USGS Home
Contact USGS
Search USGS

Interactive maps || Data download

Alaska Resource Data File (ARDF)

Frequently-anticipated questions:

• What does this data set describe?
  1. How should this data set be cited?
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
• Who produced the data set?
  1. Who are the originators of the data set?
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
• Why was the data set created?
• How was the data set created?
  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
• How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?
  1. How well have the observations been checked?
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the data, including topology?
• How can someone get a copy of the data set?
  1. Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
  2. Who distributes the data?
  3. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?
  4. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
  5. How can I download or order the data?
• Who wrote the metadata?

What does this data set describe?

1. How should this data set be cited?

   U.S. Geological Survey, 2005, Alaska Resource Data File (ARDF).

   Online Links:

   • <http://ardf.wr.usgs.gov/>

2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

   West_Bounding_Coordinate: 172

   East_Bounding_Coordinate: -130

   North_Bounding_Coordinate: 72

   South_Bounding_Coordinate: 52.0

3. What does it look like?

   <http://tin.er.usgs.gov/ardf/ardf.png> (PNG)

   Distribution of ARDF records in Alaska (geographic image, no projection). 1280x1024 pixels, 1.1 megabytes.

4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

   Beginning_Date: 1988

   Ending_Date: Present

   Currentness_Reference: publication date

5. What is the general form of this data set?

   Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: database

6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
   1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?

      This is a Point data set.

   2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?

      Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest 0.01. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.01. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees.

7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

   ardf.dbf

   Descriptions of mines, prospects, and mineral occurrences in Alaska. (Source: USGS)

   site

   Site names.

   The name or names of the mine, prospect or mineral occurrence as it is referred to in the literature. If more than one name has been used, the primary name is the one in most common usage and is listed first. Textual values of no more than 314 characters.

   district

   District.

   Name of the general area in which the site is located. Textual values of no more than 33 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 14 records have no value for district.

   comm_main

   Main commodities.

   Dominant elements or commodities of real or potential economic value in the site. For some deposits, the list of commodities is only a list of elements identified in a sample or samples and does not necessarily indicate the commodities that ultimately will prove valuable. Textual values of no more than 86 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 42 records have no value for comm_main.

   quad_250

   Quadrangle map, 1:250,000-scale.

   USGS topographic maps on which the site is located. The first two letters are a code for the 1:250,000-scale quadrangle. Textual values of no more than 8 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 1 records have no value for quad_250.
   AC	Arctic
   AD	Adak
   AF	Afognak
   AK	Atka
   AL	Atlin
   AM	Amukta
   AN	Anchorage
   AR	Ambler River
   AT	Attu
   BA	Barter Island
   BB	Bristol Bay
   BC	Bradfield Canal
   BD	Big Delta
   BG	Bering Glacier
   BH	Bethel
   BI	Baird Inlet
   BL	Black
   BM	Baird Mountains
   BN	Bendeleben
   BP	Beechey Point
   BR	Black River
   BS	Blying Sound
   BT	Bettles
   BV	Beaver
   BW	Barrow
   CA	Candle
   CB	Cold Bay
   CG	Chignik
   CH	Chandalar
   CI	Circle
   CL	Chandler Lake
   CM	Cape Mendenhall
   CO	Coleen
   CR	Craig
   CS	Christian
   CV	Cordova
   CY	Charley River
   DE	Dixon Entrance
   DI	Dillingham
   DL	De Long Mountains
   DP	Demarcation Point
   EA	Eagle
   FB	Fairbanks
   FI	Flaxman Island
   FP	False Pass
   FY	Fort Yukon
   GI	Gareloi Island
   GO	Goodnews
   GU	Gulkana
   HC	Holy Cross
   HE	Healy
   HG	Hagemeister Island
   HP	Hooper Bay
   HR	Harrison Bay
   HU	Hughes
   HW	Howard Pass
   IB	Icy Bay
   ID	Iditarod
   IK	Ikpikpuk River
   IL	Iliamna
   JU	Juneau
   KB	Kuskokwim Bay
   KC	Ketchikan
   KD	Kodiak
   KG	Kaguyak
   KH	Kantishna River
   KK	Kiska
   KL	Killik River
   KN	Kenai
   KR	Karluk
   KT	Kateel River
   KW	Kwiguk
   KZ	Kotzebue
   LC	Lake Clark
   LG	Livengood
   LH	Lime Hills
   LR	Lookout Ridge
   MA	Marshall
   MC	McCarthy
   MD	Medfra
   MF	Mount Fairweather
   MG	McGrath
   MH	Mount Hayes
   MI	Middleton Island
   MK	Mount Katmai
   ML	Mount Michelson
   MM	Mount McKinley
   MR	Meade River
   MS	Mount St. Elias
   MU	Misheguk Mountain
   MZ	Melozitna
   NB	Nabesna
   NG	Nushagak Bay
   NI	Nunivak Island
   NK	Naknek
   NL	Nulato
   NM	Nome
   NR	Norton Bay
   NT	Noatak
   OF	Offshore
   OP	Ophir
   PA	Port Alexander
   PE	Petersburg
   PH	Point Hope
   PI	Pribilof Islands
   PL	Point Lay
   PM	Port Moller
   PR	Prince Rupert
   PS	Philip Smith Mts.
   RB	Ruby
   RI	Rat Islands
   RM	Russian Mission
   SA	Samalga Island
   SB	Stepovak Bay
   SC	Saint Michael
   SD	Sumdum
   SE	Selawik
   SF	Shishmaref
   SG	Sagavanirktok
   SH	Shugnak
   SI	Sitka
   SK	Skagway
   SL	Saint Lawrence
   SM	Sleetmute
   SN	Simeonof Island
   SO	Solomon
   SP	Survey Pass
   SR	Seward
   ST	Saint Matthew
   SU	Seguam
   SV	Seldovia
   SW	Sutwik Island
   TA	Taylor Mountains
   TB	Table Mountain
   TC	Tanacross
   TE	Teller
   TI	Trinity Island
   TK	Talkeetna Mountains
   TL	Talkeetna
   TN	Tanana
   TR	Taku River
   TS	Teshekpuk
   TY	Tyonek
   UG	Ugashik
   UK	Umnak
   UL	Unalakleet
   UM	Unimak
   UN	Unalaska
   UR	Utukok River
   UT	Umiat
   VA	Valdez
   WA	Wainwright
   WI	Wiseman
   YA	Yakutat

