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The geochemical atlas of Alaska, 2016

A rich legacy of geochemical data produced since the early 1960s covers the great expanse of Alaska; careful treatment of such data may provide significant and revealing geochemical maps that may be used for landscape geochemistry, mineral resource exploration, and geoenvironmental investigations over large areas. To maximize the spatial density and extent of data coverage for statewide mapping of element distributions, we compiled and integrated analyses of more than 175,000 sediment and soil samples from three major, separate sources: the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Uranium Resource Evaluation program, and the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys geochemical databases. Various types of heterogeneity and deficiencies in these data presented major challenges to our development of coherently integrated datasets for modeling and mapping of element distributions. Researchers from many different organizations and disparate scientific studies collected samples that were analyzed using highly variable methods throughout a time period of more than 50 years, during which many changes in analytical techniques were developed and applied. Despite these challenges, the U.S. Geological Survey has produced a new systematically integrated compilation of sediment and soil geochemical data with an average sample site density of approximately 1 locality per 10 square kilometers (km 2 ) for the entire State of Alaska, although density varies considerably among different areas. From that compilation, we have modeled and mapped the distributions of 68 elements, thus creating an updated geochemical atlas for the State.

Alaska

The Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment Program: Background information to accompany folio of geologic and mineral resource maps of the Ambler River quadrangle, Alaska

The Ambler River quadrangle, consisting of 14,290 km2 (5,520 mi2) in northwest Alaska, was investigated by an interdisciplinary research team for the purpose of assessing the mineral resource potential of the quadrangle. This report provides background information for a folio of maps on the geology, reconnaissance geochemistry, aeromagnetics, Landsat imagery, and mineral resource evaluation of the quadrangle. A summary of the geologic history, radiometric dates, and fossil localities and a comprehensive bibliography are also included. The quadrangle contains jade reserves, now being mined, and potentially significant resources of copper, zinc, lead, and silver.

Alaska

The Conterminous United States Mineral Assessment Program: Background information to accompany folio of geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral resource maps of the Ajo and Lukeville 1° by 2° quadrangles, Arizona

Encompassing about 21,000 km 2 in southwestern Arizona, the Ajo and Lukeville 1° by 2° quadrangles have been the subject of mineral resource investigations utilizing field and laboratory studies in the disciplines of geology, geochemistry, geophysics, and Landsat imagery. The results of these studies are published as a folio of maps, figures, and tables, with accompanying discussions. Past mineral production has been limited to copper from the Ajo Mining District. In addition to copper, the quadrangles contain potentially significant resources of gold and silver; a few other commodities, including molybdenum and evaporites, may also exist in the area as appreciable resources. This circular provides background information on the mineral deposits and on the investigations and integrates the information presented in the folio. The bibliography cites references to the geology, geochemistry, geophysics, and mineral deposits of the two quadrangles.

Arizona

Geologic map of Big Bend National Park, Texas

The purpose of this map is to provide the National Park Service and the public with an updated digital geologic map of Big Bend National Park (BBNP). The geologic map report of Maxwell and others (1967) provides a fully comprehensive account of the important volcanic, structural, geomorphological, and paleontological features that define BBNP. However, the map is on a geographically distorted planimetric base and lacks topography, which has caused difficulty in conducting GIS-based data analyses and georeferencing the many geologic features investigated and depicted on the map. In addition, the map is outdated, excluding significant data from numerous studies that have been carried out since its publication more than 40 years ago. This report includes a modern digital geologic map that can be utilized with standard GIS applications to aid BBNP researchers in geologic data analysis, natural resource and ecosystem management, monitoring, assessment, inventory activities, and educational and recreational uses. The digital map incorporates new data, many revisions, and greater detail than the original map. Although some geologic issues remain unresolved for BBNP, the updated map serves as a foundation for addressing those issues. Funding for the Big Bend National Park geologic map was provided by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program and the National Park Service. The Big Bend mapping project was administered by staff in the USGS Geology and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver, Colo. Members of the USGS Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center completed investigations in parallel with the geologic mapping project. Results of these investigations addressed some significant current issues in BBNP and the U.S.-Mexico border region, including contaminants and human health, ecosystems, and water resources. Funding for the high-resolution aeromagnetic survey in BBNP, and associated data analyses and interpretation, was from the USGS Crustal Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center. Mapping contributed from university professors and students was mostly funded by independent sources, including academic institutions, private industry, and other agencies.

