Performance Details

Department of Natural Resources - Geological & Geophysical Surveys

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Mission

Conduct geological and geophysical surveys to determine the potential of Alaskan land for production of metals, minerals, fuels, and geothermal resources, the potential geologic hazards to buildings, roads, bridges, and other installations and structures; and conduct such other surveys and investigations as will advance knowledge of the geology of the state. (AS 41.08)

Core Services

• Produce timely and reliable new energy-related geologic information in areas of poor geologic understanding and high energy-resource potential.
• Produce timely and reliable new minerals-related geological and geophysical information in areas of limited information and high mineral-resource potential.
• Produce timely and reliable new information on geologic hazards in areas at risk of casualties, economic losses, and infrastructure failure from natural disasters.
• Provide timely delivery of geological and geophysical information to industry, government, and the public in support of resource exploration, development, and pre-disaster hazard mitigation for continued economic growth and public safety.
• Preserve the state's archive of representative geologic materials from across the state and provide improved public access to the non-proprietary sample inventory in support of resource exploration, land management, and geologic education.

Mission Results	Core Services
A: GEOLOGIC DATA COLLECTION AND INTERPRETATION: Continually gather and interpret new geologic field data in emerging areas of interest related to energy supply, mineral deposits, and geologic hazards.  Details > TARGET #1: Publish new geologic mapping to address the state's needs for evaluating energy resources, mineral resources, and geologic hazards.	A1: Produce timely and reliable new energy-related geologic information in areas of poor geologic understanding and high energy-resource potential.  Details > TARGET #1: Publish reports on energy-related geology that assist the energy industry and state agencies in exploring for and managing energy resources on state-interest lands. TARGET #2: Collect new geologic field data to support resource evaluations of areas prospective for oil, gas, and coal. A2: Produce timely and reliable new minerals-related geological and geophysical information in areas of limited information and high mineral-resource potential.  Details > TARGET #1: Publish airborne geophysical survey data for Alaska's minerals-interest lands. TARGET #2: Publish reports and/or digital data sets on mineral-resource geology and mineral-industry exploration activity. TARGET #3: Attract maximum industry investment in mineral exploration in Alaska for each state dollar spent on mineral resource assessment. A3: Produce timely and reliable new information on geologic hazards in areas at risk of casualties, economic losses, and infrastructure failure from natural disasters.  Details > TARGET #1: Publish reports or maps providing improved assessment of geologic hazards that could pose significant risks to public safety or infrastructure. TARGET #2: Evaluate Alaska land for potential geologic hazards affecting public safety or existing or proposed infrastructure.
Mission Results	Core Services
B: ARCHIVE AND PUBLISH GEOLOGIC INFORMATION: Function as the state's lead repository and primary source of information concerning Alaska's geologic energy resources, mineral resources, and geologic hazards.  Details > TARGET #1: Store and distribute digital geologic information that effectively and efficiently meets the needs of industry, government, academia, and the public.	B1: Provide timely delivery of geological and geophysical information to industry, government, and the public in support of resource exploration, development, and pre-disaster hazard mitigation for continued economic growth and public safety.  Details > TARGET #1: Respond to requests for geologic information needed by exploration companies, resource planners, emergency managers, scientific organizations, land managers, developers, and the public. TARGET #2: Deliver public presentations about geologic resources and hazards in Alaska, including technical talks and information displays at conferences, speaking at or teaching classes, and speaking at public meetings.
Mission Results	Core Services
C: MAINTAIN ALASKA'S GEOLOGIC SAMPLE REPOSITORY: Maintain and provide public access to Alaska's invaluable archive of representative geologic samples from across the state.  Details > TARGET #1: Accommodate and encourage client visits to the Geologic Materials Center for the purpose of studying rock or sediment samples in the interest of resource exploration or geologic-hazard evaluation.	C1: Preserve the state's archive of representative geologic materials from across the state and provide improved public access to the non-proprietary sample inventory in support of resource exploration, land management, and geologic education.  Details > TARGET #1: Provide efficient, user-friendly online access to the Geologic Materials Center's sample inventory. TARGET #2: Track demand for viewing the Geologic Materials Center's sample collection.

