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R. L. Detterman

Publications and source records attributed to R. L. Detterman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Geologic map of the Arctic Quadrangle, Alaska

Introduction The Arctic quadrangle is well located to shed light on the basic geologic relations of northern Alaska. The rocks represent all of the stratigraphic systems from Cambrian to Cretaceous and all but one of the tectono-stratigraphic subterranes of the Brooks Range, from the autochthonous subterrane in the north to the allochthonous subterranes farther south. Among the distinctive geologic features displayed in the Arctic quadrangle are voluminous volcanic rocks of probable Devonian age, a wide array of Carboniferous carbonate facies in the Lisburne Group (which here extends up into the Middle Pennsylvanian), the southward transition of Upper Devonian (Famennian) clastic facies from fluvial conglomerate to marine sandstone, a full display of Upper Devonian (Frasnian) reef-related strata, and fossiliferous Ordovician rocks in both carbonate and chert terranes. Most of the quadrangle is in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and Arctic Wildlife Refuge Wilderness. The quadrangle also includes Arctic Village, the only village in the region and a potential destination or transfer point for visitors to the wildlife refuge.

Alaska

Preliminary geologic map of the Mount Katmai Quadrangle and portions of the Afognak and Naknek quadrangles, Alaska

This geologic map is the first in a series of maps dealing with geology and mineral resources of the Mt. Katmai area, Alaska. This map series is the result of the U.S. Geological Survey's Alaska Mineral Resources Assessment Program (AMRAP). Subsequent maps in this series will treat fossils, geochronology, detailed Quaternary deposits (both unconsolidated and volcanic), and mineral resources.

Alaska

Maps showing aeromagnetic survey and geologic interpretation of the Chignik and Sutwik Island quadrangles, Alaska

An aeromagnetic survey over part of the Chignik and Sutwik Island quadrangles, on the southern Alaska Peninsula, was flown in 1977 as part of the Alaska mineral resource assessment program (AMRAP). Maps at scales 1:250,000 and 1:63,360 have been released on open-file (U.s. Geological Survey, 1978a, 1978b). This report includes the aeromagnetic map superimposed on the topographic base (sheet 1) and an interpretation map superimposed on the topographic and simplified geologic base (sheet 2). This discussion provides an interpretation of the aeromagnetic data with respect to regional geology, occurrence of ore deposits and prospects, and potential oil and gas resources. The survey was flown along northwest-southeast lines, spaced about 1.6 km apart, at a nominal elevation of about 300 m above the land surface. A proton-precession magnetometer was used for the survey, and the resulting digital data were computer contoured at intervals of 10 and 50 gammas (sheet 1). The International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) of 1965, updated to 1977, was removed from the total field data.

Alaska

Gravity anomaly and interpretation map of the Chignik and Sutwik Island quadrangles, Alaska

The gravity field of the Chignik and Sutwik Island quadrangles near the center of the Alaska Peninsula represents a complex series of transitions between probable continental crust on the north, probable oceanic crust on the south, sedimentary basins on each side of the peninsula, and a central structural high and volcanic arc. The resulting gravity field may be generalized as a central southwest- to northeast-trending gravity high bordered on both sides by flanking gravity lows over sedimentary basins underlying the lowlands and continental shelf. All three gravitational features show discontinuities and magnitude variations that reflect the complex geologic setting. Data concerning this complex gravity field have accumulated slowly and intermittently since an initial measurement was made at Port Heiden more than 25 years go (Thiel and others, 1958, 1959). A few reconnaissance measurements by R. V. Allen and an offshore traverse conducted by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey R/V Surveyor were made in the early 1960's (Barnes and others, 1966; Barnes, 1967). At about the same time, Gulf Oil Corp. contracted for a relatively detailed survey of the lowlands on the north shore of the peninsula; the map prepared from this survey is now available (Gulf Oil Corp., Port Moller Development Contract Report, available at U.S. Geological Survey, Anchorage, Alaska). In the early 1970's, a few new land measurements were made by P. L. Dobey, of the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, and an offshore traverse was completed by the R/V C. Greene on contract to the U.S. Geological Survey (Fisher, 1979, and M. A. Fisher, written commun., 1977). The most recent measurements, the basis for this map, were made by M. E. Yount, D. L. Detra, D. R. Jefferis, and J. E. Case during the mineral assessment of the two quadrangles. D. F. Barnes, R. L. Morin, D. R. Jefferis, and R. F. Sikora have shared in the data compilation. Geologic background for the text was provided by R. L. Detterman, T. P. Miller, E. Young, and F. H. Wilson (1979, 1981).

Alaska

A gravity study of the northern part of the Arctic National Wildlife Range, Alaska

Interpretation of all publicly available onshore gravity data provides a basis for outlining regional elements of the basement and overlying structure in the northern part of the Arctic National Wildlife Range. Major post-Carboniferous sedimentary basins whose centers lie offshore on the Beaufort Shelf extend onshore in the northern part of the study area. There is strong evidence that dense basement rocks beneath these onshore extensions rise to relatively shallow depths along the northeast Alaskan coast. Geologic studies and interpretation of the gravity data indicate that the gross structural and stratigraphic framework of this area is similar to that of the Prudhoe Bay region to the west. A high potential for petroleum accumulation in the Wildlife Range is indicated by the surface presence of oil seeps, oil sands, and outcrops of reservoir and source rocks along the southern margins of the onshore basinal areas. Present data suggest that the greatest potential for onshore accumulations of hydrocarbons lies in the area south and east of Barter Island and that possibilities exist there for commercially substantial reserves. The potential of this area cannot be fully assessed, however, until the subsurface extent of several major unconformities is known. Unfortunately, gravity data alone are of little use in such determinations. South of the mountain front, large granitic intrusions are marked by a sharply defined gravity minimum. The subsurface distribution of these bodies could probably be mapped by detailed gravity surveys. Detailed aeromagnetic surveys should serve equally well for such a purpose.

Alaska