Geological and anthropological considerations in relocating Shishmaref, Alaska

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Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
Geological and anthropological considerations in relocating Shishmaref, Alaska
Abstract:
Geological and anthropological considerations in relocating Shishmaref, Alaska, Report of Investigation 96-7, presents a surficial geologic map developed in 1995 based on a reconnaissance study of the sedimentary characteristics and engineering properties of several potential relocation sites proposed by the City of Shishmaref, Alaska. The island community, located on Alaska's northwest coast, faces annual threats from storm surges and progressive bluff erosion, which could accelerate if rising sea levels result from greenhouse effects. One proposed solution to this severe erosion issue is the relocation of the village to the Seward Peninsula mainland. The complete report, geodatabase, and ESRI fonts and style files are available from the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys website: http://doi.org/10.14509/2536.
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?
    Mason, O.K., 1996, Geological and anthropological considerations in relocating Shishmaref, Alaska: Report of Investigation RI 96-7, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 18 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:63,360
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -166.484512
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -165.864213
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 66.300001
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 65.932249
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 1995
    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: 3
      Transverse_Mercator:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.999600
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -165
      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 NAD27.
      The ellipsoid used is Clarke 1866.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378206.4.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/294.9786982.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    shishmaref_a3_b3_teller_d3_quads_ak_gems_db
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS)
    shishmaref_a3_b3_teller_d3_quads_gems_db
    Geodatabase, layer files, style files, and fonts (Source: DGGS)
    shishmaref_a3_b3_teller_d3_quads_geo_gems_geopackage
    SQLite Database file (Source: DGGS)
    shishmaref_a3_b3_teller_d3_quads_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 study was supported by the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) under the direction of Rod Combellick. Field research at Sarichef Island in 1992 and 1993 was supported by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, through its Beringian Shared Heritage Project. The field-work component of this research benefited from the insight and hospitality of Clifford Weyiowanna of Shishmaref and Charles Newberg, City Clerk of Shishmaref. Helicopter support was provided by the National Park Service, Bering Land Bridge National Preserve office in Nome through research coordinator Rich Harris. Patricia Heiser (Ph.D. student, Department of Geology, University of Alaska Fairbanks) and Douglas Van Patten (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Homer, Alaska) provided unpublished data on the surficial geology and soils of northern Seward Peninsula. James Jordan (Ph.D. student, Department of Geography, University of Wisconsin) participated in 1992 and 1993 field studies and commented on ideas expressed in the text. Combellick and Heiser reviewed the draft report. Sean Weems (DGGS) used electronic cartography to construct finished map from a hand-drafted photointerpretive geologic map. Orrin PiLkey (Duke University Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines) provided funds and accompanied DGGS staff to Shishmaref in summer 1992. Kinney Engineering, LLC staff compiled the data into into the GeMS format and provided cartographic support. Chris Wyatt and Ally M. Steinleitner quality controlled, and then finalized the GeMS database. This geologic map (or report or conversion or product, etc.) was funded by the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program under STATEMAP award number G23AC00584, 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 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?

Storm erosion and flooding along the Chukchi Sea coast have raised serious concerns among residents of Shishmaref about the future of their communities. As storms continue, residents witness their island visibly shrinking. Long-term erosion rates remain poorly documented, though each storm can result in several meters of bluff collapse. Assessing the sedimentary characteristics and engineering properties of potential relocation sites suggested by the City of Shishmaref is crucial. Geotechnical studies provide valuable insights to support informed decision-making.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
    Hendricks, M.D. and others, 2024 (source 1 of 3)
    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: Miscellaneous Publication MP 170 v. 2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 13 p
    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Contribution: GIS analysis and digital cartography
    Macpherson, A.E. and others, 2024 (source 2 of 3)
    Macpherson, A.E., Hendricks, M.D., and Athey, J.E., 2024, AK GeMS Symbology: A description of the AK GeMS Style File: Miscellaneous Publication MP 169 v. 2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 6 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: 1995 (process 1 of 2)
    Geologic mapping - In 1995, the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) received state funding to assess sedimentary characteristics and engineering properties at potential relocation sites proposed by the City of Shishmaref. The study involved aerial-photograph interpretation and limited field reconnaissance to map surficial deposits in the suggested areas. To analyze the sequence of deposits associated with abandoned surge channels or inlet-marginal dunes, DGGS staff used radiocarbon dating of grass from stabilized surfaces that formed after dune growth near storm-surge channels.
    Date: 2026 (process 2 of 2)
    GIS analysis and digital cartography - This data distribution package's geologic and geographic features were organized and attributed according to the AK GeMS geologic mapping schema. The data were programmatically transformed to provide download options in three formats: (1) an AK GeMS data package that includes the complete AK GeMS database and associated files, (2) a GeMS data package that is a conversion of the AK GeMS database into the base GeMS standard published by the USGS, and (3) a shapefile data package that includes two simple shapefile representations of the data. Data sources used in this process:
    • Hendricks, M.D. and others, 2024
    • Macpherson, A.E. and others, 2024
    • U.S. Geological Survey National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, 2020
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Kinsman, N.E.M., 2015, Single-beam bathymetry data collected in shallow-water areas near Gambell, Golovin, Hooper Bay, Savoonga, Shishmaref, and Wales, Alaska, 2012-2013: Raw Data File RDF 2015-2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 15 p
    Kinsman, N.E.M., DeRaps, M.R., and Smith, J.R., 2013, Preliminary evaluation of coastal geomorphology and geohazards on 'Kigiqtam Iglua', an island northeast of Shishmaref, Alaska: Preliminary Interpretive Report PIR 2013-3, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 15 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 96-7
  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: 06-Aug-2025
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 Aug 06 15:26:50 2025