Performance Detail

Target #1: Publish new geologic mapping to address the state's needs for evaluating energy resources, mineral resources, and geologic hazards. Methodology: Square miles of new, peer-reviewed geologic mapping published during the fiscal year to meet the state's needs for evaluating energy resources, mineral resources, and geologic hazards. Square Miles of Published New Geologic Mapping Fiscal Year Square Miles Target FY 2022 2,000 FY 2021 4,230 1,500 FY 2020 2,015 1,500 FY 2019 1,311 1,500 FY 2018 606 1,500 FY 2017 1,846 1,500 FY 2016 15,927 1,500 FY 2015 2,645 1,500 FY 2014 665 500 FY 2013 1,203 520 FY 2012 1,533 800 FY 2011 1,078 2,702 FY 2010 1,546 3,086 Analysis of results and challenges: Detailed, reliable, and publicly available geologic maps and analytical data are critical for attracting new exploration investment in minerals and energy resources; identifying geologic hazards that pose risks to public safety, infrastructure and the environment; and providing detailed information for state resource and land-use management. Detailed geological and geophysical maps of Alaska at scales needed for resource exploration, land-use management and geologic-hazards assessment are scattered geographically and currently available for only about 20 percent of the state but our field programs are increasing this coverage gradually each year. The division prioritizes the selection of new mapping areas in consultation with other state agencies, appropriate state boards and commissions, its Geologic Mapping Advisory Board, industry resource-interest groups and other stakeholders. The division is committed to delivering the results of our extensive field mapping programs to the public in a timely manner. The total square miles of published geologic mapping in FY2021, 4,230 was significantly above our target of 1,500 sq mi. Three geologic mapping publications were responsible for this coverage: 1) RI 2020-7: Bedrock geologic map of the eastern Denali Highway, Mount Hayes, Healy, and Talkeetna Mountains quadrangles, Alaska. 2) RDF 2021-9: Preliminary bedrock geologic map database, northeastern Richardson mining district, Alaska. 3) PR 124: Surficial geology and geohazards in the Alaska Highway corridor, Alaska. Related links:    • Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys    • Alaska Geologic Mapping Advisory Board

Target #1: Publish reports on energy-related geology that assist the energy industry and state agencies in exploring for and managing energy resources on state-interest lands. Methodology: Number of new reports published on energy-related geology during the fiscal year. New Reports Published on Energy-Related Geology Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Total Target FY 2022 6 FY 2021 6 6 FY 2020 4 6 FY 2019 11 7 FY 2018 4 7 FY 2017 4 8 FY 2016 16 12 FY 2015 17 11 FY 2014 9 9 FY 2013 9 5 FY 2012 6 7 FY 2011 2 1 FY 2010 9 7 Analysis of results and challenges: Publicly available detailed geologic knowledge is important for energy resource development and management. This information must result from the most modern analyses and incorporate all available data in order to identify frontier areas of energy exploration and encourage investment on state lands. A critical component of this effort is the publication of geologic reports on a wide range of energy sources. During FY2021, the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys published 6 reports providing new geologic data to assist oil and gas exploration throughout Alaska. Although the target was achieved, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted productivity through delayed contract analyses and the cancellation of the 2020 field season, both of which hindered efforts to acquire and synthesize new information in a timely manner. Despite these challenges, new data and interpretations were published for basins across Alaska, including a geophysical gravity survey of the Holitna Basin, three papers on North Slope stratigraphy, and two papers relevant to Cook Inlet petroleum geology. The North Slope contributions include some of the first outcrop observations of a potentially important reservoir target. Another North Slope paper was published in the journal Basin Research and was the culmination of a multiyear, industry funded collaboration with the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. The Cook Inlet papers included a major compilation of Cenozoic thermal maturity and palynology data as well as a detailed sedimentology paper on an important, but under-explored potential Jurassic reservoir unit. During FY2021, Energy Section staff collaborated extensively with geologists from the U.S. Geological Survey, most notably through planning and permitting efforts to drill multiple stratigraphic test-cores on the North Slope. This program was postponed due to COVID-19 and ultimately canceled due to the loss of USGS project funding. Related links:    • DGGS Energy Resources program

