Geologic investigation of the Chena-Pogo area, interior Alaska

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Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title: Geologic investigation of the Chena-Pogo area, interior Alaska
Abstract:
Geologic investigation of the Chena-Pogo area, interior Alaska, Preliminary Interpretive Report 2026-3, updates the bedrock geologic mapping of a 14,530-sq-km (5,610-sq-mi) area in the Yukon-Tanana Upland (YTU) of eastern Interior Alaska. The goals of the project are to better understand the geologic framework of known mineralization, to support the exploration and discovery of new mineral resources in the area, and to build scientific understanding of the geology of the YTU, one of Alaska's most active and important mineral belts. The project area has been a focus of gold exploration for several decades but also has additional significance for its potential to host critical minerals such as antimony, bismuth, tellurium, and tungsten. Project work was completed by Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) staff and collaborators during 2023, 2024, and 2025 field seasons and draws on additional published and unpublished work completed during prior years by DGGS, University of Alaska, and U.S. Geological Survey staff. 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 Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys website: http://doi.org/10.14509/32111.
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?
    Twelker, Evan, 2026, Geologic investigation of the Chena-Pogo area, interior Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2026-3, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 p.
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -147.521933
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -143.680082
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 65.415874
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 64.228578
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 2023
    Ending_Date: 2026
    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: 6
      Transverse_Mercator:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.999600
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -147
      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 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?
    chena_pogo_ak_gems_db
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS)
    chena_pogo_gems_db
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS)
    chena_pogo_gems_geopackage
    SQLite Database file (Source: DGGS)
    chena_pogo_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?
    We thank the many individuals and organizations who contributed to this project. Northern Star Resources Ltd. geologists shared valuable knowledge, maps, and samples from the Pogo Mine area, and Resolution Minerals Ltd., Millrock Resources Inc., and Christine Lawley provided prior mapping and geophysical models that aided interpretation. We appreciate insights from Peter Franz (Metallogeny Inc.) and cooperation from Tectonic Metals Inc. in the Tibbs and Paldo Creek areas. U.S. Geological Survey collaborators offered helpful discussions, and Jacob Murchek supplied a merged aeromagnetic grid used during fieldwork. The Arizona LaserChron Center, the University of Alaska Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory, and the University of Alaska Geochronology facility supported geochronologic and mineral-chemical analyses. We thank the U.S. Bureau of Land Management Eastern Interior Field Office and Alaska State Parks for assistance with permitting and access. Chena Hot Springs Resort provided an excellent field base, and we are especially grateful to Keith Warren and Aurora Aviation Services for safe and reliable air support. This project was funded by State of Alaska capital funds and the U.S. Geological Survey Earth MRI program (cooperative agreement G23AC00372). The views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent U.S. Geological Survey policy; trade names are used for descriptive purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
  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 provides updated bedrock geologic mapping of Alaska's Yukon-Tanana Upland to support mineral-resource evaluation, improve understanding of the region's geologic framework, and inform studies of both known mineralization and critical-mineral potential. The resulting geologic information supports responsible resource development, guides land-management decisions, and strengthens the State of Alaska's understanding of its mineral-resource base.

