Chester A. Ruleman
Michael C. Frothingham
Brandon Keough
Theodore R. Brandt
Adam M. Hudson
Hannah Weaver
Denny M. Capps
Kenneth D. Ridgway
Annette I. Patton
Marc W. Caffee
20230206
Data release for the Geologic Map of the Denali
Park Road Corridor, Denali National Park, Alaska
1.0
Geodatabase
Data Release
doi:10.5066/P9W76PSM
Denver, Colorado
U.S. Geological Survey
Author ORCID list:
Chester A. Ruleman 0000-0002-1503-4591
Theodore R. Brandt 0000-0002-7862-9082
https://doi.org/10.5066/P9W76PSM
Denali National Park and Preserve (DENA), located in central Alaska,
is home to iconic and dynamic landscapes surrounding the tallest
mountain range in North America, the Alaska Range. DENA preserves
over 6 million acres of wild land that provides opportunities
for recreation, subsistence hunting and gathering, preservation of
cultural resources, and scientific research. Despite its size and
popularity, DENA has only one roadâthe dead-end, 92-mile Denali National
Park Road (hereafter referred to as the Park Road). The Park Road is
mostly gravel; only the first 15 miles are paved. It is the only access
for most DENA infrastructure, including visitor centers, staff facilities,
campgrounds, and businesses.
The Park Road crosses a steep, constantly changing landscape, shaped by
actively deforming and uplifted bedrock, glacier and meltwater erosion,
and various permafrost processes. Geologic hazards (geohazards) such as
rockfall, debris flows, and landslides cause significant damage to the Park
Road every year, requiring periodic closure, and costing millions of
dollars in repair and maintenance. For the first time in the parkâs
history, the Park Road is closed near its midpoint for an entire season
due to displacement caused by the Pretty Rocks rock glacier and landslide
complex. In addition, DENA is situated along a major fault system and
experiences numerous earthquakes every year. Most are too weak to be felt,
but a 7.9 magnitude earthquake shook the region in 2002, and at least one
major landslide, which formed Bergh Lake along the Park Road corridor, was
caused by seismic shaking in 1953.
In response to the threat posed by geohazards, the U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS) and the National Park Service (NPS) have partnered to produce a new,
high-resolution geologic map to help identify basin sediments and bedrock
geology, active faults, unstable slopes, and hazardous geologic substrates
along the Park Road corridor and other areas that contain administrative
infrastructure. This new geologic map augments previous broad scale,
bedrock-focused maps and uses detailed, updated imagery and elevation data
to provide a digital framework for future research, hazard identification,
and infrastructural development.
Land-use planners of many kinds (including National Park Service managers,
earth and biologic scientists, local developers, city and rural planners,
and highway engineers) need accurate geologic data with which to make
informed decisions. This geologic map and geodatabase are designed to
meet this requirement. The map is also part of the National Geologic
Database, which is intended as a digital framework for the entire
country.
DATASETS INCLUDED IN THIS DATA RELEASE -
Denali_Geology_GIS.gdb - GeoDatabase(GeMS)
GeologicMap - Feature Dataset
OrientationPoints - orientation measurements (bedding, foliation,
lineation, joints, etc.)
