2024 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project field station location data and sample descriptions: Anaktuvuk Pass region, North Slope, Alaska

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Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
2024 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project field station location data and sample descriptions: Anaktuvuk Pass region, North Slope, Alaska
Abstract:
2024 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project field station location data and sample descriptions: Anaktuvuk Pass region, North Slope, Alaska, Raw Data File 2026-7, report presents field station locations, observations, sediment sample descriptions, grain-size analyses, and links to field station and sample photographs collected in June and July 2024 across an approximately 24,479 km2 area in the Umiat, Sagavanirktok, Killik River, Chandler Lake, and Phillip Smith Mountains 1:250,000-scale quadrangles near Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska. Geologists from the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS), supported by ASRC Consulting & Environmental Services, LLC (ACES), documented the character and distribution of surficial deposits, sedimentary facies, and geomorphic features to better understand glacial, fluvial, and periglacial processes shaping the region. Field crews collected sediment samples to investigate landforms and the distribution of rock and sediment in the shallow subsurface. Because information on local construction material resources is limited, these field observations provide useful insights into the distribution and characteristics of surface materials for community planning and land management decisions. This work was completed in support of a sand and gravel resource assessment for the Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project. 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/10.14509/32060.
Supplemental_Information:
station-interval-data:    Field station and interval rock and sediment characterization data and accompanying data dictionary	
analytical-sample-data:    Sediment sample composition and classification data and accompanying data dictionary	
sieve-analysis-reports:    Sieve analysis reports
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Crawford, N.E., Hubbard, T.D., Walser, S.L., Wilson, S.Y., and Diaz, A.V., 2026, 2024 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project field station location data and sample descriptions: Anaktuvuk Pass region, North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2026-7, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 5 p.
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -153.510271
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -149.976158
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 69.385048
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 68.115590
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 2024
    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 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?
    rdf2026-7-AnaktuvukPass_analytical-sample-data.csv, rdf2026-7-AnaktuvukPass_analytical-sample-data-dictionary.csv
    Field station and interval rock and sediment characterization data and accompanying data dictionary (Source: DGGS)
    rdf2026-7-AnaktuvukPass_station-interval-data.csv, rdf2026-7-AnaktuvukPass_station-interval-data-dictionary.csv
    Sediment sample composition and classification data and accompanying data dictionary (Source: DGGS)
    rdf2026-7-AnaktuvukPass_sieve-analysis-reports.zip
    Sieve analysis reports (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?
    This work was supported by a State of Alaska capital improvement project, with additional funding supporting fieldwork from the North Slope Borough. We appreciate guidance from the Native Village of Anaktuvuk Pass, the Nunamiut Corporation (particularly Scott Szmyd), the North Slope Borough Port Authority (particularly Hina Kilioni and Carolyn Thompson), the North Slope Borough Planning Commission, and the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation during field planning. Their efforts helped us plan our work to minimize community impacts and to collect data that supported community interests. We enjoyed the opportunity to interact with Anaktuvuk Pass residents during community meetings before and during the field season, and we appreciated the assistance of Inuuteq Stotts, Carolyn Thompson, and community members in organizing these meetings. Additionally, we are grateful to the employees and subcontractors of the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) for their support with food during the field season. Bering Air and pilot Tru Tripple provided much-appreciated logistical support and guidance during field preparation and data collection efforts.
  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 ASTAR project is a collaborative initiative led by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in partnership with the North Slope Borough. The project aims to identify, evaluate, and advance opportunities that enhance quality of life and economic resilience in North Slope communities through responsible infrastructure development. Working with communities and regional stakeholders, ASTAR prioritizes projects that strengthen cultural and community connectivity, increase regional support, reduce the cost of living, improve safety, and promote sustainable development.

