Zircon geochronology of Hue Shale strata along the Canning River, eastern North Slope, Alaska

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Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
Zircon geochronology of Hue Shale strata along the Canning River, eastern North Slope, Alaska
Abstract:
Zircon geochronology of Hue Shale strata along the Canning River, eastern North Slope, Alaska, Raw Data File 2025-24, provides U-Pb zircon geochronology results derived from two samples collected in 2014 from bentonitic beds within the Cretaceous Hue Shale at Emerald Island (also known as Emerald Isle), located along the west bank of the Canning River. Analytical methods include laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) and chemical abrasion-isotope dilution-thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS). The samples represent stratigraphic positions within the gamma ray zone and Inoceramus zone of the Colville foreland basin succession. This dataset supports DGGS's North Slope basin analysis and petroleum systems program and contributes to ongoing zircon-based chronostratigraphy research. These data and report are available from the DGGS website: http://doi.org/10.14509/31728.
Supplemental_Information:
DataFile1_LAICPMS:    LA-ICPMS U–Pb geochronology results and related data. Each file includes instrumental data, sample data, standard data, and data dictionary worksheets.	
DataFile2_CAIDTIMS:    CA-ID-TIMS U–Pb zircon geochronology data for Hue Shale zircon samples 14TMH049-59.5A and 14TMH049-28.5A. A data dictionary worksheet is also included.	
DataFile3_SummaryAges:    Summary of interpreted CA-ID-TIMS ages in a geodatabase-ready format (A) and a data dictionary (B).	
DataFile4_MachineRead:    Summaries of the U–Pb zircon geochronology data in machine-readable formats.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Herriott, T.M., Crowley, J.L., and Wartes, M.A., 2025, Zircon geochronology of Hue Shale strata along the Canning River, eastern North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2025-24, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 13 p
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -146.328910
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -146.277529
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 69.538864
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 69.520657
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 2014
    Ending_Date: 2025
    Currentness_Reference:
    ground condition
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: spreadsheet
  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 0.0000001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.0000001. 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?
    DataFile1_LAICPMS
    LA-ICPMS U–Pb geochronology results and related data. Each file includes instrumental data, sample data, standard data, and data dictionary worksheets. (Source: DGGS)
    DataFile2_CAIDTIMS
    CA-ID-TIMS U–Pb zircon geochronology data for Hue Shale zircon samples 14TMH049-59.5A and 14TMH049-28.5A. A data dictionary worksheet is also included. (Source: DGGS)
    DataFile3_SummaryAges
    Summary of interpreted CA-ID-TIMS ages in a geodatabase-ready format (A) and a data dictionary (B). (Source: DGGS)
    DataFile4_MachineRead
    Summaries of the U–Pb zircon geochronology data in machine-readable formats. (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 study, and funding for the analytical infrastructure of the Boise State University Isotope Geology Laboratory (BSUIGL) is provided by the National Science Foundation (grants EAR-0521221, EAR-0824974, EAR-1337887, and EAR-1735889 awarded to Mark D. Schmitz and others). We thank Dr. Schmitz for supporting the DGGS-BSUIGL collaboration; we also thank BSUIGL staff for their assistance. Discussions with Richard Lease and William Rouse provided additional stratigraphic context for the Canning River samples.
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
    GIS Manager
    3354 College Rd
    Fairbanks, AK
    USA

    907-451-5020 (voice)
    dggsgis@alaska.gov
    Hours_of_Service: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays

Why was the data set created?

This dataset supports high-precision chronostratigraphic analysis of the rock units in Alaska's North Slope, contributing to improved geological understanding of the Colville foreland basin. By providing U-Pb zircon geochronology from bentonitic beds in deep-water shale sequences, the data enhances basin modeling, stratigraphic correlation, and age control critical to petroleum system evaluation. These results inform ongoing energy resource assessments and hydrocarbon exploration strategies as part of the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys' North Slope basin analysis and oil & gas research initiatives.

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: 2014 (process 1 of 2)
    Sample collection - Zircon samples were collected from bentonite-bearing beds of the Hue Shale, using typical field sampling protocols and taking great care to avoid contamination. The reported WGS84 latitude and longitude sample locations are based on an outcrop photograph and satellite imagery analysis.
    Date: 2025 (process 2 of 2)
    Analytical methods - Zircon grains from the two Canning River samples were separated and analyzed by U-Pb geochronology at the Boise State University Isotope Geology Laboratory. All samples were analyzed first by LA-ICPMS, delineating the overall character of date distributions and distinguishing approximately syn-eruptive versus clearly xenocrystic or otherwise older zircon. Six zircon crystals from each sample were plucked from their epoxy mounts for analysis by CA-ID-TIMS; follow-up selection criteria typically included LA-ICPMS data, zoning character, grain morphology (for example, favoring sharply faceted crystals consistent with air-fall origin), and presence of melt inclusions suggestive of late-stage, rapid crystallization. See accompanying report for more details. Appendix A provides detailed analytical methods for the LA-ICPMS and CA-ID-TIMS experiments. Appendix B presents cathodoluminescence images of zircon analyzed during this study, including annotations as noted above.
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Herriott, T.M., Crowley, J.L., LePain, D.L., Wartes, M.A., Harun, N.T., and Schmitz, M.D., 2024, Zircon geochronology of Torok and Nanushuk Formations sandstones at Slope Mountain and a Seabee Formation tephra deposit at Ninuluk Bluff, central North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2024-33, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 22 p
    van der Kolk, D.A., Whalen, M.T., and Wartes, M.A., 2015, Source-rock potential of the Lower Cretaceous Pebble shale unit, northeastern Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2015-1, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 37 p
    Wartes, M.A., Wallace, W.K., Loveland, A.M., Gillis, R.J., Decker, P.L., Reifenstuhl, R.R., Delaney, P.R., LePain, D.L., and Carson, E.C., 2011, Geologic map of the Kavik River area, northeastern Brooks Range, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2011-3A, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 14 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?
    The accompanying report and data tables provide a comprehensive discussion of processing methods, with errors reported in the tables where applicable. This data is being released as part of the DGGS RDF series, which includes content describing approved techniques and methods for the collection, storage, visualization, analysis, and interpretation of scientific data. While the information has been reviewed by several geologists familiar with the study area, the data and report have not undergone formal review for technical content or conformity to DGGS editorial standards. For inquiries regarding analytical values or procedures, the originating lab is the best point of contact.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    The reported WGS84 latitude and longitude sample locations are based on an outcrop photograph and satellite imagery analysis.
  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)
    State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
    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 (http://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 2025-24
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    The State of Alaska makes no express or implied warranties (including warranties of merchantability and fitness) with respect to the character, function, or capabilities of the electronic services 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, any failure thereof, or otherwise, and 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: 21-Oct-2025
Metadata author:
Simone Montayne
3354 College Road
Fairbanks, AK
USA

907-451-5020 (voice)
Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
Metadata extensions used:

Generated by mp version 2.9.50 on Thu Oct 23 18:21:52 2025