CartographicLines â geologic cross section lines
ContactsAndFaults - geologic contacts and fault lines
GeologicLines â folds, and lineament lines
MapUnitPolys - geologic rock unit polygons
DataSourcePolys - index map containing the sources of data for various
parts of the map
DataSources - sources of geologic map content
DescriptionOfMapUnits - full descriptions of map unit polygons
GeoMaterialDict - lithologic descriptions and hierarchy
2022
publication date
none currently planned
-151.10340
-148.84600
63.776800
63.371300
AGI Glossary of Geology
Denali National Park
Geologic Map
Denali fault system
Hines Creek fault
neotectonics
Park Road fault
permafrost
landslides
Surficial Geology
Cantwell Formation
Cantwell Basin
Teklanika Formation
Teklanika volcanics
Usibelli Group
Nenana Gravel
Quaternary deposits
Browne glaciation
Dry Creek glaciation
Healy glaciation
Riley Creek glaciation
USGS Metadata Identifier
USGS:63a1fe97d34e0de3a1f27d0a
U.S. Board of Geographic Names (BGN) Geographic
Names Information System (GNIS)
USA
United States
Denali National Park
Alaska
Alaska Range
Denali
Nenana River
Savage River
Sanctuary River
Teklanika River
Sable Pass
Hines Creek
East Fork Toklat River
Toklat River
McKinley River
Muldrow glacier
Kantishna Hills
Mount Wright
Mount Margaret
Fang Mountain
Mount Healy
Mount Galen
Pretty Rocks
Polychrome Pass
Plains of Murie
Eilson Visitor Center
Highway Pass
Stony Pass
Wonder Lake
Denali Park Road
Geologic Names Committee Lexicon (Geolex)
Holocene
Pleistocene
Quaternary
latest Holocene to middle Holocene
Holocene to latest Pleistocene
latest Pleistocene
late Pleistocene
middle Pleistocene
early Pleistocene
Pliocene
Miocene
Oligocene
Eocene
Paleocene
Cretaceous
Jurassic
Triassic
Pennsylvanian
Devonian
none
Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.
Cal Ruleman
U.S. Geological Survey
mailing
P.O. Box 25046, MS 980
Denver Federal Center
Denver
CO
80225-0046
USA
(303) 236-7804
cruleman@usgs.gov
Theodore R. Brandt, U.S. Geological Survey, served as primary author
of the GIS database. Many thanks for the thoughtful and instructive
reviews of Jamey Jones, USGS Alaska Science Center and Sean Bemis,
Virginia Tech University. Digital compilation of field data was
performed by Chester A. Ruleman and Theodore R. Brandt.
Windows_10, Intel
ArcInfo version 10.7.1
Data were entered and checked by the geologist that compiled the
geodatabase. The attributes of this geospatial data set consist of
text identifiers and numeric codes that indicate the identity of
the geologic unit or type of geologic feature. To check attribute
accuracy, a color computer screen representation was visually compared
to the geologist's original compilation. Discrepancies between the
digital geospatial dataset and the original analog or digital
compilation were corrected as needed. Machine-created listings of
unique attribute values were used to identify spelling errors or other
inconsistencies, and corrections were made as needed.
Map elements were visually checked for overshoots, undershoots,
duplicate features, polygon closure, and other errors by the
lead author and by the GIS technician(s) that created the digital
database. Automated (ArcGIS) routines were also used to check the
databases for polygon label errors, line or point attribution errors,
sliver polygons, dangling arcs, intersection errors, and projection
information. Check plots of the map were reviewed by at least one
other geologist for consistency with basic geologic principles and
general conformity to USGS mapping standards.
Data are complete: no features that could be accurately
represented at the compilation scale of 1:50,000 were eliminated or
generalized. The smallest area represented is approximately 50 square
meters. All geospatial database elements are attributed.
Most digitized positions on the map that depict distinct contacts
between rock formations in the field are estimated to be within
20 m of the actual contact on the land in most instances.
Boundaries (lines) between Quaternary units (for example, terrace
gravels) that correspond closely to distinct edges of landforms
(for example, river terraces) are of comparable accuracy.
Boundaries (lines) between some Quaternary units, such as eolian
deposits and broad alluvial aprons, are approximately located
within an indefinite gradational zone between them. Horizontal
positional accuracy is tested by visual comparison of hard copy
test plots to source maps or comparing locations of data on a
computer monitor to other data layers in the same geographic
area. The database contains no elevation data. Accuracy of
these digital data indirectly depends on accuracy of the base
maps on which the original source geologic maps were compiled.
These base maps were made by the U.S. Geological Survey, which
routinely checks them for compliance with the National Map
Accuracy Standards.
Geology was mapped and compiled during the period
2018-2022.
2022
Geologic polygon, line, and point features were digitized, attributed and
revised in ArcGIS utilizing IKONOS imagery, and IFSAR-derived imagery.
2022
Hydrologic polygon, line, and point features were digitized, attributed
and revised in ArcGIS utilizing hydrographic features obtained from the
U.S. Geologic Survey National Hydrography Dataset high resolution dataset
for Alaska.
