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 amount of 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: Deliver high-quality printed or digital-media geologic publications in response to requests from 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 2020 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. We are committed to delivering the results of our extensive field mapping programs to the public in a timely manner. Several large-area maps were released in early FY2016, including a sizable amount of field mapping performed many years ago. Included in the FY2016 total is 11,916 sq. mi. published by Nokleberg, W.J and others, 2015, Geologic maps of the eastern Alaska Range, Alaska (44 quadrangles, 1:63,360 scale). Total square miles of published mapping (1,311 sq. mi.) was about average in FY2019, derived from two reports highlighting the geology of the Umiat-Gubik area, central North Slope, Alaska and four quadrangles in the Northeastern Tanacross region. Although this FY2019 target was not reached, DGGS published many other datasets and reports that were not traditional geologic maps (i.e. coastal elevation data and tsunami inundation and permanent flooding maps). 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 2020 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 on state lands. A critical component of this effort is the publication of geologic reports on a wide range of energy sources. During FY2019, the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys published 11 reports providing new geologic data to assist oil and gas exploration throughout Alaska, which was four more than the target. Five were published as DGGS reports, including a bedrock geologic map of the Umiat-Gubik area, a core workshop volume focusing on the reservoir potential of the Nanushuk Formation in the eastern NPR-A, the petroleum potential of coal in the eastern Nenana basin, the fracture intensity of strata in lower Cook Inlet basin and their unconventional reservoir potential, and the geologic evolution of the northern Copper River basin. Two reports were published in external peer-reviewed publications, including Geosphere and as a chapter in a Geological Society of America Special Paper, both of which are internationally distributed and include ground-breaking developments in the geosciences. During FY2019, Energy Section staff collaborated extensively with geologists from the U.S. Geological Survey, the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG), and Boise State University. The collaboration with BEG involved a compilation of information on key petroleum reservoir and source rock intervals on the North Slope for a multi-national oil company with a major lease position on the North Slope, resulting in the submission of four reports. The collaboration with the BEG is on-going and focusing on petroleum reservoir intervals on the eastern North Slope. 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 2020 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 FY2019 target of evaluating 9,000 square miles of hydrocarbon resource areas based on evaluating the central North Slope. The Energy Resources Section exceeded this target by evaluating the central North Slope, part of the eastern North Slope, and part of lower Cook Inlet basin. The FY2020 target is 9,000 square miles, and includes the central North Slope and part of the 1002 Area in ANWR. The latter work will be partially funded by a federal grant. 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 2020 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 FY2017, DGGS contracted for a new federally-funded airborne geophysical survey for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) covering about 5,292 square miles in the Porcupine River area in northeastern Alaska. DGGS also partnered with the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the USGS to fly four additional surveys for geologic-hazard assessments, covering a total of 185 square miles. Both of these datasets were publicly released in FY2019. The state-funded Strategic and Critical Minerals (SCM) project (FY2013-2015) allowed DGGS to annually publish more than twice the amount of airborne geophysical data published in prior years under the state’s annually funded, Airborne Geophysical/Geological Mineral Inventory (AGGMI) program. Budget cuts in FY2016 eliminated both the SCM project and AGGMI program, and the lack of state funding meant that no further state-funded airborne geophysical surveys of mineral districts could be planned. 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. In FY2019, a state capital project provided one year of state matching funds to further this work. Initial surveying of about 4,200 square miles is planned for spring/summer 2020 in the Yukon-Tanana Uplands, with publication of survey data in early FY2021. 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 2020 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 (CIP) appropriations. Output started to increase in FY2019 as the state received $1 million in federal funds for statewide critical-minerals-related geophysical and geologic mapping. It is anticipated to be a 10-year program. Related links:    • DGGS Minerals Resources Program    • Alaska Geochemistry Online Database