Target #2: Collect new geologic field data to support resource evaluations of areas prospective for oil, gas, and coal. Methodology: Square miles of sedimentary basins prospective for hydrocarbon resources evaluated with collection of new geologic field data during the calendar year. Square Miles of Prospective Hydrocarbon Resource Areas Evaluated with New Geologic Field Data Year Total Target 2022 10,000 2021 9,000 7,500 2020 9,500 9,000 2019 10,000 9,000 2018 10,000 8,000 2017 9,000 8,000 2016 10,000 10,000 2015 16,000 18,000 2014 17,352 18,000 2013 17,436 40,000 2012 35,022 35,000 Analysis of results and challenges: The evaluation of new geologic field data in areas of high energy-resource potential is critical for attracting new industry players and providing detailed information for government, academia, and exploration companies. The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys set the FY2021 target of evaluating 7,500 square miles of hydrocarbon resource areas based on evaluating the central and eastern North Slope. The Energy Resources Section exceeded this target by evaluating the Cretaceous stratigraphy and petroleum systems on the central and eastern North Slope. Additional evaluations were conducted in the Cenozoic and Jurassic exposures on the periphery of Cook Inlet. The FY2022 target is 10,000 square miles, reflecting anticipated wide-ranging stratigraphic studies during June and July, 2022, evaluating prospective regions from NPRA in the west to ANWR in the east. Much of this work will be supported by the ASTAR program. Related links:    • DGGS Energy Resources program

Target #1: Publish airborne geophysical survey data for Alaska's minerals-interest lands. Methodology: Number of square miles of new airborne geophysical surveys of minerals-interest lands published during the fiscal year. Square Miles of Published Minerals-Related Airborne Geophysical Data Fiscal Year Square Miles Target FY 2022 0 5,800 FY 2021 1,000 12,800 FY 2020 0 4,200 FY 2019 5,477 5,566 FY 2018 0 5,500 FY 2017 0 3,430 FY 2016 4,552 4,500 FY 2015 2,318 2,300 FY 2014 2,176 2,500 FY 2013 1,267 1,200 FY 2012 850 800 FY 2011 742 700 FY 2010 653 640 Analysis of results and challenges: Much of Alaska's lands with high mineral-resource potential have poorly exposed geology due to tundra and tree cover. Airborne geophysical surveys measure physical properties of the earth; these properties correspond to various geologic features and measurements are not affected by vegetation. Airborne geophysical survey data are invaluable for guiding subsequent ground-based geologic mapping, sampling, and associated mineral-assessment work. Only about 28 percent of prioritized mineral-bearing state lands have been geophysically surveyed, and the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) is committed to acquiring data in remaining areas of the state that have high mineral-resource potential, subject to availability of funding. In FY2020 and FY2021, 1,000 square miles of helicopter magnetic and radiometric data were collected. Funding for these data was provided by the State of Alaska (40%) and mineral industry contributions (60%). These data were published in FY2021. The federal Earth MRI critical-minerals program was funded by the U.S. Congress in FFY2019, and it is anticipated to be a 10-year project to acquire airborne geophysical surveys, geologic mapping, and LiDAR over areas of the nation with critical minerals potential. DGGS has been contracted by the USGS to manage the federal geophysical contracts covering large portions of Alaska's mineral districts. USGS Earth MRI funding from federal fiscal year 2019 will support the collection of 7,300 square miles of fixed-wing magnetic and radiometric data. BLM resource-assessment and USGS Earth MRI funding from federal fiscal year 2020 allowed the state to collect 8,900 square miles of fixed-wing magnetic and radiometric data during FY2021, and publication of these surveys is planned for early FY2022. USGS Earth MRI funding from federal fiscal year 2021 will support the collection of 5,800 square miles of fixed-wing magnetic and radiometric data. Contractors for the federally funded Earth MRI 2019 and 2021 fixed-wing surveys were unable to travel to Alaska in summer 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions, so this work has been rescheduled for summer 2022. Related links:    • DGGS geophysics program

