Surface geologic exposures in the Arctic Islands are excellent as is the case in most of the world's deserts. The sparse subsurface information from boreholes is limited to only a few islands.

Geology of the inter-island areas is much more speculative. Preliminary interpretations based on erosion and isostatic readjustments after the melting of the continental ice sheet may have to be revised after a review of geophysical data which is becoming available. Block faulting with horst and graben development becomes a conservative approach while consideration of rift and drift hypothesis gain popularity.

Recently obtained reconnaissance data indicate the possibility that an entirely new geologic section exists offshore. This conclusion is based on regional geophysical data obtained by Government and industry. Magnetic and gravity surveys cover much of the Arctic Archipelago. Seismic profiles in marine areas of the southern Arctic Islands indicate a wide range of large structures. Refraction probes are useful in defining the velocity, and thus the possible geologic age, of these sediments.

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