40Ar/39Ar geochronology data from the Big Delta and Circle quadrangles, Alaska

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Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
40Ar/39Ar geochronology data from the Big Delta and Circle quadrangles, Alaska
Abstract:
40Ar/39Ar geochronology data from the Big Delta and Circle quadrangles, Alaska, Raw Data File 2026-14, presents 40Ar/39Ar geochronology results acquired to support geologic mapping and mineral resource evaluation in the Big Delta and Circle quadrangles of Interior Alaska. During the 2023 field season, geologists from the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys conducted 1:100000 scale mapping across approximately 5750 square miles (15000 square kilometers) within the project area, funded by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Mapping Resource Initiative program and the State of Alaska. The mapping targeted regions that include the operating Pogo mine, historical mining districts, active exploration projects, and areas with potential for future mineral resource development. Mineralization in the region includes structurally controlled and intrusion related gold systems, intrusion related tungsten and molybdenum prospects, and syngenetic lead zinc silver occurrences. The 22 40Ar/39Ar ages reported here were obtained from 21 samples collected within the Chena Project boundary and represent lithologies including metagrit, phyllite, gabbro, schist, granofels, amphibolite, quartz veins, lamprophyre, porphyry, paragneiss, orthogneiss, metagabbro, and granite. These ages were interpreted to refine the geologic history of the region and to better constrain the timing of mineralization and related tectonic events. These data and accompanying discussion are released as a DGGS Raw Data File, and all publication components are available from the DGGS website at: http://doi.org/10.14509/32086.
Supplemental_Information:
ArAr_data: Analytical lab data and accompanying data dictionary	
ArAr_summary-data: Summary data spreadsheet and accompanying data dictionary
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    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.
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -146.452067
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -144.324495
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 65.185040
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 64.378858
  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: 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 NAD83.
      The ellipsoid used is GRS 80.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257222101.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    RDF2026-14-ArAr_data.csv, RDF2026-14-ArAr_data_dictionary.csv
    Analytical lab data and accompanying data dictionary (Source: DGGS and UAF)
    RDF2026-14-ArAr_summary-data.csv, RDF2026-14-ArAr_summary-data_dictionary.csv
    Summary data spreadsheet and accompanying data dictionary (Source: DGGS and UAF)

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?
    This work was jointly funded by the State of Alaska and the U.S. Geological Survey through the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) program through cooperative agreement G23AC00372. The geochronology data presented in this study were collected at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute's Geochronology Laboratory. 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.
  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 research was to generate 40Ar/39Ar geochronology ages that improve understanding of the geologic history, tectonic evolution, and timing of mineralization within the Chena Project area of the Big Delta and Circle quadrangles. These age data were collected to support modern 1:100000 scale geologic mapping and to refine interpretations of structurally controlled and intrusion related mineral systems, including gold, tungsten, molybdenum, and syngenetic lead zinc silver occurrences. The results provide chronological constraints that strengthen ongoing efforts to evaluate mineral resource potential in Interior Alaska.

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: 2023 (process 1 of 2)
    Sample collection - Fresh, unweathered rock samples were collected from surface outcrops by DGGS field geologists during geologic mapping in the Big Delta and Circle quadrangles. Location data for samples were recorded in the WGS84 datum using GPS-enabled field tablets. Samples were selected for age dating based on terrane, map unit, and the presence of viable mineral phases suitable for 40Ar/39Ar analysis. Each sample was examined as a hand specimen under a binocular microscope and as a thin section under a petrographic microscope to identify unaltered mineral phases and confirm suitability for geochronologic analysis.
    Date: 2024 (process 2 of 2)
    Sample analysis - Rock samples were submitted to the Geochronology Laboratory at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, where they were processed and prepared for 40Ar/39Ar analyses. The rock samples were broken up and crushed to separate individual mineral grains. The samples were then sieved and separated to sort mineral grains. Targeted grains were manually selected under a microscope for further analysis. The grains selected from each sample were irradiated at the Oregon State University nuclear research reactor along with the FC-2 Fish Canyon Tuff sanidine standard (28.201 +/- 0.046 Ma; Kuiper and others, 2008). The irradiation procedure transformed some 39K to 39Ar. The samples were then step heated with a laser to release the gases they contained. The argon gas was separated, and the main argon isotopes (36Ar, 37Ar, 38Ar, 39Ar, and 40Ar) were measured via mass spectrometer at the UAF Geochronology Laboratory. The resulting 40Ar/39Ar ratios were compared with those of the FC-2 standard to determine the ages of the unknown samples.
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Buchanan, J.W., Barrera, M.L., Moshrefzadeh, J.A., Truskowski, C.M., and Newberry, R.J., 2025, LA-ICP-MS uranium-lead zircon data from samples in the Chena and Steese project areas: Raw Data File RDF 2025-25, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 p
    Buchanan, J.W., Gavel, M.M., Barrera, M.L., Regan, S.P., and Newberry, R.J., 2025, LA-ICP-MS uranium lead geochronologic data of zircon from igneous and meta-igneous rocks in the Chena project area, Circle, Big Delta, and Eagle quadrangles, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2025-14, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 p
    Buchanan, J.W., Wypych, Alicja, Barrera, M.L., Biegel, J.M., Gavel, M.M., Harvey, D.A., Ketcham, R.A., Muller, I.P., Naibert, T.J., Newberry, R.J., Regan, S.P., Szumigala, D.J., Twelker, Evan, and Wildland, A.D., 2025, Geochemical data from samples collected in 2023 for the Chena and Mount Harper projects, Big Delta, Circle, Fairbanks, and Eagle quadrangles, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2024-2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 5 p
    Gavel, M.M., Twelker, Evan, Wypych, Alicja, Naibert, T.J., Newberry, R.J., Szumigala, D.J., Wildland, A.D., Barrera, M.L., Biegel, J.N., Harvey, D.A., Ketcham, R.A., Muller, I.P., and Regan, S.P., 2023, Field station locations and magnetic susceptibility data for the Chena-Pogo and Mount Harper projects, Big Delta and Circle quadrangles, Alaska, collected June-September 2023: Raw Data File RDF 2023-27, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 3 p
    Moshrefzadeh, J.A., and Newberry, R.J., 2025, Electron probe microanalyzer data collected on samples from the Chena and Steese projects, Yukon-Tanana Uplands, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2025-13, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 6 p
    Moshrefzadeh, J.A., Buchanan, J.W., Naibert, T.J., Twelker, Evan, Newberry, R.J., Szumigala, D.J., Barrera, M.L., Norwood, L.P., Acosta, M.D., and Regan, S.P., 2025, Field station locations and magnetic susceptibility data collected in 2024 for the Chena and Steese projects, Yukon-Tanana Uplands, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2025-5, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 5 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
    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
    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

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    This publication is a DGGS Raw Data File (RDF). Reports in the RDF series present field data and analytical results with limited or no interpretation by DGGS staff or project collaborators. The report and accompanying data have been evaluated by project staff for general readability and logical consistency but have not undergone technical peer review. Information presented in this release is subject to change.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Location data for samples were recorded in the WGS84 datum using GPS-enabled field tablets and provided here in the NAD83 datum. Sample location coordinates have a typical reported accuracy of about 10 meters. The locations of the 21 samples presented in this report are shown in figure 1.
  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)
    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? RDF 2026-14
  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: 01-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 Wed Jul 01 13:52:15 2026