Target #2: Publish reports and/or digital data sets on mineral-resource geology and mineral-industry exploration activity. Methodology: Number of reports published and/or digital datasets released during the fiscal year providing information on mineral-resource geology and mineral-industry exploration activity in Alaska. Published Reports and Datasets on Mineral-Resource Geology and Mineral-Industry Exploration Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Total Target FY 2022 10 FY 2021 15 20 FY 2020 48 14 FY 2019 17 10 FY 2018 11 8 FY 2017 10 8 FY 2016 22 12 FY 2015 25 17 FY 2014 17 5 FY 2013 4 4 FY 2012 3 4 FY 2011 5 4 Analysis of results and challenges: The Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys' minerals-related geologic reports and digital datasets provide important statewide, up-to-date geologic information for mineral exploration companies and state land managers regarding the potential of Alaska land for hosting mineral resources, and has been shown to directly influence industry investment decisions and exploration success in Alaska and increase state revenue. Additionally, the annual Alaska's Mineral Industry report provides an accurate record of industry activity and economic statistics relevant to a broad user base including legislators, industry, and investors. The sharp increase in the number of mineral-resource geology reports and datasets in FY2014-16 reflects geochemical and other geologic datasets that are a direct result of work completed as part of the FY2012-14 Strategic and Critical Minerals Capital Improvement Project appropriations. Output again started to increase in FY2019 as the state received $1 million in federal Earth MRI funds for statewide critical-minerals-related geophysical and geologic mapping; for FY2020-FY2021 funding increased to $1.1 million per year. Earth MRI is anticipated to be a 10-year program. In FY2020, the division also upgraded and re-published its historical geophysical survey collection and released minerals-related geologic hazard reports. Related links:    • DGGS Minerals Resources Program    • Alaska Geochemistry Online Database

Target #3: Attract maximum industry investment in mineral exploration in Alaska for each state dollar spent on mineral resource assessment. Methodology: Mineral industry exploration investment for the calendar year divided by the division's expenditure on mineral resource assessment during the previous fiscal year. This measure lags behind by one year because it relies on data for the full calendar year. Industry Exploration Dollars Spent per State Dollar Spent on Mineral Resource Assessment Year Industry Exploration $M DGGS Minerals Spent $M Industry $ per State $ Target 2022 0 100 2021 145.9 1.217 119.9 100 2020 150.0 0.707 121.16 100 2019 140.1 1.185 118.2 100 2018 120.807 0.735 164.36 100 2017 58.886 1.152 51.15 100 2016 58.279 1.907 30.56 100 2015 96.0 1.858 51.67 50 2014 96.2 4.999 19.2 100 2013 175.500 3.454 50.81 100 2012 355.074 4.002 88.72 100 2011 365.100 2.346 155.63 100 2010 264.355 1.596 165.64 100 Analysis of results and challenges: A primary goal of the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys' (DGGS) Airborne Geophysical/Geological Mineral Inventory program is to attract exploration investment by private companies to Alaska. While there are many factors that influence a company's decision whether to spend their exploration capital in Alaska versus elsewhere, the public availability of detailed, reliable geological and geophysical data helps to significantly reduce exploration risks and attract industry investment. One way to gauge the effectiveness of state investment for encouraging mineral-industry activity in the state is to compare industry expenditures on mineral exploration in Alaska to state expenditures for mineral-resource assessment and knowledge transfer. Data on exploration investment comes from DGGS' annual mineral industry report. Reported exploration value is compared to the estimated expenditures for mineral-resource assessment during the previous state fiscal year. From historical data, a ratio of $100 of industry exploration for every state dollar spent was a reasonable annual target from FY2005 through FY2012, but that situation changed dramatically in FY2013-FY2015. Worldwide metal prices and availability of venture capital for exploration peaked in 2011 and entered a downward trend that continued through 2016; in 2016, metal prices reversed the trend and are being reflected in a doubling of exploration spending in 2018 over levels in 2017, and exploration spending increased 16 percent in FY2019. An external factor that contributed to lower exploration expenditures in FY2013-15 was cessation of exploration at Pebble. While industry spending slowed, the state increased spending through the Strategic and Critical Minerals project in FY2011-14. The combination of lower industry spending and higher state investment resulted in a ratio below 100 for FY2012-15. In FY2019, a state capital project provided one year of state funds to help stimulate industry activity, and in FY2021 another one-year capital project was funded. Industry cycles usually last for 3 to 5 years, and ratios below 100 can be expected when worldwide mineral economy cycles are at lower levels. The long-term investment of the state spurs renewed mineral industry activity in Alaska once market investment capital again becomes available. Related links:    • Mineral Industry Reports