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: 2024 (process 1 of 2)
    Field data collection - Between June 24, 2024, and July 7, 2024, geologists from DGGS and ACES collected geologic data and samples from 287 field sites. Staff used GPS-enabled tablets and smartphones running the ESRI ArcGIS Survey123 app, achieving a reported mean horizontal accuracy of about 10 m to record locations. Latitude and longitude were reported in the WGS84 datum. Staff recorded information about the composition, characteristics, and distribution of geologic materials, including unconsolidated sediment and bedrock. Field observations include measurements of probe penetration depth, probe refusal contact, organic material thickness, weather conditions, vegetation, site drainage, and the method used to collect data. Subsurface information is organized by depth intervals, with fields describing interval order, top and bottom depths, interval labels, and the geologic material encountered. Where applicable, a Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) group symbol is included. Sediment characteristics are documented through estimates of percent fines, sand, gravel, and oversized material, along with observations of moisture, thermal condition, plasticity, color, and consistency. Sand-sized fractions are further characterized by grain angularity, frosting, gradation, and dominant grain size. Coarser sediment components include descriptions of angularity, gradation, composition, and maximum clast diameter. Where rock is present, the dataset records rock type, clast size, color, formation, character, competency, and durability. Additional contextual information and clarifications are captured in a miscellaneous field notes field. When describing materials at a field site, geologists assigned depth values to the top and bottom of each interval, beginning at 0 cm at the surface and increasing with depth. For surface-only observations, both the top and bottom depths were assigned a value of 0 cm.
    Date: 2025 (process 2 of 2)
    Sample analysis - During fieldwork, 109 samples were collected from a subset of field stations and then transported to Fairbanks, where they were described and photographed. Geologists collected either rock samples from in situ bedrock or sediment. Sediment samples include surface materials or bulk samples collected to characterize a defined interval. The recorded attribute information varies by sample category. Each record documents the primary geologic material present and includes an internal sample description summarizing texture, structure, and notable physical attributes. Where appropriate, we follow the conventions used in the Alaska Geotechnical Field Manual. Sediment classification is supported by both USCS group symbols derived from sieve analysis and visual USCS classifications, along with the corresponding USCS group name. Additional descriptive fields capture coarse sediment abundance, maximum clast diameter, angularity, and composition. Color is recorded using both Munsell color codes and descriptive color names. The dataset also includes observations of moisture content, calcium carbonate presence, and organic material content. The data have been evaluated for readability and general logical consistency, but they have not been reviewed for technical content and should be considered preliminary. A subset of 54 sediment samples was submitted to Alaska Test Labs in Anchorage, Alaska, for grain-size analysis conducted in accordance with ASTM D6913. Sieve analysis was performed to obtain quantitative grain-size distributions to refine USCS classification, improve engineering interpretations, and provide standardized, reproducible data beyond visual estimates. Complete sieve-analysis results are provided in PDF format, organized by field station and by the depth interval from which each sample was collected.
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Buzard, R.M., Heiner, Daniel, Overbeck, J.R., and Glenn, R.J.T., 2021, Photogrammetry-derived orthoimagery and elevation for Wainwright, Alaska, collected August 3, 2021: Raw Data File RDF 2021-18, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 p
    Crawford, N.E., Walser, S.L., Jose, Aleena Merin, Hubbard, T.D., Stokes, T.B., Wilson, S.Y., Gavel, M.M., and Montayne, Simone, 2025, 2019 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project field station data and descriptions: Inigok airstrip and Teshekpuk Lake region, North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2025-3, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 159 p
    Daanen, R.P., and Stokes, T.B., 2023, Sonar and seismic lake surveys along the proposed triangle road corridor, northwestern Alaska, collected July 6-13, 2021: Raw Data File RDF 2023-1, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 19 p
    Gavel, M.M., and Hubbard, T.D., 2021, Digital data addendum: Analytical data and field observations from surficial geology and morphology of the Alaskan central Arctic Coastal Plain, 1981-1987: Report of Investigation RI 93-1A, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 6 p
    Germann, J.T., and Daanen, R.P., 2022, Profile and discharge data for five waterways in the Utqiagvik-Atqasuk-Wainwright region, Alaska, collected August 2022: Raw Data File RDF 2022-15, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 5 p
    Germann, J.T., Daanen, R.P., Stokes, T.B., and Wikstrom Jones, K.M., 2024, Installation of environmental and hydrological monitoring stations-Utqiagvik-Wainwright-Atqasuk region, Alaska, August 2022: Raw Data File RDF 2023-21, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 p
    Haralson, M.D., Hubbard, T.D., and Montayne, Simone, 2023, 2021 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project field geotechnical data and sample descriptions: Wainwright, Atqasuk, and Utqiagvik, North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2023-5, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 p
    Haralson, M.D., Hubbard, T.D., and Montayne, Simone, 2023, 2021 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project field station location data and descriptions: Wainwright, Atqasuk, and Utqiagvik, North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2023-4, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 5 p
    Haralson, M.D., Hubbard, T.D., Hoffman, H.A., and Montayne, Simone, 2023, 2022 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project field station location data and descriptions: Utqiaġvik region (Barrow triangle), North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2023-12, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 5 p
    Haralson, M.D., Hubbard, T.D., Hoffman, H.A., and Montayne, Simone, 2023, 2022 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project geotechnical data and sample descriptions: Utqiaġvik region (Barrow triangle), North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2023-13, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 5 p
    Herbst, A.M., and Daanen, R.P., 2022, Lidar-derived elevation data for the Utqiagvik-Atqasuk region, Alaska, collected August 2019: Raw Data File RDF 2022-10, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 8 p
    Hubbard, T.D., Jose, Aleena Merin, Crawford, N.E., Walser, S.L., Haralson, M.D., and Carbaugh, R.M., 2026, 2023 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project geotechnical data and sample descriptions: Point Lay, North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2026-2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 p
    Hubbard, T.D., Jose, Aleena Merin, Crawford, N.E., Walser, S.L., Haralson, M.D., Carbaugh, R.M., Wilson, S.Y., and Milo, Amit, 2026, 2023 Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project field station location data and descriptions: Point Lay region, North Slope, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2026-1, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 p
    Hubbard, T.D., Montayne, Simone, Stokes, T.B., Gallagher, T.T., Crawford, N.E., and Johnson, K.J., 2025, Catalog of drill log cards and sample images from USGS seismic shothole sites in the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska (1974-1981): Raw Data File RDF 2025-18, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 3 p

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

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    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.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Staff recorded geographic coordinates for sample stations using GPS-enabled tablets and smartphones running the ESRI Field Maps application, which typically provides positional accuracy within approximately 10 meters. All location data are reported in latitude and longitude using the WGS84 datum.
  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 2026-7
  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: 03-Mar-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 Tue Mar 03 16:49:04 2026