Introduction
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Published:January 01, 1994
Abstract
The Geology of Alaska summarizes the onshore and offshore geology, tectonic evolution, and mineral resources of Alaska and the adjacent continental margin. The volume was prepared at a particularly appropriate time because it follows a period during which there has been an explosive increase in the amount, quality, and regional coverage of earth science data collected in Alaska and because the unifying concepts of plate tectonics and accretionary terranes have become available as a framework for interpreting the data. These new concepts have led to recognition that all of Alaska, except possibly for one area that underlies less than...
Figures & Tables
Contents
The Geology of Alaska

You get a comprehensive overview of the geology, tectonic evolution, and mineral resources of Alaska and adjacent areas of the continental margin. Plates include state-wide maps showing geology, physiography, lithotectonic terranes, metamorphic rocks, igneous rocks, sedimentary basins, isotopic age data, neotectonics, isostatic gravity, magnetics, and metallic mineral deposits. Summaries of bedrock geology and geologic history are given for eleven large regions of Alaska and adjacent offshore areas. Twenty topical chapters synthesize data on metamorphic and igneous rocks; major onshore and offshore sedimentary basins; the paleomagnetics evidence for latitudinal displacements and rotations, glacial history and periglacial phenomena; and the occurrence, evolution, and potential of Alaska's vast resources of petroleum, coal, and metallic minerals. A summary chapter provides an overview and presents a possible model for Alaska's Phanerozoic evolution. The Geology of Alaska is the largest publication produced in the Decade of North American Geology program, a fitting tribute to this magnificent area.