Target #1: Publish reports or maps providing improved assessment of geologic hazards that could pose significant risks to public safety or infrastructure. Methodology: Number of peer-reviewed reports or maps published during the fiscal year assessing geologic hazards that pose significant risks to public safety. Published New Reports on Geologic Hazards that Pose Significant Risks to Public Safety Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Total Target FY 2022 34 FY 2021 32 34 FY 2020 40 34 FY 2019 31 18 FY 2018 32 12 FY 2017 16 12 FY 2016 18 16 FY 2015 18 12 FY 2014 12 16 FY 2013 13 18 FY 2012 12 12 FY 2011 9 5 FY 2010 4 4 Analysis of results and challenges: Preventing economic losses and threats to public safety from natural disasters is closely tied to our understanding of the risks presented by Alaska's complex geology. Mitigation of these risks can only come about through detailed geologic investigations that increase our understanding of natural hazards, and timely distribution of that information. Growing population and increasing development in Alaska create significant demands for acquiring new geologic data and distributing it in a timely fashion. In FY2021, DGGS authors published 32 new reports and peer-reviewed publications on geologic hazards. The Engineering Geology Section published 16 hazards-related DGGS reports and datasets in FY2021, including an information circular of frequently-asked-questions (FAQ) on tsunami hazards, 10 LiDAR datasets, one ortho-image with accompanying photogrammetry-derived elevation dataset, three coastal hazards reports, and a major professional report on the surficial geology and geohazards of the Alaska Highway corridor that summarizes results of a multi-year project evaluating surficial geology, permafrost, engineering geology, and active faulting along the Alaska Highway between Delta Junction and the Canada Border. Engineering Geology section geoscientists authored or co-authored an additional 15 papers in peer-reviewed journals and other non-DGGS publications, covering a wide range of geohazards including permafrost, landslides, snow avalanches, and climate change. The Volcanology Section, working in conjunction with federal U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and University of Alaska Fairbanks partners, published two reports summarizing volcanic activity in Alaska in the years 2016 and 2017. These reports include a detailed account of Alaska Volcano Observatory response to volcanic events and serve as both a record of activity and a resource when forecasting future events. A new report on the petrology and geochemistry of three Early Holocene eruptions from Makushin volcano has shed new light on the age and source of magma at Makushin volcano and related vents near Dutch Harbor/Unalaska. This new information helps guide AVO's interpretation of seismic events and gas measurements as they relate to magma movement and eruption potential in the region. Related links:    • Alaska Volcano Observatory    • DGGS Engineering Geology Program    • Alaska Geologic Hazards Information