Texas

Mineral resource potential map of the Blanco Mountain and Black Canyon Roadless Areas, Inyo and Mono Counties, California

On the basis of geologic, geochemical, and geophysical investigations and a survey of mines and prospects, the mineral resource potential for gold, silver, lead, zinc, tungsten, and barite of the Blanco Mountain and Black Canyon Roadless Areas is judged to be low to moderate, except for one local area that has high potential for gold and tungsten resources. A geochemical survey detected moderately anomalous amounts of lead, copper, and zinc and less anomalous concentrations of tungsten, gold, and silver. Elements in anomalous samples were grouped as suites known to form in various ore deposits. Four element suites that may be indicative of mineralization are recognized in the White Mountains: (1) lead, zinc, and silver in carbonate rocks; (2) copper, barite, and lead in veins and replacement bodies; (3) tungsten, molybdenum, and bismuth in skarns; and (4) gold and arsenic in mineralized quartz veins. The assessment of the areas of resource potential was made in part by the application of ore deposit models to the geochemical results. A mineral deposit survey by the U.S. Bureau of Mines indicates that there are no properties with identified mineral resources in the Blanco Mountain Roadless Area. There is one active placer claim. In the Black Canyon Roadless Area, two properties have 40,000 tons of indicated and inferred low-grade gold, silver, or lead-bearing rock. Five properties near this roadless area have 150,000 tons of indicated and inferred low-grade gold, silver, lead, zinc, or tungsten-bearing rock. About 90 percent of this tonnage is estimated to occur at the Mirage-Mariposa and the Hope mines. The roadless areas have no known resource potential for geothermal energy, coal, oil, or gas.

California

The Alaskan Mineral Resource Assessment Program: Background information to accompany folio of geologic and mineral resource maps of the Tanacross quadrangle, Alaska

The Tanacross quadrangle, consisting of 17,400 km 2 (6,700 mi 2) in east-central Alaska, was investigated by an interdisciplinary research team for the purpose of assessing the mineral resource potential of the quadrangle. This report provides the background information for a folio of maps on the geology, geophysics, reconnaissance geochemistry, Landsat imagery, and mineral resource evaluation of the quadrangle. Revisions to the previously published geologic map of the Tanacross quadrangle, 18 new potassium-argon ages, and a comprehensive bibliography are also included.

Alaska

Mineral resource potential maps of the Fiddler Butte Wilderness Study Area and the Fremont Gorge Study Area, Garfield and Wayne counties, Utah

Field and laboratory investigations of the Fiddler Butte WSA (Wilderness Study Area) in Garfield County, Utah, and of the Fremont Gorge study area in Wayne County, Utah, were made to determine the mineral resource potential of these lands. The investigations indicate that two areas in the northeastern and southwestern parts of the Fiddler Butte WSA have a moderate potential for uranium resources. The entire Fiddler Butte WSA has a moderate potential for petroleum resources, and the northeastern part of the WSA has a high potential for tar sand resources. The studies indicate a low potential for metallic and nonmetallic resources in the Fiddler Butte WSA. The Fremont Gorge study area has a low potential for metallic, nonmetallic, and petroleum resources.

Utah

Mineral resource potential map of the Raywood Flat Roadless Areas, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, California

Geologic, geochemical, and geophysical studies within the Raywood "Flat Roadless Areas, together with an investigation of mines and prospects within the further planning area, resulted in (1) identification of nonmetallic mineral resources at a marble mine in the further planning area and (2) recognition of a small area in the recommended wilderness that has moderate potential for base-metal resources. Except for these two areas of identified and suspected resources, we did not observe indications of resource potential elsewhere in the Raywood Flat Roadless Areas. The area having nonmetallic mineral resources is in the vicinity of the Mill Creek mine near the northeastern boundary of the further planning area (B5-187); there, we identified marginal reserves of marble suitable for the production of lime and construction stone. The reserves are marginal because of their remote location and poor accessibility. Geologic mapping did not reveal any additional marble occurrences within the study area. The area having moderate potential for base-metal resources forms a small zone in the eastern part of the recommended wilderness (A5-187). Within this zone, evidence provided by stream-sediment geochemistry suggests that crystalline bedrocks in several drainages contain concentrations of metallic elements. Because the terrain is inaccessible and covered with dense brush, most of the bedrock in the specific drainages containing the geochemical anomalies could not be examined. Thus, although we infer that mineral occurrences exist in the drainage basins, we have little data on which to base an estimate of their extent and quality. Locally, the crystalline rocks probably contain hydrothermal veins or disseminated occurrences where lead, copper, molybdenum, tin, cobalt, bismuth, and arsenic have been concentrated. However, the geochemical anomalies for these metals are small, and the stream drainages also are relatively small. Therefore, the inferred occurrences of metallic minerals probably are small scale, scattered, and low grade. There is only low probability that the inferred mineral occurrences are large scale.

