Identification_Information: Citation: Citation_Information: Originator: Zippi, P.A. Originator: Walser, S.L. Originator: Gillis, R.J. Originator: Montayne, Simone Publication_Date: 2025 Title: Palynological and thermal maturity analysis of outcrop samples from the West Susitna area STATEMAP project, southcentral, Alaska Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: spreadsheet Series_Information: Series_Name: Raw Data File Issue_Identification: RDF 2025-27 Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Fairbanks, Alaska, United States Publisher: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Other_Citation_Details: 3 p. Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.14509/31734 Description: Abstract: Palynological and thermal maturity analysis of outcrop samples from the West Susitna area STATEMAP project, southcentral, Alaska, Raw Data File 2025-27, provides palynomorph assemblages, kerogen observations, thermal maturity estimates, age interpretations, and field station locations from samples collected by DGGS staff during the 2024 field season as part of the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys' (DGGS) West Susitna STATEMAP project. The project is a geologic mapping initiative at a 1:50,000 scale designed to characterize regional geology, assess geologic hazards, and investigate tectonic features in an area of growing interest for resource development, alternative energy, and recreation. The study area covers approximately 500 square miles in the West Susitna region of southcentral Alaska, spanning the Tyonek C-3, C-4, D-4, and D-5 quadrangles and including about 50 miles of the proposed West Susitna Access Corridor, which connects Anchorage to the Happy River Valley on the western margin of the Susitna Basin. Palynological assemblages and thermal-maturity data from siltstone and coal outcrop samples provide critical constraints on the basin's stratigraphic framework and burial history. The analyses refine age determinations, reconstruct depositional environments, and characterize kerogen types, thereby improving basin modeling and supporting regional geologic mapping, hazard assessment, and resource evaluation. These data are provided as a Raw Data File under an open end-user license and are available on the DGGS website: http://doi.org/10.14509/31734. Purpose: Palynological assemblages and thermal maturity data derived from siltstone and coal outcrop samples provide critical constraints on the stratigraphic framework and burial history of the Susitna Basin. These analyses refine age determinations, depositional environment reconstructions, and kerogen type characterization, thereby improving basin modeling and supporting 1:50,000-scale geologic mapping. The results directly inform hazard assessment, resource evaluation, and infrastructure planning along the proposed West Susitna Access Corridor. By integrating palynological inventories with organic matter maturity indices, the dataset enhances the State of Alaska's ability to evaluate hydrocarbon potential, assess geologic hazards, and develop sustainable land-use and energy strategies in a region of increasing strategic importance. Supplemental_Information: >palynology-summary: Detailed metadata for geological and palynological samples, including identifiers, lithology, location, age interpretations, organic matter analysis, and paleoenvironmental insights derived from palynomorph assemblages. >palynomorph-inventory: Palynological count data documenting observed frequency and botanical classification. Time_Period_of_Content: Time_Period_Information: Single_Date/Time: Calendar_Date: 2025 Currentness_Reference: ground condition Status: Progress: Complete Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None planned Spatial_Domain: Bounding_Coordinates: West_Bounding_Coordinate: -151.761436 East_Bounding_Coordinate: -151.362319 North_Bounding_Coordinate: 61.826902 South_Bounding_Coordinate: 61.673963 Keywords: Theme: Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category Theme_Keyword: geoscientificInformation Theme: Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Theme_Keyword: Age Dates Theme_Keyword: Analyses Theme_Keyword: Analyses and Sampling Theme_Keyword: Analytical Lab Results Theme_Keyword: Analytical Results Theme_Keyword: Biostratigraphy Theme_Keyword: Clay Theme_Keyword: Claystone Theme_Keyword: Climate Theme_Keyword: Coal Theme_Keyword: Coal Quality Theme_Keyword: DGGS Theme_Keyword: Energy Theme_Keyword: Environment Theme_Keyword: Floodplain Theme_Keyword: Fluvial Theme_Keyword: Gas Theme_Keyword: Geochronology Theme_Keyword: Geologic Theme_Keyword: Geologic Samples Theme_Keyword: Geology Theme_Keyword: Hazards Theme_Keyword: Kerogen Theme_Keyword: Lacustrine Theme_Keyword: Methods Theme_Keyword: Mudstone Theme_Keyword: Outcrop Theme_Keyword: Outcrop Samples Theme_Keyword: Paleobotany Theme_Keyword: Paleoclimate Theme_Keyword: Paleoecology Theme_Keyword: Paleoenvironment Theme_Keyword: Paludal Theme_Keyword: Palynology Theme_Keyword: Palynomorphs Theme_Keyword: Petroleum Theme_Keyword: Resources Theme_Keyword: Sediment Theme_Keyword: Sedimentary Theme_Keyword: Sedimentary Material Theme_Keyword: Sedimentary Rocks Theme_Keyword: Silt Theme_Keyword: Stratigraphy Theme_Keyword: Surface Theme_Keyword: Surficial Theme_Keyword: Surficial Deposits Theme_Keyword: Surficial Geologic Map Theme_Keyword: Surficial Geology Theme_Keyword: Thermal Maturity Theme_Keyword: Vitrinite Place: Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Place_Keyword: Bates Creek Place_Keyword: Canyon Creek Place_Keyword: Contact Creek Place_Keyword: Deep Creek Place_Keyword: Dog Lake Place_Keyword: Friday Creek Place_Keyword: Hiline Lake Place_Keyword: Redoubt Mining District Place_Keyword: Southcentral Alaska Place_Keyword: Susitna Basin Place_Keyword: Talachulitna River Place_Keyword: Thursday Creek Place_Keyword: Top Lake Place_Keyword: Yentna Mining District Temporal: Temporal_Keyword_Thesaurus: Walker, J.D., Geissman, J.W., Bowring, S.A, and Babcock, L.E., comp., 2012, Geologic Time Scale v. 4.0: Geological Society of America Temporal_Keyword: Miocene 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. Point_of_Contact: Contact_Information: Contact_Organization_Primary: Contact_Organization: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Contact_Position: Metadata Manager Contact_Address: Address_Type: mailing and physical Address: 3354 College Road City: Fairbanks State_or_Province: AK Postal_Code: 99709-3707 Country: USA Contact_Voice_Telephone: (907)451-5020 Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (907)451-5050 Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: 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. Data_Set_Credit: This work was funded by the U.S. Geological Survey National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program under STATEMAP award number GS23AS00050, 2023, 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 representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Geological Survey. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey or by any branch or employee of the State of Alaska. Cross_Reference: Citation_Information: Originator: Bliss, A.K. Originator: Hock, Regine Originator: Wolken, G.J. Originator: Whorton, E.N. Originator: Aubry-Wake, Caroline Originator: Braun, Juliana Originator: Gusmeroli, Alessio Originator: Harrison, W.D. Originator: Hoffman, Andrew Originator: Liljedahl, A.K. Publication_Date: 2019 Title: Glaciers and climate of the upper Susitna Basin, Alaska; supporting data Series_Information: Series_Name: Raw Data File Issue_Identification: RDF 2019-3 Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Fairbanks, Alaska, United States Publisher: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Other_Citation_Details: 6 p Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.14509/30138 Cross_Reference: Citation_Information: Originator: Daanen, R.P. Originator: Wolken, G.J. Originator: Herbst, A.M. Publication_Date: 2020 Title: High-resolution lidar data from the west Susitna area, southcentral, Alaska Series_Information: Series_Name: Raw Data File Issue_Identification: RDF 2020-5 Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Fairbanks, Alaska, United States Publisher: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Other_Citation_Details: 7 p Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.14509/30455 Cross_Reference: Citation_Information: Originator: Gillis, R.J. Publication_Date: 2015 Title: Overview of 2014 energy-focused field studies in Susitna basin, south-central Alaska, and preliminary results Series_Information: Series_Name: Preliminary Interpretive Report Issue_Identification: PIR 2015-3-1 Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Fairbanks, Alaska, United States Publisher: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Other_Citation_Details: p. 1-4 Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.14509/29465 Cross_Reference: Citation_Information: Originator: Gillis, R.J. Originator: Herriott, T.M. Originator: Tsigonis, R.M. Publication_Date: 2015 Title: Preliminary results of reconnaissance structural studies of the western Susitna basin, south-central Alaska Series_Information: Series_Name: Preliminary Interpretive Report Issue_Identification: PIR 2015-3-5 Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Fairbanks, Alaska, United States Publisher: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Other_Citation_Details: p. 25-34 Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.14509/29469 Cross_Reference: Citation_Information: Originator: Gillis, R.J. Originator: Stanley, R.G. Originator: LePain, D.L. Originator: Mauel, D.J. Originator: Herriott, T.M. Originator: Helmold, K.P. Originator: Peterson, C.S. Originator: Wartes, M.A. Originator: Shellenbaum, D.P. Publication_Date: 2013 Title: Status of a reconnaissance field study of the Susitna basin, 2011 Series_Information: Series_Name: Preliminary Interpretive Report Issue_Identification: PIR 2013-4 Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Fairbanks, Alaska, United States Publisher: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Other_Citation_Details: 8 p Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.14509/25015 Cross_Reference: Citation_Information: Originator: Harun, N.T. Originator: LePain, D.L. Originator: Tsigonis, R.M. Originator: Helmold, K.P. Originator: Stanley, R.G. Publication_Date: 2015 Title: Reconnaissance coal study in the Susitna basin, 2014 Series_Information: Series_Name: Preliminary Interpretive Report Issue_Identification: PIR 2015-3-4 Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Fairbanks, Alaska, United States Publisher: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Other_Citation_Details: p. 19-24 Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.14509/29468 Cross_Reference: Citation_Information: Originator: LePain, D.L. Originator: Stanley, R.G. Originator: Harun, N.T. Originator: Helmold, K.P. Originator: Tsigonis, R.M. Publication_Date: 2015 Title: Reconnaissance stratigraphic studies in the Susitna basin, Alaska, during the 2014 field season Series_Information: Series_Name: Preliminary Interpretive Report Issue_Identification: PIR 2015-3-2 Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Fairbanks, Alaska, United States Publisher: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Other_Citation_Details: p. 5-10 Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.14509/29466 Cross_Reference: Citation_Information: Originator: Stevens, D.S.P. Originator: Solie, D.N. Originator: Bachmann, E.N. Originator: Wright, T.C. Publication_Date: 2015 Title: Geospatial database: Compiled geologic mapping in the area of the proposed Susitna-Watana hydroelectric project, south-central Alaska Series_Information: Series_Name: Miscellaneous Publication Issue_Identification: MP 156 Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Fairbanks, Alaska, United States Publisher: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Other_Citation_Details: 3 p Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.14509/29446 Cross_Reference: Citation_Information: Originator: Walser, S.L. Originator: Gillis, R.J. Originator: Bernt, J.D. Originator: Montayne, Simone Publication_Date: 2025 Title: Major-oxide and trace-element analyses of rock samples from the West Susitna area STATEMAP project, southcentral, Alaska Series_Information: Series_Name: Raw Data File Issue_Identification: RDF 2025-21 Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Fairbanks, Alaska, United States Publisher: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Other_Citation_Details: 2 p Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.14509/31725 Data_Quality_Information: Attribute_Accuracy: Attribute_Accuracy_Report: 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. Logical_Consistency_Report: Not applicable Completeness_Report: This data release is complete. Positional_Accuracy: Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy: Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report: Location data for field stations were collected using GPS-enabled tablets or smartphones running the Esri Field Maps app. Data were merged into an ArcGIS geodatabase. The devices have a reported error of 10-12 m. Lineage: Process_Step: Process_Description: Sample selection - Researchers collected samples from mudstone, shaly coal, and unconsolidated clayey sediment. When conditions allowed, they removed several centimeters of weathered outcrop material to access fresh material. Each sample location was documented with GPS coordinates, lithologic descriptions, and geologic context. Process_Date: 2025 Process_Step: Process_Description: Preparation - Global Geolab Limited (Medicine Hat, Alberta) processed all samples using standard palynological preparation techniques. Carbonates and silicates were removed with acid treatments, residues were cleaned and separated, sieved through a 7‑μm mesh, and mounted on microscope slides for transmitted light analysis. Additional details on laboratory methods and data reduction are provided in the accompanying report. Process_Date: 2025 Process_Step: Process_Description: Analytical methods - Palynological, kerogen, and spore color analyses were conducted using a Zeiss Axio Imager microscope with advanced illumination and oil-immersion objectives at 500X magnification. Palynomorph occurrence data were