   quad_63360

   Quadrangle map, 1:63,360-scale.

   USGS topographic maps on which the site is located. Maps are identified in two parts, a two-letter code for the 1:250,000-scale quadrangle followed by the letter, hyphen, and number(s) used to designate the 1:63,360-scale map sheet. following USGS. Textual values of no more than 13 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 77 records have no value for quad_63360.

   latitude

   Latitude.

   Location of the site in decimal degrees. Some sites cover large areas and the location given is a point at the approximate center of the area. Real numbers stored in double precision.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	51.6
   Maximum:	69.63

   longitude

   Geographic longitude.

   Location of the site in decimal degrees. Some sites cover large areas and the location given is a point at the approximate center of the area. Real numbers stored in double precision.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-178.8
   Maximum:	-130.016

   location

   Location and accuracy.

   A narrative description of the location of the site and its areal extent, which should also include information on the reliability of the location. Textual values of no more than 1418 characters.

   comm_other

   Other commodities.

   Other commodities present in minor amounts as determined by analysis or mineralogical determination. For some deposits, the list of commodities is only a list of elements identified in a sample or samples and does not necessarily indicate the commodities. Textual values of no more than 48 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 3842 records have no value for comm_other.

   ore

   Ore minerals.

   A list of the minerals in the site, usually metallic, which are of potential economic value. Textual values of no more than 368 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 726 records have no value for ore.

   gangue

   Gangue minerals.

   A list of the non-economic minerals in the site that cannot be avoided in mining but are separated during concentration. Textual values of no more than 220 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 3530 records have no value for gangue.

   site_type

   Site type.

   The sites described in this database are separated into mines, prospects, and mineral occurrences. In general, mines have past production, prospects have had some development work, and mineral occurrences include unexplored or incompletely explored oc. Textual values of no more than 17 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 5 records have no value for site_type.

   status

   Site status.

   Inactive or active. An active designation indicates recent work at the time of record entry or update. The determination of this status is not to be construed to reflect the legal status of the site, but rather indicates the appearance of exploration. Textual values of no more than 26 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 66 records have no value for status.

   production

   Indication of production.

   Restricted to "yes", "no", or undetermined ("undet."). "Yes" may be qualified as small, medium, or large. Textual values of no more than 16 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 87 records have no value for production.

   dep_model

   Mineral deposit model.

   One or more named descriptive or genetic mineral deposit models listed in Cox and Singer (1986), Bliss (1992), or other indicated references. The models shown are those that appeared most appropriate to the compilers of the site record. Textual values of no more than 617 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 812 records have no value for dep_model.

   geol_desc

   Geologic description.

   Local geology and character of the deposit including, where possible, the host rock, structure of the host and mineralized system, mineralogical relations, and the shape and form of the deposit. Textual values of no more than 8693 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 3 records have no value for geol_desc.

   work_expl

   Workings or exploration.

   A description of the mining or exploration efforts to evaluate a mine or prospect. For mineral occurrences, this field would normally include the work done or the evidence to suggest mineral potential. Textual values of no more than 6459 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 679 records have no value for work_expl.

   comments

   Additional comments.

   Pertinent information not appropriate for other fields in the description. Textual values of no more than 1660 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 4319 records have no value for comments.

   reference

   References.

   List of known references that discuss the occurrence or are applicable to its description. Textual values of no more than 1372 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 14 records have no value for reference.

   ARDF_num

   ARDF Number.

   Unique label assigned to each site. First two letters comprise the quadrangle code, followed by a three digit number. Textual values of no more than 11 characters.

   rept_names

   Reporters.

