Geology of the Yakutat District, Gulf of Alaska Tertiary Province, Alaska

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Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
Geology of the Yakutat District, Gulf of Alaska Tertiary Province, Alaska
Abstract:
Geology of the Yakutat District, Gulf of Alaska Tertiary Province, Alaska, Open-File Report 61-103, presents a detailed summary of bedrock geology in the Yakutat district, one of five maps compiled at a common scale to describe the Gulf of Alaska Tertiary province. The province forms a 300-mile arcuate belt where Tertiary sedimentary rocks are exposed or inferred beneath Quaternary deposits. Geologic work in the region was carried out intermittently from 1944 to 1960 as part of petroleum investigations in southern Alaska. The volcanic unit (Mzv) consists mainly of altered greenstone derived from flows, breccias, tuffs, and volcanic graywacke, with local chert and argillite. Exposures are sparse from Bear Island to the Ustay River, and related intrusive and fragmental rocks near Akwe Lake and Russell Fiord are included based on stratigraphic relations. The unit is overlain unconformably by the Yakutat Group, which contains graywacke, black argillite, interbedded shale and sandstone, and locally thick conglomeratic beds. Metamorphism increases southeastward toward the Alsek River, where the rocks grade into schist and phyllite. Fossils collected in 1960 from basal Yakutat Group beds at Akwe Lake include Buchia and Inoceramus, indicating a Late Jurassic to Cretaceous age range. Tertiary sedimentary rocks do not crop out in the mapped area but were encountered beneath coastal Quaternary deposits in wells drilled in the Yakutat district. Early reports of oil seeps were not confirmed, but exploration beginning in 1956, including surface mapping, seismic and gravity surveys, and four deep test wells, demonstrated the presence of petroleum and subsurface Tertiary sedimentary rocks beneath the coastal plain. By the end of 1960, all lowland areas of the Yakutat district were under Federal oil and gas leases. The dataset provides geologic, structural, stratigraphic, and geochronologic information organized according to the GeMS and AK GeMS mapping schemas. The complete report, geodatabase, and ESRI fonts and style files are available from the DGGS website: https://dggs.alaska.gov/pubs/id/10670.
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?
    Miller, D.J., 1961, Geology of the Yakutat District, Gulf of Alaska Tertiary Province, Alaska: Open-File Report OF 61-103, U.S. Geological Survey, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:96,000
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -139.990030
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -138.018612
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 59.754892
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 59.052840
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 1962
    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?
    yakutat_ak_gems_db
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS and USGS)
    yakutat_gems_db
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS and USGS)
    yakutat_gems_geopackage
    SQLite Database file (Source: DGGS and USGS)
    yakutat_gems_shapefile
    Shapefiles and open data files (Source: DGGS and USGS)

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?
    Geology was compiled mainly from field mapping and photo-interpretation by D. J. Miller in 1960. Bedrock geology in the area adjoining Yakutat Bay and Russell Fiord was taken from R. S. Tarr and B. S. Butler, U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 64, plate 37, 1909. Geology in the vicinity of Moser Creek and Miller Creek was based on field notes of Eliot Blackwelder from 1906. This map was converted to GeMS or digitized into GeMS by Kinney Engineering, LCC., quality controlled, and then finalized by DGGS staff (Chris Wyatt). Ally M. Steinleitner implemented final database quality control and packaging. This geologic map (or report or conversion or product, etc.) was funded by the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program under STATEMAP award number G24AC00521, 2024, 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?

The purpose of this report was to describe the bedrock geology of the Yakutat district and to summarize geologic features relevant to assessing petroleum potential in the Gulf of Alaska Tertiary province. It documented the volcanic unit and Yakutat group, their ages, lithologies, and metamorphic trends, and compiled results from mid-twentieth-century exploration that demonstrated the presence of subsurface Tertiary sedimentary rocks and petroleum beneath the coastal plain.

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: 1962 (process 1 of 2)
    Geologic mapping - Bedrock geology was compiled from field mapping and photo-interpretation carried out by D. J. Miller in 1960, supplemented by earlier geologic mapping in the Yakutat Bay and Russell Fiord area by R. S. Tarr and B. S. Butler (USGS Prof. Paper 64, 1909) and by field notes recorded by Eliot Blackwelder in 1906 for the Moser Creek and Miller Creek area. Geologic interpretation incorporated descriptions of the volcanic unit and Yakutat group from published USGS studies, fossil identifications from 1960 field collections, and results from mid-twentieth-century petroleum exploration, including surface mapping, seismic and gravity surveys, and drilling of four deep test wells that confirmed the presence of subsurface Tertiary sedimentary rocks beneath the coastal plain.
    Date: 2026 (process 2 of 2)
    Data packaging - DGGS organized and attributed the geologic and geographic features according to the AK GeMS schema, then programmatically transformed the data into four distribution formats: (1) an AK GeMS data package containing the full database and supporting files, (2) a GeMS data package converted to the USGS base standard, (3) a SQLite database file, and (4) a simplified shapefile package with shapefile representations of the data.
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Combellick, R.A., 1994, Geologic hazards in the Yakataga planning area, southeastern Alaska: an overview: Report of Investigation RI 94-29, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 9 p
    Combellick, R.A., and Long, W.E., 1983, Geologic hazards in southeastern Alaska: an overview: Report of Investigation RI 83-17, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 17 p
    Kornbrath, R.W., 1995, Analysis of historical oil and gas lease sale and exploration data for Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 95-11, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 22 p
    Lyle, W.M., and Palmer, I.F., Jr., 1976, Stratigraphic study of the Gulf of Alaska tertiary province, northern Gulf of Alaska area: Alaska Open-File Report AOF 93, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 173 p., 23 sheets
    McGee, D.L., 1973, Gulf of Alaska petroleum seeps: Alaska Open-File Report AOF 32, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 9 p
    Suleimani, E.N., Nicolsky, D.J., and Koehler, R.D., 2016, Tsunami inundation maps for Yakutat, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2016-2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 47 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:10,000
    Suleimani, E.N., Nicolsky, D.J., and Koehler, R.D., 2018, Potential maximum permanent flooding, Yakutat, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2016-2A, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:10,000

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 U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report (OF), which provide rapid public release of scientific information. The series includes interpretive reports, maps, supporting data, preliminary findings, interim computer programs, user guides, and bibliographies.
  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? OF 61-103
  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: 30-Jul-2026
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 Thu Jul 30 16:22:31 2026