The geochemical atlas of Alaska, 2016

• DOI: 10.3133/ds908
• Publication Date: 2016-06-22T19:27:49Z
• Authors: Gregory K. Lee; Douglas B. Yager; Jeffrey L. Mauk; Matthew Granitto; Paul Denning; Bronwen Wang; Melanie B. Werdon
• Keywords: Geological survey; Geologic map; Mineral resource classification; Mineral exploration

First posted June 21, 2016 For additional information, contact: Center DirectorUSGS Central Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Box 25046, MS-973 Denver Federal Denver, CO 80225-0046http://minerals.cr.usgs.gov A rich legacy of geochemical data produced since the early 1960s covers great expanse Alaska; careful treatment such may provide significant revealing maps that be used for landscape geochemistry, mineral resource exploration, geoenvironmental investigations over large areas. To maximize spatial density extent coverage statewide mapping element distributions, we compiled integrated analyses more than 175,000 sediment soil samples from three major, separate sources: U.S. Geological Survey, National Uranium Resource Evaluation program, Alaska Division & Geophysical Surveys databases. Various types heterogeneity deficiencies in these presented major challenges to our development coherently datasets modeling distributions. Researchers many different organizations disparate scientific studies collected were analyzed using highly variable methods throughout a time period 50 years, during which changes analytical techniques developed applied. Despite challenges, Survey has new systematically compilation with an average sample site approximately 1 locality per 10 square kilometers (km2) entire State Alaska, although varies considerably among From compilation, have modeled mapped distributions 68 elements, thus creating updated atlas State.