Target #3: Attract maximum amount of 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 2020 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. We compare the reported exploration value to our 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 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. Two external factors that contributed to lower exploration expenditures in FY2013–15 were cessation of exploration at Pebble, and transition of the Donlin Gold project from exploration to development; development expenditures are not included in calculations for this performance measure. At the same time that 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. 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 2020 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 FY2019, DGGS authors published 31 new reports and peer-reviewed publications on geologic hazards. Key publications include tsunami inundation maps for Adak, Atka, Homer, and Seldovia; coseismic permanent flooding maps for eight communities; a regional tsunami assessment for the Andreanof Islands; a manual for community monitoring of coastal erosion; a FEMA-funded channel migration study of Emmonak; color-indexed elevation maps for four flood-vulnerable coastal communities; and information circulars about Alaska earthquake hazards, tsunami hazards, and coastal mapping data gaps/priorities. Other engineering-geologic studies on slope instability along the Dalton Highway, the 2016 snow-and-rock avalanche at Lamplugh Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park, and Alaska glacier and snowfield characteristics contributed to our understanding of the behavior of geologic surface processes in a changing climate. A greater number of reports and maps related to tsunami hazards were published in FY2019, half again more than DGGS released in FY2018. The Volcanology Section, working in conjunction with federal U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) partners, published six reports including a summary of volcanic hazards in Alaska’s national parks, a full account of the 2016-2017 eruption of Bogoslof volcano, and a historical account of eruptions and hazards from Bogoslof volcano. Retrospective analysis of our volcano alert and volcanic eruption forecasting was documented in a publication that will serve as an important tool in a continued effort to improve communication during times of volcanic unrest and eruption. During FY2019, DGGS Volcanology section staff responded to volcanic unrest at Cleveland, Semisopochnoi, Shishaldin, Veniaminof, Great Sitkin volcanoes. Extensive upgrades to volcano monitoring equipment at 13 volcanoes were accomplished during the 2019 field season. The new ground-based instrumentation includes seismometers, infrasound sensors, and web cameras, significantly improving the Alaska Volcano Observatory’s ability to detect unrest, forecast eruptive activity, and issue timely alerts of volcano hazards. A several-month vacancy of a volcanology section Geologist position has resulted in a slowing down of volcano hazard-related data analysis and volcano-hazard publications. 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 2020 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 has been greatly enhanced by its ability to collect, process, and interpret high-resolution Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) elevation data. Total square miles evaluated for geologic hazards was very high in FY2019 due primarily to regional-scale work for the Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) project to assess infrastructure considerations of proposed development activities across the North Slope. Approximately 254 square miles of new lidar data were collected in FY2019 to support hazard assessments at Homer, the Yukon River bridge crossing area, Turnagain Pass, Deadhorse, and the Haines and Dalton highways and 70 square miles were evaluated on active volcanoes, including Makushin and Shishaldin. The average total area evaluated annually for hazards from FY2012 to FY2016 was approximately 5,000 square miles; that average has tripled over the last three years in response to a succession of large-area, regional projects. The higher numbers will likely continue in FY2020 as DGGS ASTAR project activities expand, along with new studies planned 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: Deliver high-quality printed or digital-media geologic publications in response to requests from industry, government, academia and the public Methodology: Number of online reports (PDFs) and digital datasets downloaded during the fiscal year Reports and Datasets Distributed Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Total Target FY 2020 1,200,000 FY 2019 1,153,864 1,600,000 FY 2018 2,018,193 1,200,000 FY 2017 1,303,905 800,000 FY 2016 906,959 400,000 FY 2015 385,336 400,000 Analysis of results and challenges: Products of the Division of Geological & Geophysical Survey's (DGGS) field-geologic and geophysical studies are published as hardcopy technical reports, geological and geophysical maps, and informational publications; as PDF downloads of those reports; and as digital datasets, web map and feature services, and online interactive maps. Each year, division staff collect field data for many different areas, analyze those data and publish the products. DGGS archives and maintains more than 1 petabyte (1 PB = 1,000 terabytes, TB) of digital and map-based geological, geophysical, and geochemical data in a division-wide database that drives its website. During FY19, DGGS continued to publish as much data as possible via the