Catalog of drill log cards and sample images from USGS seismic shothole sites in the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska (1974-1981)

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Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
Catalog of drill log cards and sample images from USGS seismic shothole sites in the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska (1974-1981)
Abstract:
Catalog of drill log cards and sample images from USGS seismic shothole sites in the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska (1974-1981), Raw Data File 2025-18, provides a database of georeferenced shotine and sample locations and high-resolution images of cards and recovered drill cuttings from approximately 26,124 shothole sites in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). The samples were collected between 1944 and 1982 during seismic exploration involving nearly 98,753 boreholes. They are stored in labeled bags grouped by shothole within boxes at the Alaska Geologic Materials Center (GMC), which can be located using the GMC's online inventory, https://maps.dggs.alaska.gov/gmc/inventory/search. DGGS staff obtained location data from the NPR-A Legacy Seismic Data Archive (USGS and CERSC, 2019), verified and matched drill cards to sample bags, and photographed each sample after pulverizing and arranging it on a glass plate beside its labeled bag and card. This setup was designed to highlight key sediments such as pebbles or coal fragments. The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) cataloged these samples as part of a multi-year sand and gravel resource assessment conducted under the Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources Project (ASTAR). ASTAR is a collaborative initiative led by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the North Slope Borough to support sustainable infrastructure and economic development in North Slope communities. The effort improves access to historical resource data, supports coordinated planning, reduces duplication, and provides valuable insights into construction materials and coal resources essential for land-use planning and management in remote regions like the NPR-A. All files can be downloaded from the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys website (http://doi.org/10.14509/30840).
Supplemental_Information:
shothole_sample_catalog:    Database of NPR-A seismic drillhole sample locations and drill card records, including images of cards and recovered cuttings.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Hubbard, T.D., Montayne, Simone, Stokes, T.B., Gallagher, T.T., Crawford, N.E., and Johnson, K.J., 2025, Catalog of drill log cards and sample images from USGS seismic shothole sites in the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska (1974-1981): Raw Data File RDF 2025-18, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 3 p.
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -161.866072
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -151.056799
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 71.370392
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 68.299655
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 2025
    Currentness_Reference:
    publication date
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: data
  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 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?
    rdf2025_018_shothole_sample_catalog.gdb, rdf2025_018_shothole_sample_catalog_data_dictionary.xlsx
    Database of NPR-A seismic drillhole sample locations and drill card records, including images of cards and recovered cuttings. (Source: DGGS)
    shotlines
    Digitized shotline locations (Source: USGS and CERSC) free text
    shothole_samples
    Digitized shothole locations with URLs pointing to photographs of drill log cards and sample material (Source: USGS and CERSC, images by DGGS staff) free text

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 through the Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) Capital Improvements Project. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management provided additional funding and support through an Alaska NPR-A Resource Inventory and Database Development Grant (L18AC00019). DGGS ASTAR work supports a collaborative effort between the North Slope Borough and the Alaska 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 greatly appreciate Amber Rhodes, Brayton Keith, Zach Spath, Kjol Johnson, and Tyler Stokes for their time and effort in reviewing samples and entering data. Tyler Stokes spent countless hours taking pictures and recording sample information. We thank Jean Riordan, Kurt Johnson, and Chris Ramey for supporting the GMC database and retrieving the samples. Additionally, we would like to thank Susan Seitz and Michael Hendricks for their guidance on database formatting and for reviewing this data.
  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 product improves access to historical geologic data to support sustainable infrastructure development and economic growth in North Slope communities. It provides georeferenced sample locations, drill card metadata, and high-resolution images of subsurface materials to help planners identify local sources of construction materials and coal. By reducing duplication and enabling coordinated data collection, it empowers stakeholders to make informed land-use decisions. This information directly supports community-identified needs such as safer transportation routes, lower construction costs, improved housing, and long-term resilience in remote regions like the NPR-A.

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: 2025 (process 1 of 1)
    Geodatabase deployment - DGGS staff obtained geographic location data for each sample and shotline from the NPR-A Legacy Seismic Data Archive (USGS and CERSC, 2019). Staff reviewed the labeling on each box, photographed every sample with its corresponding drill card, and compiled the cataloging information for each shothole sample. This information included the shotline ID and location, shotpoint ID and location, and the GMC barcode of the box containing the sample. Staff verified that the drill card (when present) matched the sample bag label and could be matched to the sample identifiers provided by a USGS data archive record. They placed the drill card and sample bag on a flat surface, pulverized the sample, arranged it on a glass plate with the sample bag beside it, and photographed the setup. Catalogers distributed the sample material on plates to capture key sediments, such as pebbles or coal fragments, in the images.
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Crawford, N.E., Walser, S.L., Jose, Aleena Merin, Hubbard, T.D., Stokes, T.B., Wilson, S.Y., Gavel, M.M., and Montayne, Simone, 2025, 2019 Arctic strategic transportation and resources (ASTAR) project field station data and descriptions: Inigok airstrip and Teshekpuk Lake region, North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2025-3, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 159 p
    Haralson, M.D., Hubbard, T.D., Hoffman, H.A., and Montayne, Simone, 2023, 2022 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources project (ASTAR) field station location data and descriptions: Utqiaġvik region (Barrow triangle), North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2023-12, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 5 p
    Haralson, M.D., Hubbard, T.D., Hoffman, H.A., and Montayne, Simone, 2023, 2022 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources project (ASTAR) geotechnical data and sample descriptions: Utqiaġvik region (Barrow triangle), North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2023-13, 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 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
    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
    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

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

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    During sample collection, on-site drillers or geologists recorded key details on drill cards, including the drill party number, date, shothole number, shotline number, geologic material, depth range, and any relevant notes. However, many of these cards were incomplete, illegible, missing, or had deteriorated over time. In some cases, sample labels were illegible or damaged. When necessary, cataloging staff used the sample box and bag context and judgment to assign the most likely sample identifiers. Shothole sample bags contain grab samples of geologic materials brought to the surface during drilling. These may represent mixtures from various depths or material from a single interval. Samples and intervals noted on the cards do not reliably represent the vertical distribution, complete profile, or full range of sediments within the drill hole. Moreover, drillers used inconsistent terminology when describing geologic materials, leading to variation in how intervals and samples were labeled.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    USGS staff digitized shotpoint sample locations and shotlines from historic maps archived by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Central Energy Resources Science Center (USGS and CERSC, 2019). Because the original paper maps may have contained distortions such as warping, stretching, or inconsistent scale, the digitized data could be subject to positional accuracy issues. These potential problems may have been further compounded during scanning and georeferencing, especially if control points were sparse or imprecise. Additionally, the historic maps were possibly created using outdated coordinate systems or incomplete surveys, which can also make precise alignment with modern spatial datasets difficult. While the exact positional error of shotpoints and lines is unknown, it is reasonable to speculate that it could be on the order of 500 meters or more.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    This data is intended to be the first phase of a broader initiative to modernize and enhance the NPR-A shothole sample dataset. The sample card labels and images of the sampled material provide significant additional information.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    USGS lines and points were included as-is, meaning existing errors-whether from digitization, georeferencing, or classification-may persist. Because no field verification of locations or sample materials was conducted, the reliability of the data depends on the accuracy of the original geologic work.

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 2025-18
  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: 22-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 Wed Oct 22 16:58:43 2025