California

Fifty-eighth annual report of the Director of the Geological Survey

During the fiscal year 1937 the Geological Survey continued its systematic work in investigating, mapping, and reporting on the geology, the mineral and water resources, and the physical features of the United States. The results of this work are basic in all conservational activities, as those who plan and direct the conservation policies toward the wise development and use of the Nation's resources must first have the facts about the quantity, quality, distribution, and availability of those resources and adequate maps with which to pursue and record further studies. Through its technical supervision of prospecting, mining, and producing operations on public and Indian land under permits, leases, and licenses, the Survey was directly engaged in the practical application of conservation policies.

Annual Report

Map showing mineral resource potential of the Paiute Instant (Primitive) Study Area, Mohave County, Arizona

A geologic and geochemical investigation and a survey of the existing mines and prospects have been conducted to determine the mineral resource potential of the Paiute Instant (Primitive) Study Area, Mohave County, Ariz. The study area encompasses part of the Virgin Mountains and the Sullivans Canyon area. Precambrian metamorphic and igneous rocks are exposed in the core and are overlain by folded and faulted Paleozoic and Mesozoic quartzose and carbonate rocks. Mesozoic sedimentary rocks are overlain by Cenozoic volcanic and sedimentary units. The geochemical and mines and prospects survey indicates that the study area contains some mineral deposits that presently are not economically significant. Oil and gas has not been discovered in the area, and the resource potential is apparently nil or at best very low; any future oil and gas exploration would most likely be conducted outside the study area where favorable exploration localities exist. Other combustibles such as coal and oil shale are not known to occur in the study area. There is no evidence of geothermal activity or surficial radioactive mineralization. Several areas in the Paiute Instant Study Area are judged to have at best a low mineral potential. These include areas of copper, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silver, tungsten, and zinc mineralization, as well as occurrences of dumortierite, beryllium, arsenic, barium, gypsum, gem minerals, sand, gravel, and limestone. The metallic deposits and dumortieri te, beryllium, and arsenic occur over small surface areas. Significant production has not resulted from mining activity in mineralized areas. Sand, gravel, limestone, gem minerals, gypsum, and barium occurrences are far from major markets. Currently, there are no active mining operations in the study area.

Arizona

The Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment Program: Guide to information contained in folio of geologic and mineral resource maps of the Philip Smith Mountains quadrangle, Alaska

The geology and mineral resources of the Philip Smith Mountains quadrangle were virtually unexplored until the investigations for oil began in northern Alaska. Construction of the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System has now made the quadrangle accessible by road. In 1975 and 1976 a team of geologists, geochemists, and geophysicists investigated the quadrangle in order to assess its mineral resource potential. This report is a guide to the resulting folio of twelve maps that describe the geology, stream sediment geochemistry, aeromagnetic features, Landsat imagery, and mineral resources of the area. The bedrock geology and aeromagnetic surveys show that mineral deposits associated with intrusive rocks are probably absent. However, the geology and geochemical anomalies do indicate the possibility of vein and strata-bound deposits of copper, lead, and zinc in the Paleozoic shale and carbonate rocks in the southern part of the quadrangle and of stratabound deposits of zinc and copper in the Permian and Mesozoic shales along the mountain front. The northwestern part of the quadrangle has a low to moderate potential for oil or gas; Mississippian carbonate rocks are the most likely reservoir. The only minerals produced to date have been construction materials.

Alaska

Geochemical map of the Guadalupe Escarpment Wilderness Study Area, Eddy County, New Mexico

During 1982, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted field investigations to evaluate the mineral resource potential of the Guadalupe Escarpment Wilderness Study Area. Field studies included geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, and a survey of known mines, prospects, and mineralized zones. This map presents the results of a geochemical survey of the area by the Geological Survey and complements the mineral resource assessment of the area by Hayes and others (1983). The Guadalupe Escarpment Wilderness Study Area encompasses approximately 21,300 acres along Guadalupe Ridge in the southern end of the Guadalupe Mountains about 35 miles southwest of Carlsbad, N. Mex. (fig. 1). The area trends northeasterly, is bounded on the south by the Texas State line and the northern boundary of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The study area is bounded on the northeast by Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The area comprises several narrow, gently sloping mesas bounded by deeply incised canyons. Elevations range from 7,413 feet on Camp Wilderness Ridge to approximately 4,875 feet at Franks Spring. A rough jeep road along the northwest boundary of the study area can be reached by U.S. Forest Service roads from the northwest. The southeastern part of the study area can be approached via unimproved ranch roads leading off U.S. Highway 62-180.

