Available geophysical data for Alaska have not been fully exploited. Project objectives were to conduct systematic analysis of existing gravity, aeromagnetic and airborne electromagnetic data to map geologic trends, structural geologic and tectonic patterns, and identify key lithologies for direct integration with geologic framework and mineral potential studies.
Science Issue and Relevance
Alaska is a geologic frontier with substantial mineral resource potential. Complex geology, limited outcrop, and high logistical costs make airborne geophysics essential for efficient reconnaissance. Available geophysical data for Alaska have not been fully exploited. Project objectives were to conduct systematic analysis of existing gravity, aeromagnetic and airborne electromagnetic data to map geologic trends, structural geologic and tectonic patterns, and identify key lithologies for direct integration with geologic framework and mineral potential studies.
Method to Address Issue
Project activities focused on performing an advanced analysis of the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) surveys based on USGS processing methods.
Airborne Data Processing and Geophysical Feature Mapping: The primary objective was the production of geophysical feature maps from reprocessed high-resolution airborne geophysical data that highlight physical property variations and structural features in the shallow subsurface. The workflow involved systematic data quality assessment, processing, integration, and production of geologically relevant quantitative maps and cross-sections including electromagnetic inversion and complimentary magnetic interpretation.
New Regional Aeromagnetic Map of Alaska: The last published magnetic data compilation for Alaska was released by the USGS in 1997. New data and advances in data compilation methods allowed for significant improvement of the previous compilation. The objective was to release an updated regional magnetic data compilation for Alaska. The new Alaska magnetic data compilation used all available data, incorporated satellite magnetic data for leveling, and utilized the latest compilation methods to improve the 1997 compilation.
Geophysical Basement Maps of Alaska: The goal was to significantly improve the current Tertiary basin framework that dates from the Decade of North American Geology (DNAG) effort (Kirchner, 1994).
Reference Cited: Kirchner, C., 1994, Map showing sedimentary basins in Alaska (DNAG Alaska Volume G-1): Geological Society of America, 1 plate (scale 1:2,500,000).
Return to Mineral Resources Program | Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Interdisciplinary Methods and Applications in Geophysics (IMAGe)
Alaska Petroleum Systems
Tectonic and Metallogenic Evolution of the Yukon-Tanana Upland, Alaska
Development and Validation of Hyperspectral Imager for Field and Lab Scanning
Western Alaska Range Metallogeny and Tectonics
- Overview
Available geophysical data for Alaska have not been fully exploited. Project objectives were to conduct systematic analysis of existing gravity, aeromagnetic and airborne electromagnetic data to map geologic trends, structural geologic and tectonic patterns, and identify key lithologies for direct integration with geologic framework and mineral potential studies.
Science Issue and Relevance
Alaska is a geologic frontier with substantial mineral resource potential. Complex geology, limited outcrop, and high logistical costs make airborne geophysics essential for efficient reconnaissance. Available geophysical data for Alaska have not been fully exploited. Project objectives were to conduct systematic analysis of existing gravity, aeromagnetic and airborne electromagnetic data to map geologic trends, structural geologic and tectonic patterns, and identify key lithologies for direct integration with geologic framework and mineral potential studies.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.Revised merged magnetic anomaly map of Alaska. Figure 4 from Connard and others, 1999, USGS Open-File Report 99-503. Method to Address Issue
Project activities focused on performing an advanced analysis of the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) surveys based on USGS processing methods.
Airborne Data Processing and Geophysical Feature Mapping: The primary objective was the production of geophysical feature maps from reprocessed high-resolution airborne geophysical data that highlight physical property variations and structural features in the shallow subsurface. The workflow involved systematic data quality assessment, processing, integration, and production of geologically relevant quantitative maps and cross-sections including electromagnetic inversion and complimentary magnetic interpretation.
New Regional Aeromagnetic Map of Alaska: The last published magnetic data compilation for Alaska was released by the USGS in 1997. New data and advances in data compilation methods allowed for significant improvement of the previous compilation. The objective was to release an updated regional magnetic data compilation for Alaska. The new Alaska magnetic data compilation used all available data, incorporated satellite magnetic data for leveling, and utilized the latest compilation methods to improve the 1997 compilation.
Geophysical Basement Maps of Alaska: The goal was to significantly improve the current Tertiary basin framework that dates from the Decade of North American Geology (DNAG) effort (Kirchner, 1994).
Reference Cited: Kirchner, C., 1994, Map showing sedimentary basins in Alaska (DNAG Alaska Volume G-1): Geological Society of America, 1 plate (scale 1:2,500,000).
Return to Mineral Resources Program | Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Interdisciplinary Methods and Applications in Geophysics (IMAGe)
The project focuses on the development of novel geophysical techniques that improve our ability to understand Earth's subsurface, with broad relevance to the Mineral Resources Program and the USGS Science Strategy. Our goal is to develop and maintain state-of-the art geophysical capabilities that support the diverse science needs of USGS projects that aim to meet the challenges of the 21st century...Alaska Petroleum Systems
The Alaska Petroleum Systems project has three main objectives: (A) conduct research that increases our understanding of Alaska petroleum systems, (B) conduct assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources, and (C) deliver energy-resource information to land and resource managers, policy makers, and the public.Tectonic and Metallogenic Evolution of the Yukon-Tanana Upland, Alaska
The Yukon-Tanana upland in eastern interior Alaska is a geologically complex block containing deposits of base-metal, platinum-group-element, and gold-silver-copper mineralization. It also hosts numerous mineral systems that are known or suspected to contain critical minerals.Development and Validation of Hyperspectral Imager for Field and Lab Scanning
The Mineral Resources Program has advanced methods of imaging spectroscopy (hyperspectral remote sensing) that are now used routinely by the earth science and remote sensing communities for mineral mapping, soil quality mapping, hazard mitigation, and other terrestrial and planetary applications. The USGS is highly qualified to advance this technology based on its world class expertise in mineral...Western Alaska Range Metallogeny and Tectonics
There are many different types of mineral deposits present in the Western Alaska Range: plutonic gold, porphyry copper-gold (Pebble prospect), epithermal gold, tin-silver skarns, sedimentary barite, mafic hosted nickle-platinum-group elements, uranium-thorium rare earth elements, and even a diamond prospect. - Publications
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