   Names of people responsible for completion of the record. Textual values of no more than 134 characters.

   rept_date

   Last report date.

   Date of record entry or last update. Textual values of no more than 16 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 3 records have no value for rept_date.

   MRDS_num

   MRDS Number.

   Unique identifier for the record as it appeared in the Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS). Textual values of no more than 61 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 3183 records have no value for MRDS_num.

   age

   Age of mineralization.

   The age of mineralization and an explanation of the evidence for the age, if warranted. Textual values of no more than 1323 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 1546 records have no value for age.

   rept_aff

   Reporter affiliation.

   Institutional affiliation of the reporter providing the information about the site. Textual values of no more than 53 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 5197 records have no value for rept_aff.

   model_code

   Mineral deposit model number.

   Unique identifier for the mineral deposit model, from Cox and Singer (1986) or Bliss (1992). Textual values of no more than 68 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 2071 records have no value for model_code.

   alteration

   Alteration of deposit.

   Description of alteration of the deposit. Textual values of no more than 1594 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 4254 records have no value for alteration.

   prod_notes

   Production notes.

   More extensive (and variable) information about production at the site, if known. Textual values of no more than 3488 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 5435 records have no value for prod_notes.

   reserves

   Reserve estimates.

   Reserve figures and references to their source. This field may include estimates based on a variety of assumptions at various times; this can result in conflicting assessments of reserves. This field may also include resource estimates based on probab. Textual values of no more than 1661 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 5990 records have no value for reserves.

   prime_ref

   Primary reference.

   The best reference describing the occurrence, although it may be far from a complete description. Textual values of no more than 193 characters.

   Value	Definition
   (no value)	Information not available for this record. 42 records have no value for prime_ref.

Who produced the data set?

1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
   • U.S. Geological Survey

2. Who also contributed to the data set?

3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
   U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program, Western Region - Alaska Section
   c/o Frederic H. Wilson
   Geologist
   4200 University Drive
   Anchorage, AK 99508-4667
   USA
   

   907-786-7448 (voice)
   fwilson@usgs.gov
   

Why was the data set created?

The Alaska Resource Data File (ARDF) is a subset of the National Mineral Resource Data System (MRDS) that has been specifically re-formatted and re-designed to better meet the needs of the local user community.

How was the data set created?

1. From what previous works were the data drawn?

2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

   Date: 1905 (process 1 of 1)

   The original ARDF records came from the national database MRDS. The ARDF records are being updated from information of government, industry, and literature sources. The updated ARDF records are fed back to the national MRDS database. Downloaded Filemaker Pro database file (ARDFcomp.fp5) on 05/04/2005 from ARDF website: <http://ardf.wr.usgs.gov/digital.html>. Imported ARDFcomp.fp5 into Filemaker Pro 6.0 and exported all records as a DBF file. Left out the following 5 fields because field length record exceeded 255 characters: Location, Geologic Description, Workings/exploration, Additional Comments, References. Imported DBF file into ArcView 3.2 and created shapefile: ardf05042005b.shp

3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

   U.S. Geological Survey, Unknown, National Mineral Resource Data System (MRDS).

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

1. How well have the observations been checked?

2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

   The location of a site is given in decimal degrees. Some sites are areas rather than points and the geographic coordinates are the approximate center of the area. The precision of the latitude and longitude is reflected in the number of decimal places given. A narrative description of the location and the precision of the location is given in the text field 'Location description and accuracy'.

3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

   ARDF is mainly concerned with the metallic commodities. Common industrial minerals such as sand and gravel, crushed stone, and limestone are not included, nor are energy minerals such as peat, coal, and oil and gas. Uranium and thorium, and rare earth elements are included, as well as high unit-value industrial minerals as barite, jade, graphite, and gypsum.

5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

   A site is a single geographic location, point or area, which may have had multiple site names. For historical perspective, all proper names are listed.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access_Constraints: None

Use_Constraints: None

1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
   U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program, Western Region - Alaska Section
   c/o Frederic H. Wilson
   Geologist
   4200 University Drive
   Anchorage, AK 99508-4667
   USA
   

   907-786-7448 (voice)
   fwilson@usgs.gov
   

2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

   The distributor assumes no liability.

4. How can I download or order the data?
   • Availability in digital form:

     Data format:	ARDF mineral resource records in format Comma-separated values
     Network links:	<http://ardf.wr.usgs.gov/ardf_data/ardfcomp.csv>

     Data format:	ARDF mineral resource records truncated to fit in the 255-character limit of DBF in format Shapefile (version 1.0) Size: 2 megabytes
     Network links:	<http://tin.er.usgs.gov/ardf/ardf.zip>

   • Cost to order the data: none

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:

Last modified: 17-Jun-2005

Metadata author:

U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program, Western Region - Alaska Section
c/o Nora Shew
Geologist
4200 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508-4667
USA

907-786-7445 (voice)
nshew@usgs.gov

Metadata standard:

Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)