popular online interactive map format. The most frequently accessed dataset to be posted to date is “Elevation Datasets in Alaska” (link below), which includes all publicly accessible data, from numerous agencies, collected using LiDAR, IfSAR/InSAR and Structure from Motion (SfM) technologies. In FY2018, DGGS celebrated the release of its 5,000th publication: “Potential maximum permanent flooding maps for the communities of Chignik and Chignik Lagoon, Alaska.” With the report’s publication, DGGS achieved an average rate of releasing one publication every four business days since statehood in 1959. DGGS publication, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cartographic, and programming services helped foster 1,153,864 downloads of digital datasets and reports, totaling more than 50 terabytes (16.7 TB from elevation data) of information in FY2019. This year’s lower value is likely due to more data being provided through interactive maps, online databases, and GIS services. Only 78 hardcopy publications were distributed in FY19. 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 2020 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 Mt. Cleveland, Redoubt, Pavlof, or Shishaldin. The large numbers of requests in FY2019 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 Governor’s continued focus on community resilience and response resulted in a high number of requests for information relating to geologic hazards, especially coastal erosion and flooding. In FY2019, the Mineral Resources section received an increased number of requests for minerals-related information and guidance, as a large number of new claims have been staked and new companies are coming to Alaska. Additionally, funding for radon education outreach and free radon test kits generated significant public interest and requests. 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 2020 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. We present geologic knowledge in a wide range of other important public venues including schools, trade shows, and community meetings. The above average increase in FY2019 was, in part, due to an impressive 41 public presentations by the Engineering Geology section and 65 public tours at the Geologic Materials Center in Anchorage highlighted by industry, academic, and legislative attendees to the GMC Technical Breakout Session for the Alaska Oil and Gas conference in May, 2019. 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. Many 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 2020 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. The Alaska Geologic Materials Center (GMC), operated by the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS), archives geologic samples and provides a wide range of users (industry, government, academia and public) access for identifying new resource prospects and increasing our geologic knowledge of the state. The new Anchorage repository opened on July 1st, 2015 and has completed its fourth fiscal year. Senate bill (SB170), signed by Governor Walker in June 2016, allowed DGGS to “charge and collect fees for facilities, equipment, products and services.” Fee collection began in Fall 2018. There were 1,475 visits to the facility in FY2019, significantly exceeding the target of 1,000. Proximity and higher visibility to the much larger population center of Anchorage has continued to increase both institutional and public visitors to the facility. Visits from the energy industry more than doubled this year as interest in the North Slope Nanushuk play continued to increase. Markets for metals remained depressed this year and mining industry visits stayed low. 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 2020 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 Geologic Materials Center (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 700,000 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. FY2019 was the second full fiscal year that users were directed to the new browser-based inventory search interface. This metric tracks the number of distinct queries initiated on the data server to search the inventory through the browser-based interface. The 14,290 user sessions in FY2019 appears to be settling in to a baseline number as excitement and initial testing by the public has declined. The new browser-based format is addressing user needs, but will continue to be refined to improve the user experience. We estimate that the number of user search sessions in FY2020 will be similar to this year. 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 2020 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 Geologic Materials Center (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, we initiated the tracking of sample boxes pulled from shelves for client viewing or sampling in July 2015. In its fourth year as a metric, 2,898 sample boxes were requested by clients in FY2019. The significant surge in requests was driven by oil and gas industry interest in the Nanushuk oil play on the North Slope. Mineral industry demand for samples in FY2019 remained depressed for the third year, due to low commodity prices. Fees for equipment, products and services may also place downward pressure on this metric for the mineral industry. With higher sample box demand driven by specialized energy play requests, we estimate that the number of box requests for FY2020 will be less than FY2019.

Current as of November 14, 2019