collected to establish relative abundance, with additional scanning for rare stratigraphically significant taxa. Kerogen residues were separated through acid demineralization and oxidation, and vitrinite reflectance and maximum temperatures were estimated using the thermal alteration index (TAI) from suitable spores. Age zones follow Cook Inlet palynostratigraphic terminology, and paleoenvironmental interpretations were based on pollen/spore group dominance, kerogen type abundance, and lithological context. Additional details on laboratory methods and data reduction are provided in the accompanying report. Process_Date: 2025 Spatial_Data_Organization_Information: Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: point Spatial_Reference_Information: Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition: Geographic: Latitude_Resolution: 0.0000001 Longitude_Resolution: 0.0000001 Geographic_Coordinate_Units: decimal degrees Geodetic_Model: Horizontal_Datum_Name: WGS84 Ellipsoid_Name: WGS 84 Semi-major_Axis: 6378137 Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257223563 Entity_and_Attribute_Information: Detailed_Description: Entity_Type: Entity_Type_Label: rdf2025-27_palynology-summary-data.csv, rdf2025-27_palynology-summary-data-dictionary.csv Entity_Type_Definition: Detailed metadata for geological and palynological samples, including identifiers, lithology, location, age interpretations, organic matter analysis, and paleoenvironmental insights derived from palynomorph assemblages. Entity_Type_Definition_Source: DGGS Entity_Attribute_Layer_Name: palynology-summary Detailed_Description: Entity_Type: Entity_Type_Label: rdf2025-27_palynomorph-inventory-data.csv, rdf2025-27_palynomorph-inventory-data-dictionary.csv Entity_Type_Definition: Palynological count data documenting observed frequency and botanical classification. Entity_Type_Definition_Source: DGGS Entity_Attribute_Layer_Name: palynomorph-inventory Distribution_Information: Distributor: Contact_Information: Contact_Organization_Primary: Contact_Organization: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Contact_Position: Metadata Manager Contact_Address: Address_Type: mailing and physical Address: 3354 College Road City: Fairbanks State_or_Province: AK Postal_Code: 99709-3707 Country: USA Contact_Voice_Telephone: (907)451-5020 Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (907)451-5050 Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: 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. Resource_Description: RDF 2025-27 Distribution_Liability: 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. Standard_Order_Process: Non-digital_Form: DGGS publications are available as free online downloads or you may purchase paper hard-copies or digital files on CD/DVD or other digital storage media by mail, phone, fax, or email from the DGGS Fairbanks office. To purchase this or other printed reports and maps, contact DGGS by phone (907-451-5020), e-mail (dggspubs@alaska.gov), or fax (907-451-5050). Payment accepted: Cash, check, money order, VISA, or MasterCard. Turnaround time is 1-2 weeks unless special arrangements are made and an express fee is paid. Shipping charge will be the actual cost of postage and will be added to the total amount due. Contact us for the exact shipping amount. Fees: Contact DGGS for current pricing Standard_Order_Process: Digital_Form: Digital_Transfer_Information: Format_Name: spreadsheet Format_Version_Date: 20251118 Format_Information_Content: table Digital_Transfer_Option: Online_Option: Computer_Contact_Information: Network_Address: Network_Resource_Name: https://doi.org/10.14509/31734 Fees: Free download Metadata_Reference_Information: Metadata_Date: 20251118 Metadata_Contact: Contact_Information: Contact_Organization_Primary: Contact_Organization: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Contact_Person: Simone Montayne Contact_Position: Metadata Manager Contact_Address: Address_Type: mailing and physical Address: 3354 College Road City: Fairbanks State_or_Province: AK Postal_Code: 99709-3707 Country: USA Contact_Voice_Telephone: (907)451-5020 Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (907)451-5050 Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: dggspubs@alaska.gov Hours_of_Service: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998 Metadata_Use_Constraints: If the user has modified the data in any way they are obligated to describe the types of modifications they have performed in the supporting metadata file. User specifically agrees not to imply that changes they made were approved by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources or Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys. Metadata_Extensions: Online_Linkage: https://dggs.alaska.gov/metadata/dggs.ext Profile_Name: dggs metadata extensions