Target #2: Evaluate Alaska land for potential geologic hazards affecting public safety or existing or proposed infrastructure. Methodology: Square miles of Alaska land evaluated for geologic hazards during the calendar year. Square Miles Evaluated for Geologic Hazards to Public Safety or Infrastructure Year Square Miles Evaluated Target 2022 8,000 2021 10,885 25,000 2020 55,515 15,000 2019 22,615 5,000 2018 11,163 5,000 2017 16,418 5,060 2016 4,400 1,500 2015 4,187 1,500 2014 5,941 5,000 2013 3,500 5,000 2012 7,034 5,000 Analysis of results and challenges: Public safety and preventing economic disasters caused by natural phenomena are closely tied to our understanding of the risks associated with the complex geology of Alaska. Mitigation of these risks can only come about through detailed field mapping and understanding of the natural hazards and processes, and timely distribution of that information to emergency planners, the government, and the public. The survey's capacity to conduct geologic hazards assessments continues to be greatly enhanced by its ability to collect, process, and interpret high-resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) elevation data. During FY2021, DGGS Engineering Geology Section staff responded to the deadly December 2020 landslide in Haines, providing on-site scientific guidance to emergency responders and disaster managers as well as rapid-response LiDAR acquisition to address immediate and emergent threats to life and property. In part because of this disaster, FY2021 also saw the ramping up of a new Alaska Landslide Hazards Program, developed in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, that will contribute greatly in coming years to the DGGS mission to map and assess geologic hazards impacting Alaska’s people and infrastructure. Total square miles evaluated for geologic hazards was reduced in FY2021 due primarily to our focus shifting from the regional-scale work of the last two years to more specific sub-areas for the Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project to assess infrastructure considerations of proposed development activities across the North Slope. Approximately 300 square miles of new LiDAR data were collected in FY2021 to support hazard assessments all over the state, most of these over smaller, targeted areas. The average total area evaluated annually for hazards from FY2012 to FY2016 was approximately 5,000 square miles; that average had increased five-fold over the subsequent four years in response to a succession of large-area regional projects. Numbers will likely stabilize at current lower levels as DGGS ASTAR project activities continue to focus on site-specific studies and no new regional projects of similar scale are planned at present. We will continue to pursue new studies to evaluate snow avalanches, glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, permafrost, coastal flooding and erosion, volcano hazards, and active faults throughout the state. Related links:    • DGGS Volcanology Program    • DGGS Engineering Geology Program    • Guide to Geologic Hazards

Target #1: Store and distribute digital geologic information that effectively and efficiently meets the needs of industry, government, academia, and the public. Methodology: Volume (in terabytes) of digital geologic data and information distributed. Volume (TB) of Digital Geologic Data Distributed Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Total Target FY 2022 25.0 FY 2021 29.51 22.5 FY 2020 32.71 20.0 FY 2019 20.17 17.5 FY 2018 23.87 15.0 FY 2017 7.59 5.0 FY 2016 2.08 4.0 FY 2015 4.85 3.0 Analysis of results and challenges: The division’s Geologic Information Center (GIC) maintains and archives more than 1 petabyte (1 PB = 1,000 terabytes, TB) of digital geologic data. The GIC's IT, GIS, and publication services support the division’s staff in collecting, analyzing, and creating geologic products and web services such as: technical reports, geological maps and datasets, geophysical surveys, elevation and imagery data, as well as other informational publications. This wide range of geologic information is shared as interactive web pages, digital file downloads, geospatial data services, and interactive web applications all of which are accessible from the division’s web site and/or on one of our geoportals (DGGS Geoportal, Elevation Portal, and Imagery Portal) all of which are integrated into the State of Alaska Spatial Data Infrastructure managed by the Alaska Geospatial Council's Geospatial Office. During FY 2021 we distributed 29.51 terabytes of digital geologic data and information to industry, government, academia, and the public via our DGGS website and/or geoportals. Although this value is lower than the previous year, it is above our target and strong future growth is expected. Related links:    • DGGS Interactive Web-maps    • Statewide Elevation Data Portal    • DGGS Publication Search    • DGGS GeoPortal

