleoflood-flow parameters. We compiled previously published radiocarbon data and combined those data with atomic mass-spectrometer (AMS) radiocarbon dates obtained during this investigation. We have not updated previously published calibrated radiocarbon ages to maintain the integrity of those data and discussions. For this report, we calibrated previously uncalibrated radiocarbon ages online through the 14Chrono Centre, Queen's University Belfast using their Calib 7.0.1 calibration program and IntCal13 and Marine13 calibration curves (Reimer and others, 2013).
    Date: 2022 (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 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?
    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, Alaska, United States.

    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, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 32 p
    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, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 2 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    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, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 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, Alaska, United States.

    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, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 27 p., 2 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    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, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 25 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, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 48 p., 2 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, Alaska, United States.

    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, Alaska, United States.

    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, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 10 p., 2 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Solie, D.N., Layer, P.W., Werdon, M.B., Newberry, R.J., Freeman, L.K., and Lessard, R.R., 2013, 40Ar/39Ar data, Alaska Highway corridor from Delta Junction to Canada border, parts of Mount Hayes, Tanacross, and Nabesna quadrangles, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2013-8, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 35 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
    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, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 23 p
    Solie, D.N., and Werdon, M.B., 2014, Geologic notes on Granite Mountain, Mount Hayes D-3 Quadrangle, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2014-23, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 p
    Stewart, A.K., Heinrich, C.E., and Hubbard, T.D., 2017, Dendrogeomorphic evidence of frequent mass movement using reaction wood in black spruce: Alaska Highway milepost 1267, Northway Junction, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2017-7, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 18 p
    Werdon, M.B., Freeman, L.K., Szumigala, D.J., Newberry, R.J., Andrew, J.E., Speeter, G.G., Solie, D.N., Hubbard, T.D., Griesel, G.A., and Elliott, B.A., 2014, Major-oxide, minor-oxide, and trace-element geochemical data from rocks collected in the Alaska Highway corridor, Mount Hayes, Tanacross, and Nabesna quadrangles, Alaska, in 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2010: Raw Data File RDF 2014-4, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 3 p
    Werdon, M.B., Solie, D.N., Andrew, J.E., Freeman, L.K., Newberry, R.J., Szumigala, D.J., and Elliott, B.A., 2019, Bedrock-geologic map, Alaska Highway corridor, Dot Lake to Tetlin Junction, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2019-2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 14 p., 2 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Werdon, M.B., Solie, D.N., Newberry, R.J., Freeman, L.K., Elliott, B.A., and Lessard, R.R., 2019, Bedrock-geologic map, Alaska Highway corridor, Little Gerstle River to Dot Lake, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2019-1, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 12 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:63,360

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 Professional Report (PR). A PR is the completed product of original research and analysis, and PRs use professional cartography and undergo rigorous peer review, editing, and revision.
  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? PR 124
  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: 19-Aug-2024
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 Aug 19 17:42:56 2024