Bedrock geologic map of the Big Hurrah-Council-Bluff area, Southern Seward Peninsula, Alaska

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What does this data set describe?

Title:
Bedrock geologic map of the Big Hurrah-Council-Bluff area, Southern Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Abstract:
Bedrock geologic map of the Big Hurrah-Council-Bluff area, Southern Seward Peninsula, Alaska, Report of Investigation 2024-7, presents bedrock geologic mapping from the blueschist-facies-metamorphosed, Late Proterozoic to Devonian Nome Complex was conducted by the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) on southern Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This map, covering portions of the Solomon C-4, C-5, D-4, D-5, and the southern Bendeleben A-4 quadrangles, includes new mapping by DGGS in the summer of 2006 and incorporates previous mapping conducted by DGGS in 2003 and 2004. Surficial geologic mapping was also conducted in the area. This 595-square-mile, 1:50,000-scale, bedrock geologic map coincides with portions of the DGGS Council airborne magnetic and resistivity survey. The geophysical survey and geologic map are part of the State of Alaska's Airborne Geophysical/Geological Mineral Inventory program, focusing on enhancing public knowledge of Alaska's geology and mineral districts. More than 1 million ounces of placer gold have been extracted from the map area since the turn of the century, with most production derived from the Casadepaga and Solomon rivers and Ophir Creek. Widespread low-sulfide, gold-bearing quartz veins of Cretaceous age were the primary lode source for the placer gold. Approximately 27,000 ounces of gold were produced from low-sulfide quartz veins at the Big Hurrah lode gold mine between 1903 and 1907. Other notable lode gold prospects in the map area include Silver (Flynn), West Creek, and an unnamed prospect at the head of Albion Creek. The Bluff area along Norton Sound has both lode gold and mercury prospects. The map area contains numerous occurrences of silicified marble with anomalous geochemistry of uncertain age and genetic origin. Various lithologies of the Layered sequence subdivision of the Nome Complex, primarily the Mixed unit, have the potential to host sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) mineralization of Late Devonian to possibly Mississippian(?) age, as found elsewhere on the Seward Peninsula. The complete report, geodatabase, and ESRI fonts and style files are available from the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys website: http://doi.org/10.14509/31308.
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?
    Werdon, M.B., Newberry, R.J., Athey, J.E., Szumigala, D.J., Freeman, L.K., Burns, L.E., and Hicks, S.A., 2024, Bedrock geologic map of the Big Hurrah-Council-Bluff area, Southern Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2024-7, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 20 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:50,000
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -164.501823
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -163.611926
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 65.096209
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 64.567901
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 2003
    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?
      Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
      Universal_Transverse_Mercator:
      UTM_Zone_Number: 7
      Transverse_Mercator:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.999600
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -141
      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 NAD27.
      The ellipsoid used is Clarke 1866.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378206.4.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/294.9786982.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    casadepaga_bedrock_ak_gems_db
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS)
    casadepaga_bedrock_gems_db
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS)
    casadepaga_bedrock_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?
    R.J. Newberry determined microprobe, hand-held XRF, and XRD mineral compositions for this study. We thank Alison Till (USGS, Anchorage, Alaska) and Bob Swenson (DGGS) for providing technical reviews of the bedrock geologic map. This geologic mapping project was primarily funded by the Alaska State Legislature and administered by the Department of Natural Resources/DGGS and implemented through the Airborne Geophysical/Geological Mineral Inventory program. Partial funding was also provided by the U.S. Geological Survey STATEMAP program under STATEMAP award numbers 04HQAG0061 and 06HQAG0024. Amy E. Macpherson digitized the data into into the GeMS format and provided cartographic support. Ally M. Steinleitner quality controlled, and then finalized the GeMS database. Geologic map conversion to the GeMS standard was funded by the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program under StateMap award number G21AC10706, 2021, 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 geologic map was part of the State of Alaska's Airborne Geophysical/Geological Mineral Inventory program, the focus of which was to enhance public knowledge of Alaska's geology and mineral districts. The map area is of current and historic interest for potential mineral resource development.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
    Hendricks, M.D. and others, 2024 (source 1 of 3)
    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: Miscellaneous Publication MP 170 v. 2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 13 p
    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Contribution: GIS analysis and digital cartography
    Macpherson, A.E. and others, 2024 (source 2 of 3)
    Macpherson, A.E., Hendricks, M.D., and Athey, J.E., 2024, AK GeMS Symbology: A description of the AK GeMS Style File: Miscellaneous Publication MP 169 v. 2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 6 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: 2024 (process 1 of 2)