Target #1: Respond to requests for geologic information needed by exploration companies, resource planners, emergency managers, scientific organizations, land managers, developers, and the public. Methodology: Number of responses to requests for geologic information during the fiscal year. Responses to Requests for Geologic Information Fiscal Year FY Total Responses Target FY 2022 2,750 FY 2021 2,541 2,750 FY 2020 2,633 2,750 FY 2019 3,164 2,500 FY 2018 3,403 2,500 FY 2017 3,169 1,500 FY 2016 959 1,500 FY 2015 1,406 1,500 FY 2014 2,164 1,500 FY 2013 2,387 1,500 FY 2012 2,226 1,000 FY 2011 1,084 1,000 FY 2010 1,585 1,000 Analysis of results and challenges: Current, timely geologic information is critical for public safety, resource exploration, emergency management, scientific research, land management, and development. Regardless of the amount of information gathered, the distribution of that knowledge to those who need it is key to providing the desired outcome. The Alaska Volcano Observatory routinely responds to questions from the public regarding volcanic activity with frequent emails asking questions about steaming from active volcanoes such as Cleveland, Pavlof, Great Sitkin, and Augustine; a newly installed webcam at erupting Semisopochnoi volcano resulted in increased public engagement. The large numbers of requests in FY2021 were driven by increased interest in and DGGS response to geologic hazards, requests for publications and online datasets, and inquiries to the Geologic Materials Center about available samples, tax credit seismic data, and donation offers. The slight decrease from the previous year was due to reduced industry activity due to the global pandemic. The Engineering Geology Section received numerous requests for hazards-related information in the aftermath of the December 2020 deadly Haines landslide, the M7.8 July 21, 2020 Simeonof Island earthquake, and recognition of the Barry Arm landslide and tsunami hazard in Prince William Sound. Requests for information regarding coastal flooding and erosion from state and federal agencies, private firms, Native Villages and Tribal organizations, academia, and the press continue at high volume, with an uptick in the proportion of requests from engineering firms and Native Villages. The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys is committed to providing a timely response to all requests for geologic information. Related links:    • Alaska Geologic Information    • Contact DGGS Staff    • Kids Rock!

Target #2: Deliver public presentations about geologic resources and hazards in Alaska, including technical talks and information displays at conferences, speaking at or teaching classes, and speaking at public meetings. Methodology: Number presentations by division staff during the fiscal year about geologic resources and hazards in Alaska, at technical conferences, classes, public forums, or preparing and being present at public displays. Public Presentations on Geologic Resources and Hazards in Alaska Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Total Target FY 2022 100 FY 2021 86 125 FY 2020 141 125 FY 2019 163 100 FY 2018 146 100 FY 2017 152 40 FY 2016 53 40 FY 2015 69 40 FY 2014 82 40 FY 2013 45 40 FY 2012 78 20 FY 2011 63 20 FY 2010 49 20 Analysis of results and challenges: Public awareness and knowledge of the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys' geologic work and data archive is paramount to success of the organization's mission. Although the website and distribution of hard-copy publications are important tools to that end, the power of physical presence at public forums cannot be underestimated. Local and national technical conferences and public forums often provide the most cost-effective and timely method of disseminating new geologic findings about geologic resources and hazards in Alaska to the broadest audience of end-users. The division dedicates significant effort to this method of knowledge transfer, which is followed up by formal publication of data and interpretations. The division presents geologic knowledge in a wide range of other important public venues including schools, trade shows, and community meetings. The lower number of presentations in FY2021 was due to the unfortunate effects of the global pandemic. Regardless, the survey provided an impressive 45 public presentations by the Engineering Geology section, 20 presentations by the Mineral Resources section, and 12 public tours at the Geologic Materials Center in Anchorage, including industry, academic, legislative, and other visitors. In support of the Governor's focus on community resilience, DGGS continued to focus on the public awareness of geologic hazards through targeted outreach to support mitigation planning and resilience to earthquakes, tsunamis, avalanches, landslides, coastal erosion and inundation, permafrost, and snow and ice hazards. Several presentations by the DGGS Energy Resources section were given to the oil and gas industry. Related links:    • DGGS Energy Resource presentations    • DGGS Mineral Resource presentations    • DGGS Engineering Geology presentations    • Alaska Geologic Materials Center - Hours & Location

