Engineering-geologic map of the Dalton Highway from Galbraith Lake to Slope Mountain, southern Arctic Foothills, Alaska
Description
This derivative engineering-geologic map illustrates potential near-surface sources of various geologic materials that may be useful for construction near the Dalton Highway area, from Atigun Gorge to Slope Mountain. The map area is located in the west-central Philip Smith Mountains quadrangle. The map extends from the northern flank of the Endicott Mountains into the Arctic Foothills province. Field observations indicate that each geologic unit (for example, stream alluvium) has a definite composition or range of composition. Therefore, the probable presence of materials is interpreted from the distribution of geologic units on the geologic map of this quadrangle. Map unit descriptions also include discussion of the potential geologic hazards that can be inferred from the typical physical properties of each map unit, such as sediment texture and ground-ice content and typical topographic settings. This map is generalized and is not intended to show exact locations of specific materials. Local variations are common, especially near unit boundaries. The map was derived electronically from a related surficial geologic map of the area using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Geologic units were locally verified by ground observations during field visits. The results should be considered reconnaissance in nature.