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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 33 (1949)

Issue: 12. (December)

First Page: 2059

Last Page: 2059

Title: Geology and Problems of Exploring for Oil in Northern Alaska: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Col. O. F. Kotick

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

The Arctic is a land of natural excesses and severities. Special problems are presented by the excessively cold temperatures, protracted periods of darkness, winds, fogs, permafrost, and magnetic storms.

The Lisburne limestone (Mississippian) forms prominent scarps and slopes along the north front of the Brooks Mountain Range, which is the northwestern extension of the Rocky Mountains. In the foothill belt north of the mountains, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous rocks are represented.

Cretaceous rocks make up the bulk of the drillable sediments of the Arctic basin. These rocks attain a maximum thickness of about 22,000 feet, principally dark shales with some fine, tight sandstones and silts.

Northward thrust faults provide the major structural features along the front of the Brooks Range; this orogeny has resulted in the lower Mesozoic rocks immediately in front of the Range being broken up into a highly complex zone of isoclinal and overturned folds and thrust faults. Farther north the outcropping Cretaceous rocks are gently folded into long east-west trending structures, slightly steeper on the north limbs.

All types of known accepted tools have been or are being used in this exploration project including magnetometer, gravity meter, seismograph, core drill, surface and subsurface geology, aerial photography, and photo-geology, and test wells with all accepted devices for well survey. Eight test wells have been drilled to date, and twelve more are planned through 1952.

The natives, organization and planning for exploration, and the extraneous activities supported by Navy funds are described briefly.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists