Stratigraphy and paleontology of the Noatak and associated formations, Brooks Range, Alaska

Geological Investigations, Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4, Alaska 33
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Abstract

A think complex sequence of olastic rocks, formerly named the Noatak formation, underlies the Lisburns formation (Mississippian) in the Brooks Range, northern Alaska. Five formations have been recognized as a result of of recent investigations by the author and other geologists of the Navy Oil Unit, U.S. Geological Survey. In the western Brooks Range, the three formations present below the Lisburns formation are: Utukok formation (Upper Touranisian to Lower Visean), Montak formation (restricted) (Upper Devonian to Lower Tournaisian (?)) and Hunt Fork (?) formation (Upper Devonian). In the central Brooks Range the Kayak formation (Lower to Upper Tournaisian), Kanayut formation (Upper Devonian to Lower Tournaisian (?)), and Hunt Fork formation (Upper Devonian) lie below the Lisburns formation.

Lithologic and faunal characteristics of these sedimentary units reveal the regional pattern of sedimentation and suggest specific paleoecologic environments. The chart conglomerates in the Kanayut and Noatuk formations are thought to have formed in a belt characterized by fluctuating marine and nonmarine conditions, the chart source being a mid-Devonian ragolith.

Analysis of formulas suggest certain correlations with the European, Siberian, and western Cordilleran sections.

Described faunas of the Utukok and Kayak formations include 40 braciopod species and varieties, 9 echinodera species, 2 bryzoan species, 8 molluscan species, and 1 tribute species, of which 13 are new.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Unnumbered Series
Title Stratigraphy and paleontology of the Noatak and associated formations, Brooks Range, Alaska
Series title Geological Investigations, Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4, Alaska
Series number 33
Subseries Special Report
DOI 10.3133/70210468
Year Published 1952
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description Report: iii, 144 p.; 3 Plates; 1 Table
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Brooks Range
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