Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
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ALASKA DIVISION OF GEOLOGICAL & GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS ANNUAL REPORT 2011 State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys January 2012 ALASKA DIVISION OF GEOLOGICAL & GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS ANNUAL REPORT 2011 Front photo: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) geologists Bob Gillis (left), Dave Mauel (right), and student intern Keane Richards (center) stand atop a west-facing cliff supported by sandstones, conglomerates, and volcanic deposits of the West Foreland Formation (late Eocene, or ~42 million years old) near Straight Creek in the Tyonek Quadrangle, about 65 miles west of Anchorage. The light-colored granitic rocks forming the high topography in the distance are part of the Alaska–Aleutian Range batholith (~60 million years old), which forms part of the volcanic arc that rims south-central and southwestern Alaska. Exhumation of these granitic rocks along high-angle faults, combined with contemporaneous arc volcanism, provided abundant sediment to the West Foreland Formation. The structural geology and stratigraphy of this region are part of the focus of DGGS’s Cook Inlet Geology program, described on pages 32 and 33. Photo by David LePain. State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys January 2012 STATE OF ALASKA Sean Parnell, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Daniel S. Sullivan, Commissioner DIVISION OF GEOLOGICAL & GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS Robert F. Swenson, State Geologist and Director Publications produced by the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) are available for free download from the DGGS website (http://www.dggs.alaska.gov). Publications on hard-copy or digital media can be examined or purchased in the Fairbanks office: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys 3354 College Rd., Fairbanks, Alaska 99709-3707 Phone: (907) 451-5020 Fax (907) 451-5050 [email protected] http://www.dggs.alaska.gov Alaska State Library Alaska Resource Library & Information State Office Building, 8th Floor Services (ARLIS) 333 Willoughby Avenue 3150 C Street, Suite 100 Juneau, Alaska 99811-0571 Anchorage, Alaska 99503-3982 Elmer E. Rasmuson Library University of Alaska Anchorage Library University of Alaska Fairbanks 3211 Providence Drive Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-1005 Anchorage, Alaska 99508-4614 Publication of this report is required by Alaska Statute 41.08. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................................1 Mission Statements ..............................................................................................................................................1 History ................................................................................................................................................................1 Leadership ............................................................................................................................................................1 Statutory Authority ................................................................................................................................................1 Location ................................................................................................................................................................2 Organization .........................................................................................................................................................2 Relationships with other State Agencies ..............................................................................................................6 Relationships with Local Government ..................................................................................................................6 Relationship with the University of Alaska ...........................................................................................................6 Relationships with Federal Agencies ...................................................................................................................7 Alaska Geologic Mapping Advisory Board ...........................................................................................................8 2011 ACCOMPLISHMENTS ...................................................................................................................................................9 KEY ISSUES FOR FY2012–2013 ........................................................................................................................................... 13 Updating and improving the Alaska Geologic Materials Center........................................................................ 13 Renewed focus on natural resource development ............................................................................................ 14 Infrastructure projects and public safety............................................................................................................ 14 Changes in local energy supply and consumption ............................................................................................ 14 Response to data needs for adaptation to a changing arctic climate ............................................................... 15 DGGS FY2012 PROGRAM .................................................................................................................................................. 15 Program Focus .................................................................................................................................................... 15 Minerals Data and Information Rescue in Alaska (MDIRA) .........................................................................15 Program Summaries .......................................................................................................................................... 16 State Geologist/Director .............................................................................................................................. 16 Energy Resources ....................................................................................................................................... 17 Mineral Resources ...................................................................................................................................... 18 Engineering Geology ................................................................................................................................... 19 Volcanology ................................................................................................................................................. 21 Geologic Communications ..........................................................................................................................22 Geologic Materials Center ...........................................................................................................................23 Administrative Services ............................................................................................................................... 24 EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS ....................................................................................................................................................25 PROJECT SUMMARIES—FY2012 ..........................................................................................................................................28 PUBLICATIONS RELEASED.................................................................................................................................................. 81 DIRECTOR’S FOREWORD very year I am taken aback by the tremendous opportunities we are afforded here in Alaska. Very few states, or countries for that matter, are similarly endowed with the abundance of natural resources we all enjoy and from which we benefit. Similar in Escope to our opportunities, our challenges can be “world class” as well. Diverse geology, remoteness, environmental concerns, and limited infrastructure all have the ability to affect our lives and livelihoods in many ways. From high energy and transportation costs to hazards posed by volcanoes and earthquakes to environmental change in the arctic, managing our finite resource base in a responsible and sustainable manner will require perseverance and a long-term outlook. Ever-increasing global population and economic development will undoubtedly continue the acceleration of global demand for finite natural resources. With increased demand comes increased prices, and because of its bounty, Alaska will remain in the ‘resource spotlight’ for the foreseeable future. Evidence of this can be seen in all sectors of exploration and development in the state with near record activity in most. It will be critically important that we maintain a strong resource-management structure that facilitates responsible development through information and appropriate regulation, and at the same time protects and stewards all our natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations alike. Advancements in technology will undoubtedly help to soften the steep climb of global demand by developing resources once thought unrecoverable. The ‘shale phenomenon’ we have witnessed over the last few years in the oil and gas sector is a clear example of the demand–supply–price–technology relationship. Significant increase in the