New Mexico

Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array Type L-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) mosaic for the Kahiltna terrane, Alaska, 2007-2010

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has initiated a multi-disciplinary study investigating the applicability of remote sensing technologies for geologic mapping and identification of prospective areas for base and precious metal deposits in remote parts of Alaska. The Kahiltna terrane in southwestern Alaska was selected for investigation because of its known mineral deposits and potential for additional mineral resources. An assortment of technologies is being investigated to aid in remote analysis of terrain, and includes imaging spectroscopy (hyperspectral remote sensing), high spatial resolution electro-optical imagery, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). However, there are significant challenges to applying imaging spectroscopy and electro-optical imagery technologies in this area because of the low solar angle for parts of the year, seasonal periods of darkness and snow cover, and the frequently cloudy weather that characterizes Alaska. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) was selected because this technology does not rely on solar illumination and has all-weather capability. The USGS has compiled a continuous, cloud-free 12.5-meter resolution radar mosaic of SAR data of approximately 212,000 square kilometers to examine the suitability of this technology for geologic mapping. This mosaic was created from Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) data collected from 2007 to 2010 spanning the Kahiltna terrane and the surrounding area. Interpretation of these data may help geologists understand past geologic processes and identify areas with potential for near-surface mineral resources for further ground-based geological and geochemical investigations.

Alaska

Mine and prospect map of the Manzano Wilderness, Torrance and Valencia counties, New Mexico

The U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted field investigations to evaluate the mineral resources of the Manzano Wilderness, Torrance and Valencia Counties, N. Mex., during 1980 and 1982. This map complements the mineral resource appraisal of the Manzano Wilderness (Maxwell and others, 1983). Field studies by the Bureau of Mines included a reconnaissance of mines, prospects, and mineralized areas. From workings within and near the wilderness, 107 samples were taken and analyzed.

New Mexico

The Conterminous United States Mineral Appraisal Program; background information to accompany folio of geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral resources maps of the Tonopah 1 by 2 degree Quadrangle, Nevada

The Tonopah 1 ? by 2 ? quadrangle in south-central Nevada was studied by an interdisciplinary research team to appraise its mineral resources. The appraisal is based on geological, geochemical, and geophysical field and laboratory investigations, the results of which are published as a folio of maps, figures, and tables, with accompanying discussions. This circular provides background information on the investigations and integrates the information presented in the folio. The selected bibliography lists references to the geology, geochemistry, geophysics, and mineral deposits of the Tonopah 1 ? by 2 ? quadrangle.

Circular

The Conterminous United States Mineral Assessment Project; background information to accompany folio of geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral resources maps of the Reno 1 by 2 degree Quadrangle, Nevada and California

The Reno 1 ? by 2 ? quadrangle in west-central Nevada was studied by an interdisciplinary research team to appraise its mineral resources. The assessment is based on geological, geochemical, and geophysical field and laboratory investigations, the results of which are published as a folio of maps, reports, figures, and tables, with accompanying discussions. This circular provides background information on the investigations and integrates the information presented in the folio. The selected bibliography lists references to the geology, geochemistry, geophysics, and mineral deposits of the Reno 1 ? by 2 ? quadrangle.

Circular

The Conterminous United States Mineral Appraisal Program; background information to accompany folio of geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral resources maps of the Medford 1 degree x 2 degrees Quadrangle, Oregon and California

The Medford 1 ? by 2 ? quadrangle in southern Oregon and northern California was studied by an interdisciplinary research team to appraise its mineral resources. The appraisal is based on geological, geochemical, and geophysical field and laboratory investigations, the results of which are published as a folio of maps, figures, and tables, with accompanying discussions. This circular provides background information on the investigations and integrates the information presented in the folio. The bibliography lists selected references to the geology, geochemistry, geophysics, and mineral deposits of the Medford 1 ? by 2 ? quadrangle.

Circular

Geological Survey research 1976

This U.S. Geological Survey activities report includes a summary of recent (1976 fiscal year) scientific and economic results accompanied by a list of geologic and hydrologic investigations in progress and a report on the status of topographic mapping. The summary of results includes: (1) Mineral resources, Water resources, (2) Engineering geology and hydrology, (3) Regional geology, (4) Principles and processes, (5) Laboratory and field methods, (6) Topographic surveys and mapping, (7) Management of resources on public lands, (8) Land information and analysis, and (9) Investigations in other countries. Also included are lists of cooperating agencies and Geological Survey offices.

Professional Paper