2021 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project field station location data and descriptions: Wainwright, Atqasuk, and Utqiagvik, North Slope, Alaska

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Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
2021 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project field station location data and descriptions: Wainwright, Atqasuk, and Utqiagvik, North Slope, Alaska
Abstract:
2021 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project field station location data and descriptions: Wainwright, Atqasuk, and Utqiagvik, North Slope, Alaska, Raw Data File 2023-4, presents 2021 field station location data and descriptions for an area of approximately 24,842 km2 in northwestern Alaska between Wainwright, Atqasuk, and Utqiagvik in support of a sand and gravel resource assessment for the Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) Project. This report includes locations and descriptions for 99 power-auger hole, outcrop, test pit, and surface exposure field sites. The data are available from the DGGS website: http://doi.org/10.14509/30961.
Supplemental_Information:
field-station-intervals:    field station locations and interval descriptions
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Haralson, M.D., Hubbard, T.D., and Montayne, Simone, 2023, 2021 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project field station location data and descriptions: Wainwright, Atqasuk, and Utqiagvik, North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2023-4, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 5 p.
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -160.364944
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -156.366339
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 70.824519
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 70.200641
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 2021
    Currentness_Reference:
    publication date
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: table
  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 .0000001. Longitudes are given to the nearest .0000001. 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 1/298.257223563.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    rdf2023-4-astar-field-station-intervals.csv, rdf2023-4-astar-field-station-intervals-data-dictionary.csv
    field station locations and interval descriptions (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?
    The State of Alaska funded this work as part of the ASTAR Capital Improvement Project. The Bureau of Land Management provided additional funding and support through a National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Resource Inventory and Database Development Grant (L18AC00019-03). The DGGS ASTAR work supports a collaborative effort between the North Slope Borough and the Department of Natural Resources to strengthen community infrastructure and facilitate access to arctic resources while enhancing the quality of life and economic opportunities for North Slope communities. It also provides valuable information for land-use management and planning decisions. We appreciate the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (AKDOT&PF) support. In addition, the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), North Slope Borough, Olooginik Corporation, and City and Native Village of Wainwright provided much-appreciated logistical support and guidance during field preparation and data collection efforts which ensured a successful field season. We would also like to thank Anthony Gallagher (DGGS), Hans Hoffman (ASRC), and Tim Tannenbaum (AKDOT&PF) for fieldwork assistance, data collection, and help in determining potential field station sites.
  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 study was implemented as part of the Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resource (ASTAR) project, which aims to evaluate sand and gravel resources along a corridor approximately between Nuiqsut, Atqasuk and Barrow, AK. The project will generate geologic maps and a database with information about location of geologic observations as well as the quality and types of geologic materials

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: 2021 (process 1 of 5)
    Sample collection - Field station location data and sediment samples were collected between July 6 and July 21, 2021, using GPS-enabled tablets running the ESRI ArcGIS Collector app, with a reported error of approximately 10 m. Latitude and longitude are reported in the WGS84 datum. Our field data includes field location information and material descriptions. Where appropriate, we followed conventions in the Alaska Geotechnical Field Manual. Attribute information includes the following descriptions for field station sites: station identification value, geographic location, geologic description, weather sky conditions, temperature (Celsius), vegetation, ice probe refusal depth, and data collection sampling method. Surface materials and interval descriptions (if appropriate) are assigned Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) group symbol, interval number, and depth (cm). Interval descriptions include the following attributes: color based on six standard Munsell colors (light brown, yellowish-orange, greenish-gray, olive-gray, light gray, and dark gray, USCS soil type, ice content, maximum grain (clast) size, presence/absence of gravel clasts (e.g., clasts greater than 2mm), clast composition or lithology, coarse-grained particle angularity, and the presence or absence of organics.
    Date: 2021 (process 2 of 5)
    Auger sites - Data from drilled test holes were collected by field geologists using a Tanaka power-auger to drill on favorable terrain such as a flat, dry surface, often on a raised tundra polygon. We used the average of three ice probe refusals (cm) to determine the depth of ice, frozen soils, bedrock, or clay-rich materials that limited auger performance. Two geologists operated the Tanaka power-auger while one geologist described sediment churned from the auger flight and carried to the surface. Each auger flight is approximately 132 cm long and 7 cm in diameter. During drilling, geologists looked for any visible changes in sediment character. Geologists recorded observations using tablets running the ESRI Arc Collector app, and sediment samples were retrieved if appropriate. Additionally, we took photos before and after drilling the test hole and added these photos to the DGGS photo database. After data collection, we refilled each hole with the removed sediment and replaced the organic mat when possible.
    Date: 2021 (process 3 of 5)
    Outcrops - We cleaned surfaces at soil profiles exposed along bluff, river, and lake margins, allowing us to describe a profile on a freshly exposed vertical surface. When appropriate, we described sedimentary and pedogenic features using U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service terminology. We collected serial bulk and oriented samples from documented soil horizons for laboratory geotechnical analyses. Additionally, we took photos before and after cleaning surfaces and added them to the DGGS photo database. After data collection, we replaced sediment to restore the outcrop as best we could.
    Date: 2021 (process 4 of 5)
    Test pits - At sites unsuitable for drilling auger test holes or collecting profile descriptions, we dug a test pit to collect subsurface data. We used a hand shovel to expose subsurface sediment and dig test pits to depths of approximately 30 cm. We used trowels to clean freshly exposed surfaces to describe stratigraphy and collect samples. Additionally, we took before and after photos, which we added to the DGGS photo database. After data collection, we replaced the sediment.
    Date: 2021 (process 5 of 5)
    Surface observations - When appropriate, we collected data and made observations about the surface material. The surface was generally left undisturbed. However, we sometimes collected representative rock samples, using a hand trowel when necessary. In addition, we often took geo-located photos to document site materials and added these to the DGGS photo database.
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Buzard, R.M., Heiner, Daniel, Overbeck, J.R., and Glenn, R.J.T., 2021, Photogrammetry-derived orthoimagery and elevation for Wainwright, Alaska, collected August 3, 2021: Raw Data File RDF 2021-18, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 p
    Gavel, M.M., and Hubbard, T.D., 2021, Digital data addendum: Analytical data and field observations from surficial geology and morphology of the Alaskan central Arctic Coastal Plain, 1981-1987: Report of Investigation RI 93-1A, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 6 p
    Germann, J.T., and Daanen, R.P., 2022, Profile and discharge data for five waterways in the Utqiagvik-Atqasuk-Wainwright region, Alaska, collected August 2022: Raw Data File RDF 2022-15, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 5 p
    Haralson, M.D., Hubbard, T.D., and Montayne, Simone, 2023, 2021 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project field geotechnical data and sample descriptions: Wainwright, Atqasuk, and Utqiagvik, North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2023-5, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 p
    Herbst, A.M., and Daanen, R.P., 2022, Lidar-derived elevation data for the Utqiagvik-Atqasuk region, Alaska, collected August 2019: Raw Data File RDF 2022-10, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 8 p

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

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    Data values were directly measured using the methology described in the accompanying report.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Data were collected using GPS-enabled tablets running the ESRI ArcGIS Collector app, which have a reported error of approximately 10 m. Latitude and longitude are reported in the WGS84 datum.
  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? RDF 2023-4
  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: 29-Mar-2023
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 Wed Mar 29 18:26:30 2023