2022
Metadata created by Ted Brandt.
2022
Metadata reviewed and revised by Ted Brandt.
2022
Vector
NAD 1983 Alaska Albers
55.0
65.0
-154.0
50.0
0.0
0.0
coordinate pair
0.6096
0.6096
Meter
D_North_American_1983
GRS_1980
6378137.0
298.257222101
Database follows the USGS Geologic Map Schema(GeMS)
Attribute definitions and data structure can be found here:
https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/
All geologic feature descriptions refer to the FGDC Digital Cartographic
Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization
https://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/2006/11A02/
All geologic terms refer to definitions in the AGI Glossary of Geology
**Not all components of the GeMS data model are utilized in this database**
FEATURE DATASET: GeologicMap
----------------------------------------
FEATURE CLASS: OrientationPoints [Point Feature]
DESCRIPTION OF FIELDS:
Type: Term that categorizes what point represents
Azimuth: Measurement of strike of plane in degrees
Inclination Measurement of dip of plane in degrees from horizontal
Symbol: Numeric code that references "REF NO" column in USGS
cartographic standards (https://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/2006/11A02/)
Label: Cartographic description of feature based on USGS
cartographic standards (https://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/2006/11A02/)
LocationConfidenceMeters: Distance representing feature locational
certainty, in meters from point
IdentityConfidence: Qualitative value representing certainty in
identification of feature
OrientationConfidenceDegrees: Angle representing certainty of
azimuth measurement
PlotAtScale: Scale at which features should be plotted for
cartographic reasons
StationID: Foreign key related to "Stations_ID" field when
"Stations" feature class is used
MapUnit: Map unit symbol relates to "MapUnit" field in
"MapUnitPoly" feature class and "DescriptionOfMapUnits" table
LocationSourceID: Foreign key related to "DataSources_ID" field in
"DataSources" table
OrientationSourceID: Foreign key related to "DataSources_ID" field
in "DataSources" table
Notes: Free text with additional information specific to feature
OrientationPointsID: Primary key. Unique feature identifier (ORP*)
----------------------------------------
FEATURE CLASS: ContactsAndFaults [Line Feature]
DESCRIPTION OF FIELDS:
Type: Term that categorizes what line represents
IsConcealed: Indicates if feature is concealed
LocationConfidenceMeters: Distance representing feature locational
certainty, in meters from either side of feature
ExistenceConfidence: Qualitative value representing certainty in
existence of feature
IdentityConfidence: Qualitative value representing certainty in
identification of feature
Label: Human readable name for a line feature
Symbol: Numeric code that references "REF NO" column in USGS cartographic
standards (https://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/2006/11A02/)(-9999 = no value)
DataSourceID: Foreign key that relates to the DataSource_ID field in
"DataSources" table
Notes: Free text with additional information specific to feature
ContactsAndFaults_ID: Primary key. Unique feature identifier (CAF*)
----------------------------------------
FEATURE CLASS: GeologicLines [Line Feature]
DESCRIPTION OF FIELDS:
Type: Term that categorizes what line represents
IsConcealed: Indicates if feature is concealed
LocationConfidenceMeters: Distance representing feature locational certainty,
in meters from either side of feature
ExistenceConfidence: Qualitative value representing certainty in existence
of feature
IdentityConfidence: Qualitative value representing certainty in identification
of feature
Label: Human readable name for a line feature
Symbol: Numeric code that references "REF NO" column in USGS cartographic
standards (https://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/2006/11A02/)(-9999 = no value)
DataSourceID: Foreign key that relates to the DataSource_ID field in
"DataSources" table
Notes: Free text with additional information specific to feature
GeologicLines_ID: Primary key. Unique feature identifier (GEL*)
----------------------------------------
FEATURE CLASS: MapUnitPolys [Polygon Feature]
DESCRIPTION OF FIELDS:
MapUnit: Map unit symbol
Name: Short unit name
FullName: Full unit name that may include member/formation/group associations
Age: Period or Epoch of unit consist with USGS time scale
IdentityConfidence: Qualitative assessment of confidence for polygon
