Yukon delta coastal processes study
Much of the Yukon delta is underlain by the onland extension of the Nunivak Arch; this would seem to exclude most of the region for serious consideration for exploration. Nevertheless, the Quaternary faults and volcanoes which characterize the zone constitute serious geologic constraints on the selection of transportation corridors. The discontinuous permafrost and the complex hydrology of the delta further complicate the location of such corridors, as well as making it difficult to predict the effects of oil spills. The selection of shoreline sites must take into account the present coastal stability, including the possibility of erosion associated with major storm surges, even in an area of long-term progradation. In addition, the effects of shorefast ice for over half of the year must be considered. The siting of offshore facilities must take into account the extent and variability of shorefast ice, the possibility of offshore permafrost, and the possible effects of altering offshore bathymetry in changing coastal stability. In addition, the effects of possible oil spills must take into account not only the dominant northward drift of the water and sediments, but also the local and seasonal variability of current patterns.
- Research Organization:
- Wesleyan Univ., Middletown, CT
- OSTI ID:
- 6175109
- Journal Information:
- Geology; (United States), Journal Name: Geology; (United States) Vol. 13; ISSN GLGYB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ALASKA
COASTAL REGIONS
DISASTERS
EXPLORATION
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
GEOLOGIC HISTORY
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
HYDROLOGY
ICE
INDUSTRY
NORTH AMERICA
OFFSHORE PLATFORMS
OIL SPILLS
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
PERMAFROST
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
PIPELINES
POLLUTION
REGIONAL ANALYSIS
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
SEDIMENTS
STORMS
STRATIGRAPHY
USA
VARIATIONS
WATER POLLUTION