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: 2026 (process 1 of 2)
    Geologic mapping - DGGS Mineral Resources Section staff conducted bedrock geologic mapping across the 14,530-sq-km Chena-Pogo project area during the 2023-2025 field seasons. During fieldwork, crews collected 4,800 bedrock observation stations, 429 geochemical samples, and 51 geochronology samples, and measured magnetic-susceptibility values to support map-unit characterization. In addition, previously published DGGS and USGS maps covering portions of the project area were compiled and modified by correlating original map units to those used in this publication, removing surficial deposits where present, simplifying geologic detail for display at 1:100,000 scale, and updating interpretations based on new field and analytical data. To organize the final mapping, the project was divided into four 1:100,000-scale map sheets (NW Chena, NE Chena, SW Chena, and SE Chena). Across these sheets, map units were standardized and described in the accompanying report. For GIS distribution, the four maps were combined into a single geologic map database formatted in both the Geologic Mapping Schema (GeMS) and the Alaska Geologic Mapping Schema (AK GeMS).
    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?
    Emond, A.M., and LTD, MPX Geophysics, 2022, Tanana River and Big Delta airborne magnetic and radiometric survey: Geophysical Report GPR 2022-1, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 p
    Gavel, M.M., Regan, S.P., Holland, Mark, Wildland, A.D., Wypych, Alicja, Naibert, T.J., and Twelker, Evan, 2023, U-Pb zircon geochronology of bedrock samples collected in the Eagle and Tanacross quadrangles, eastern Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2023-2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 38 p
    Gavel, M.M., Wypych, Alicja, Naibert, T.J., Twelker, Evan, Newberry, R.J., Barrera, M.L., Szumigala, D.J., Truskowski, C.M., Muller, I.P., Fessenden, S.N., Blackwell, N.J., Harvey, D.A., and Wildland, A.D., 2025, Bedrock geologic map of the Mount Harper-Middle Fork area, Eagle Quadrangle, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2025-2D, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:100,000
    Hendricks, M.D., Macpherson, A.E., Athey, J.E., Wyatt, W.C., Montayne, Simone, Buchanan, J.W., 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
    Moshrefzadeh, Jamshid, Acosta, M.D., Barrera, M.L., Buchanan, J.W., Naibert, T.J., Newberry, R.J., Norwood, L.P., Regan, S.P., Szumigala, D.J., and Twelker, Evan, 2025, Geochemical data from samples collected in 2024 for the Chena and Steese projects, Big Delta, Circle, Fairbanks, and Livengood quadrangles, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2025-17, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 3 p
    Moshrefzadeh, J.A., Naibert, T.J., Hofmann, Florian, Newberry, R.J., Twelker, Evan, and Buchanan, J.W., 2026, 40Ar/39Ar geochronology data from the Big Delta and Circle quadrangles, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2026-14, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 55 p
    Naibert, T.J., Benowitz, J.A., Wypych, Alicja, Sicard, K.R., and Twelker, Evan, 2020, 40Ar/39Ar data from the Tanacross D-1 and parts of the D-2, C-1, and C-2 quadrangles, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2020-12, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 35 p
    Naibert, T.J., Wypych, Alicja, Newberry, R.J., Twelker, Evan, Gavel, M.M., Wildland, A.D., Barrera, M.L., Szumigala, D.J., Regan, S.P., Avirett, D.F., Bernard, C.M., Blackwell, N.J., Fessenden, S.N., Harvey, D.A., Hubbard, A.K., Masterman, S.S., Muller, I.P., Turner, M.M., and Wyatt, W.C., 2024, Geologic background and map unit descriptions to accompany bedrock geologic maps of the western Tanacross and Taylor Mountain areas, Tanacross and Eagle quadrangles, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2024-6A, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 39 p
    Newberry, R.J., Bundtzen, T.K., Clautice, K.H., Combellick, R.A., Douglas, Tom, Laird, G.M., Liss, S.A., Pinney, D.S., Reifenstuhl, R.R., and Solie, D.N., 1996, Preliminary geologic map of the Fairbanks mining district, Alaska: Public Data File PDF 96-16, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 17 p., 2 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Newberry, R.J., and Twelker, Evan, 2021, Metamorphism of the Ladue River-Mount Fairplay area: Report of Investigation RI 2021-5B, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: p. 33-39
    Newberry, R.J., and Moshrefzadeh, J.A., 2026, Interior Alaska amphibolite mineral compositions: A key to distinguishing metamorphic assemblage: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2026-2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 33 p
    Smith, T.E., Pessel, G.H., and Wiltse, M.A., 1987, Mineral assessment of the Lime Peak-Mt. Prindle area, Alaska: Miscellaneous Publication MP 29, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 712 p., 13 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Solie, D.N., Werdon, M.B., Freeman, L.K., Newberry, R.J., Szumigala, D.J., Speeter, G.G., and Elliott, B.A., 2019, Bedrock-geologic map, Alaska Highway corridor, Tetlin Junction, Alaska to Canada border: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2019-3, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 16 p., 2 sheets, scale 1:63,360
    Twelker, Evan, Newberry, R.J., Naibert, T.J., Wypych, Alicja, Gavel, M.M., Barrera, M.L., Szumigala, D.J., Truskowski, C.M., Muller, I.P., Fessenden, S.N., Blackwell, N.J., Harvey, D.A., and Wildland, A.D., 2025, Bedrock geologic maps of the Mount Harper-Middle Fork area, Volkmar River-Healy River area, Goodpaster River-Shaw Creek area, and the Richardson Mining District, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2025-2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 38 p
    Twelker, Evan, Newberry, R.J., Wypych, Alicja, Naibert, T.J., Wildland, A.D., Sicard, K.R., Regan, S.P., Athey, J.E., Wyatt, W.C., and Lopez, J.A., 2021, Bedrock geologic map of the Ladue River-Mount Fairplay area, Tanacross and Nabesna quadrangles, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2021-5A, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: p. 1-32, 1 sheet, scale 1:100,000
    Werdon, M.B., Athey, J.E., Szumigala, D.J., Newberry, R.J., Grady, J.C., and Munly, W.C., 2001, Major-oxide, minor-oxide, trace-element, and geochemical data from rocks collected in the Salcha River-Pogo area in 2000, Big Delta and northwestern Eagle quadrangles, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2001-1, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 19 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:250,000
    Werdon, M.B., Newberry, R.J., Athey, J.E., and Szumigala, D.J., 2004, Bedrock geologic map of the Salcha River-Pogo area, Big Delta Quadrangle, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2004-1B, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 19 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:63,360
    Werdon, M.B., Newberry, R.J., Athey, J.E., Szumigala, D.J., Freeman, L.K., Lessard, R.R., Hendry, K.R., and Wiltse, M.A., 2003, Major-oxide, minor-oxide, trace-element, and geochemical data from rocks collected in the Big Delta Quadrangle, Alaska in 2002: Raw Data File RDF 2003-2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 45 p
    Wiltse, M.A., Reger, R.D., Newberry, R.J., Pessel, G.H., Pinney, D.S., Robinson, M.S., and Solie, D.N., 1995, Bedrock geologic map of the Circle mining district, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 95-2B, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:63,360
    Wypych, Alicja, Hubbard, T.D., Naibert, T.J., Athey, J.E., Newberry, R.J., Sicard, K.R., Twelker, Evan, Werdon, M.B., Willingham, A.L., Wyatt, W.C., and Lockett, A.C., 2021, Northeast Tanacross geologic map and map units and descriptions: Report of Investigation RI 2020-9B, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: p. 9-26, 1 sheet, scale 1:63,360
    Wypych, Alicja, Jones, J.V., III, and O'Sullivan, Paul, 2020, U-Pb Zircon ages from bedrock samples collected in the Tanacross D-1, and parts of the D-2, C-1, and C-2 quadrangles, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2020-2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 19 p

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 DGGS Preliminary Interpretive Report (PIR). PIRs present emergent interpretations of geologic mapping or analytical investigation. These publications are reviewed for clarity and consistency and receive limited peer review.
  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? PIR 2026-3
  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: 27-May-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 Wed May 27 18:27:43 2026