identification
Label: Map unit symbol
Symbol: When used, indicates color and/or pattern used to symbolize polygon
DataSourceID: Foreign key that relates to the DataSource_ID field in
"DataSources" table
Notes: Free text with additional information specific to feature
MapUnitPolys_ID: Primary key. Unique feature identifier (MUP*)
----------------------------------------
FEATURE CLASS: DataSourcePolys [Polygon Feature]
DESCRIPTION OF FIELDS:
DataSourceID: Foreign key that relates to the DataSource_ID field in
"DataSources" table
Notes: Citation of publication or indication of "This Report"
DataSourcePolys_ID: Primary key. Unique feature identifier (DSP*)
----------------------------------------
NON-SPATIAL TABLE: DataSources
DESCRIPTION OF FIELDS:
Source: Description of source
Notes: Description of how source was used or acquired
URL: URL link to data (at time of publication), if available
DataSource_ID: Primary key. Unique to each data entry (DAS*)
----------------------------------------
NON-SPATIAL TABLE: GeoMaterialDict
DESCRIPTION OF FIELDS:
HierarchyKey: Text strip to document hierarchical relationships between terms
GeoMaterial: Name of GeoMaterial
IndentedName: GeoMaterial name with indents indicated by hyphens
Definition: Definition of GeoMaterial
----------------------------------------
NON-SPATIAL TABLE: DescriptionOfMapUnits
DESCRIPTION OF FIELDS:
MapUnit: Map unit symbol
Name: Short unit name
FullName: Full unit name that may include member/formation/group associations
Age: Period or Epoch of unit consistent with USGS time scale
Description Text description of map unit
HierarchyKey: String of dash-delimited numeric values that illustrate the
hierarchical relationship between units
ParagraphStyle: Formatting paragraph style
Label: Text string to place a unit symbol in map display
Symbol: Area fill symbol in accompanying style
AreaFillRGB: RGB values of area fill color
AreaFillPatternDescription: Text description of patterns used in fill
GeoMaterial: Term categorizing the dominant lithology in the map feature. Term
derived from NGMD standard term list
GeoMaterialConfidence: Qualitative term describing appropriateness of the
GeoMaterial term used
DescriptionOfMapUnits_ID: Primary key. Unique to each data entry (DMU*)
----------------------------------------
NON-SPATIAL TABLE: Glossary
DESCRIPTION OF FIELDS:
Term: Word for a concept
Definition: Definition or source of definition of term
DefinitionSourceID: Foreign key to "DataSources" non-spatial table
Glossary_ID: Primary key. Unique to each data entry (GLO*)
https://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/2006/11A02/
U.S. Geological Survey-ScienceBase
mailing address
Denver Federal Center, Bldg. 810, Mail Stop 302
Denver
CO
80225-0046
1-888-275-8747
sciencebase@usgs.gov
Data Release
Any use of trade, product or firm names is for descriptive purposes only
and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Although this information product, for the most part, is in the public
domain, it also may contain copyrighted material as noted in the text.
Permission to reproduce copyrighted items must be secured from the
copyright owner.
This database has been approved for release and publication by the
Director of USGS. Although this database has been subjected to rigorous
review and is substantially complete, the USGS reserves the right to revise
the data pursuant to further analysis and review. Furthermore, it is
released on condition that neither the USGS nor the United States Government
may be held liable for any damages resulting from its authorized or
unauthorized use.
Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer
System at the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty, expressed or
implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any
other system, or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act
of distribution constitute any such warranty. The U.S. Geological Survey
shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described
and/or contained herein.
GDB, SHP
10.7.1
2019
In Windows, use WinZip
(http://www.winzip.com/) or other programs to extract the file.
https://doi.org/10.5066/P9W76PSM
none
20230206
2023
Chester Ruleman
U.S. Geological Survey
mailing address
U.S. Geological Survey
MS 980, Box 25046 Denver Federal Center
Denver
CO
80225-0046
303-236-7804
cruleman@usgs.gov
FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata
FGDC-STD-001-1998