    Geologic mapping - This bedrock geologic map was produced from about 400 person-days of fieldwork conducted during August 2003, June through August 2004, and June and July 2006. Field observations and rock samples were collected at 6,674 stations throughout the map area and adjacent portions of the Solomon and Bendeleben quadrangles. Airborne magnetic and resistivity data were used to identify anomalies for field investigation, locate geophysically inferred faults and unit boundaries in the field, and extend mapped contacts through regions covered by vegetation or surficial deposits. Additionally, vertical derivative techniques were applied to the geophysical data and subsequently used to enhance map interpretations. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were made on outcrops and hand samples throughout the map area to characterize lithologic units and to verify their signature in airborne magnetic data. Small shovels were used to dig down to bedrock where thinly covered by surficial deposits. Unit descriptions are based on field observations, petrographic study, and modal analysis of 698 thin sections, geochemical analyses, and geochronologic data. Approximately 125 rocks were analyzed for major- and minor-oxides and trace elements. These data were used to determine permissible protoliths for metamorphic rocks and to assign root names and trace-element-indicated tectonic settings to igneous and metamorphosed igneous rocks according to established petrologic nomenclature. Hundreds of hand-held X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses were made on cut surfaces of fine-grained metamorphic rocks in the field to help distinguish their composition and unit assignment. One U-Pb laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) detrital zircon analysis was obtained to determine the age of a felsic metavolcanic rock. Thirty-six 40Ar/39Ar laser step-heating analyses were obtained for minerals from metamorphic rocks, metamorphic veins, hydrothermal veins, and igneous rocks, as well as whole-rock analyses of Quaternary basalt. These data were used to constrain depositional and protolith ages, compositions and paleo-tectonic settings, and the nature and timing of metamorphism, intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks, and late-metamorphic and hydrothermal veins that are both gold-bearing and barren. To evaluate the map area's mineral-resource potential, 426 rocks that were either visibly mineralized or had features that suggested the potential to be mineralized were analyzed for geochemical trace elements.
    Date: 2024 (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:
    • Hendricks, M.D. and others, 2024
    • Macpherson, A.E. and others, 2024
    • U.S. Geological Survey National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, 2020
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Burns, L.E., Surveys, Fugro Airborne, and Stevens Exploration Management Corp., 2003, Plot files of the airborne geophysical survey data of the Council area, Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Geophysical Report GPR 2003-1, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 DVD
    Layer, P.W., Werdon, M.B., Newberry, R.J., Drake, Jeffrey, and Benowitz, J.A., 2015, 40Ar/39Ar data, Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2015-3, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 59 p
    Newberry, R.J., Werdon, M.B., Stevens, D.S.P., Athey, J.E., and Szumigala, D.J., 2005, Geologic map of the Council area, Solomon D-4 and Bendeleben A-4 quadrangles, Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2005-1D, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:50,000
    Newberry, R.J., Werdon, M.B., Athey, J.E., and Szumigala, D.J., 2005, Bedrock geologic map of the Council area, Solomon D-4 and Bendeleben A-4 quadrangles, Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2005-1E, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:50,000
    Stevens, D.S.P., 2005, Surficial geologic map of the Big Hurrah area, northern half of the Solomon C-5 Quadrangle, Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2005-1C, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:50,000
    Stevens, D.S.P., 2005, Surficial geologic map of the Council area, Solomon D-4 and Bendeleben A-4 quadrangles, Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2005-1F, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:50,000
    Stevens, D.S.P., 2024, Surficial-geologic map of the Big Hurrah-Council-Bluff area, southern Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2024-6, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 9 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:50,000
    Werdon, M.B., Newberry, R.J., Szumigala, D.J., Athey, J.E., and Hicks, S.A., 2005, Bedrock geologic map of the Big Hurrah area, northern half of the Solomon C-5 Quadrangle, Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2005-1B, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:50,000
    Werdon, M.B., Newberry, R.J., Szumigala, D.J., Freeman, L.K., and Athey, J.E., 2007, Major-oxide, minor-oxide, trace-element, geochemical, and non-carbonate carbon data from rocks collected in the Solomon and Nome quadrangles, Seward Peninsula, Alaska in 2006: Raw Data File RDF 2007-4, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 49 p
    Werdon, M.B., Stevens, D.S.P., Newberry, R.J., Szumigala, D.J., Athey, J.E., and Hicks, S.A., 2005, Geologic map of the Big Hurrah area, northern half of the Solomon C-5 Quadrangle, Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2005-1A, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:50,000
    Werdon, M.B., Stevens, D.S.P., Newberry, R.J., Szumigala, D.J., Athey, J.E., and Hicks, S.A., 2005, Explanatory booklet to accompany geologic, bedrock, and surficial maps of the Big Hurrah and Council areas, Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2005-1, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 24 p
    Werdon, M.B., Szumigala, D.J., Newberry, R.J., Athey, J.E., and Hicks, S.A., 2005, Major-oxide, minor-oxide, trace-element, geochemical, and non-carbonate carbon data from rocks collected in the Solomon, Bendeleben, and Nome quadrangles, Seward Peninsula, Alaska in 2003 and 2004: Raw Data File RDF 2005-2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 46 p
    Young, L.E., 1995, Possible thrust windows on the central Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Professional Report PR 117J, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: p. 97-113

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 part of a DGGS Report of Investigations (RI). An RI is the completed product of original research and analysis, and RIs 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? RI 2024-7
  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: 15-Jan-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 Jan 15 20:35:59 2025