Open AccessMarine Platform of Probable Sangamon Age, and Associated Terrace Deposits, Cape Thompson Area, Northwestern Alaska
Author(s) -
C.L. Sainsbury,
Reuben Kachadoorian,
Russell H. Campbell,
David W. Scholl
Publication year - 1965
Publication title -
arctic
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1923-1245
pISSN - 0004-0843
DOI - 10.14430/arctic3473
Subject(s) - geology , bedrock , terrace (agriculture) , sedimentary depositional environment , cape , sea level , oceanography , paleontology , geomorphology , physical geography , archaeology , geography , structural basin
Reports geomorphic studies, as part of the US Atomic Energy Commission's investigations in this area 1958-1962. A coastal terrace, observed and measured along a 20-mi section crossing Ogotoruk Creek, is described and its origin, age, and morphology discussed. The feature is complex, consisting of a marine platform planed across bedrock, overlying marine and beach deposits, and a depositional upper surface of nonmarine sediments which coincides in area and configuration with the platform, possibly as a result of factors unique to polar areas. The marine platform and gravels record the last high stand of sea level, 28-40 ft above the present, which occurred about 38,000 yr ago. Other evidence in the area indicates still higher seas in earlier times.