Surficial geologic map of the Shaktoolik area, Norton Bay Quadrangle, Alaska

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Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
Surficial geologic map of the Shaktoolik area, Norton Bay Quadrangle, Alaska
Abstract:
Surficial geologic map of the Shaktoolik area, Norton Bay Quadrangle, Alaska, Report of Investigation 2017-5, characterizes the distribution, origin, and physical properties of unconsolidated deposits in and around the community of Shaktoolik. Map units were delineated through integrated field observations and interpretation of aerial imagery. Field investigations were conducted over a two week period in July 2011 by a helicopter supported team of DGGS geologists and collaborators, and included soil test pits, sample collection, sediment and rock description, oblique aerial photography, and documentation of landform morphology. This map provides baseline geologic information relevant to understanding local depositional environments, evaluating engineering properties of surficial materials, and identifying geologic hazards. Coastal Alaskan communities, where more than 60 percent of the state population resides, are increasingly exposed to hazards such as erosion, landslides, wave attack, storm surge and flooding, tsunami, and ivu (ice push). Since 2004, multiple federal and state agencies have identified numerous Alaska villages as imperiled or at risk due to severe flooding and erosion. As communities respond to both existing hazards and potential changes in the frequency or magnitude of geohazard triggering events, including those influenced by changing climate, reliable geologic and environmental data are essential for informed mitigation and adaptation planning. This map contributes foundational information to support hazard assessment, community planning, and climate related resilience efforts in the Shaktoolik region. 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/10.14509/29723.
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?
    DeRaps, M.R., Kinsman, N.E.M., Stevens, D.S.P., and Overbeck, J.R., 2017, Surficial geologic map of the Shaktoolik area, Norton Bay Quadrangle, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 2017-5, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 1 sheet, scale 1:50,000
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -161.543528
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -160.706442
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 64.509876
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 64.179888
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 2011
    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?
      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?
    shaktoolik_surficial_ak_gems_db
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS)
    shaktoolik_surficial_gems_db
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS)
    shaktoolik_surficial_gems_geopackage
    SQLite Database file (Source: DGGS)
    shaktoolik_surficial_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?
    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 map is to supply geologic information that supports community planning and hazard-related decision making in the Shaktoolik area. By documenting the nature and distribution of surficial materials, the map provides a foundation for evaluating ground conditions that influence infrastructure development, vulnerability to coastal and riverine processes, and long-term community resilience. This work responds to the need for reliable geologic data in Alaska's coastal regions, where many communities face increasing exposure to flooding, erosion, and other natural hazards. The map is intended to assist local organizations, state and federal agencies, and planners as they develop strategies for mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable land use.

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: 2011 (process 1 of 2)
    Geologic mapping - DGGS geologists mapped surficial deposits in the Shaktoolik area by integrating field observations with interpretation of aerial imagery. During a two week field campaign in July 2011, the team excavated soil test pits, collected sediment and rock samples, described soil and rock materials, photographed landforms from the air, and documented landscape morphology. They collected samples of marine carbonate shell hash, organic sediment containing disseminated plant material, and peat for radiocarbon dating to help establish depositional ages and refine the geologic interpretation. The geologists combined these age constraints with geomorphic analysis and imagery interpretation to delineate map units, characterize depositional environments, and compile the final surficial geologic map.
    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?
    Gillis, R.J., Walser, S.L., Bernt, J.D., and O'Sullivan, P.B., 2026, Zircon U-Pb geochronology for bedrock samples from the West Susitna STATEMAP project, southcentral, Alaska: Raw Data File RDF 2026-8, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 9 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 part of a DGGS Report of Investigations (RI). An RI is the completed product of original research and analysis, and RIs use professional cartography and undergo rigorous peer review, editing, and revision.
  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? RI 2017-5
  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: 31-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 Fri Jul 31 14:50:03 2026