Target #1: Accommodate and encourage client visits to the Geologic Materials Center for the purpose of studying rock or sediment samples in the interest of resource exploration or geologic-hazard evaluation. Methodology: Number of user visits to the Geologic Materials Center. Client Visits to the Geologic Materials Center Fiscal Year User Visits Target FY 2022 500 FY 2021 402 1,200 FY 2020 1,112 1,200 FY 2019 1,475 1,000 FY 2018 1,358 1,000 FY 2017 1,204 600 FY 2016 768 500 FY 2015 279 300 FY 2014 340 300 FY 2013 315 450 FY 2012 467 450 FY 2011 511 450 FY 2010 424 450 Analysis of results and challenges: A significant amount of effort and capital has been spent over the past 60 years to obtain rock and mineral samples from locations throughout Alaska. Most of these samples are irreplaceable or would be extremely difficult and expensive to re-acquire. There were 402 visits to the facility in FY2021, falling significantly short of the target of 1,200. Visits from the both energy and government agencies comprised about half of the visits. Restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic took GMC visitation down nearly 75% compared to years prior to the pandemic. We hope to turn the corner and host 500 visits during FY2022. Related links:    • Alaska Geologic Materials Center

Target #1: Provide efficient, user-friendly online access to the Geologic Materials Center's sample inventory. Methodology: Count the number of times a search query was submitted to the GMC's inventory data server. Public Search Queries Using the GMC Online Inventory Interface Fiscal Year Search Queries Target FY 2022 9,000 FY 2021 8,970 8,000 FY 2020 11,878 12,000 FY 2019 14,290 5,000 FY 2018 3,130 50,000 FY 2017 51,602 8,800 FY 2016 5,042 5,000 Analysis of results and challenges: During FY2016, there was a drastic shift in tracking client access to the GMC inventory. The former static file-based inventory to online inventory information was replaced by a more modern browser-based inventory search interface in January 2016. The new database-driven search engine allows users to quickly and easily view real-time details of the more than 750,000 sample inventory items before visiting the facility. This innovative and complex database and online search engine was developed in-house by DGGS staff and continues to serve user needs and receive positive feedback from industry. FY2021 was the fourth full fiscal year that users were directed to the browser-based inventory search interface. This metric tracks the number of distinct external queries initiated on the data server to search the inventory through the browser-based interface. The 8,970 user sessions in FY2021 slightly exceeded projections. The new browser-based format is addressing user needs, but will continue to be refined to improve the user experience. Reduced industry activity due to the global pandemic resulted in a lower number of search sessions than pre-pandemic years. The division estimates that inventory web searches for FY2022 will remain the same near 9,000. Related links:    • GMC - Sample Information Summary    • GMC - Sample Inventory Search

Target #2: Track demand for viewing the Geologic Materials Center's sample collection. Methodology: Count the number of sample boxes pulled and viewed by GMC visitors. Sample Boxes Viewed by Visitors Year Boxes Viewed Target 2022 2,000 2021 1,973 1,500 2020 4,001 2,250 2019 2,898 2,000 2018 2,019 2,100 2017 2,088 2,250 2016 2,457 2,500 Analysis of results and challenges: Exhibiting the capacity of a geologic repository to strengthen the peoples of Alaska can be difficult to quantify. One goal of the GMC is to encourage and support industry, government, and academia in their efforts to expand the framework of geologic knowledge of Alaska. To gauge direct client interest in GMC inventory, the division initiated the tracking of sample boxes pulled from shelves for client viewing or sampling in July 2015. In its fifth year as a metric, 1,973 sample boxes were requested by clients in FY2021. The larger than expected requests were driven by oil industry geologists reviewing proprietary samples transferred to the GMC starting in December of 2020. Mineral industry demand for samples in FY2020 remained depressed for the fifth year. COVID-19 related restrictions will continue to place downward pressure on this metric; however, the division estimates the number of box requests for FY2021 may rise to near 2,000.

Current as of November 2, 2021