Engineering-geologic map of the Alaska Highway corridor, Tetlin Junction to Canada border, Alaska
Dates
Publication Date
2013
Start Date
2009
End Date
2013
File Modification Date
2014-05-22 11:36:00
Citation
Hubbard, T.D., Reger, R.D., and Gallagher, P.E., 2013, Engineering-geologic map of the Alaska Highway corridor, Tetlin Junction to Canada border, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, http://dx.doi.org/10.14509/24624.
Summary
During 2009, the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys continued a program, begun in 2006, of reconnaissance mapping of surficial geology in the proposed natural-gas pipeline corridor through the upper Tanana River valley. The study area is a 12-mi-wide (19.3-km-wide) area that straddles the Alaska Highway from the western boundaries of the Tanacross B-3 and A-3 quadrangles near Tetlin Junction eastward to the eastern boundaries of the Nabesna D-1 and C-1 quadrangles along the Canada border. Mapping during 2008-2009 in the Tanacross and Nabesna quadrangles linked with the mapping completed in the Tanacross, Big Delta and Mt. Hayes quadrangles in 2006-2008. Surficial geology was initially mapped in this third corridor [...]
Summary
During 2009, the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys continued a program, begun in 2006, of reconnaissance mapping of surficial geology in the proposed natural-gas pipeline corridor through the upper Tanana River valley. The study area is a 12-mi-wide (19.3-km-wide) area that straddles the Alaska Highway from the western boundaries of the Tanacross B-3 and A-3 quadrangles near Tetlin Junction eastward to the eastern boundaries of the Nabesna D-1 and C-1 quadrangles along the Canada border. Mapping during 2008-2009 in the Tanacross and Nabesna quadrangles linked with the mapping completed in the Tanacross, Big Delta and Mt. Hayes quadrangles in 2006-2008. Surficial geology was initially mapped in this third corridor segment by interpreting ~1:65,000-scale, false-color, infrared aerial photographs taken in July 1978 and August 1981 and plotting unit boundaries on acetate overlays. Verification of photo mapping was accomplished during the 2008 and 2009 summer field seasons, when map units were described, soil pits were hand dug, and samples were collected for analyses. The engineering-geologic map is derived electronically from the surficial-geologic map and shows the distribution of surficial-geologic and bedrock units grouped genetically with common properties that are typically significant for engineering applications.
The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys conducted this project, funded by the state legislature, to evaluate the geology, geohazard and material resources along the Alaska Highway corridor from Delta Junction to the Canada border. The work was completed in preparation for a proposed natural gas pipeline, so that a baseline of geologic data would be publicly available upon which preliminary decisions could be made. The work was designed to serve as the springboard for the detailed work which would be required if a pipeline were to be built along this corridor.
