Permafrost, Water-Supply, and Engineering Geology of Point Spencer Spit, Seward Peninsula, Alaska

Abstract

Contains results of geologic reconnaissance of the spit, autumn 1945, by author and William P. Brosge, to determine the character of the permafrost and the availability of potable water for use by a construction group and a service group of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The geography, geology, climate, permafrost conditions, engineering, geology and hydrology of the area are treated in turn. Spits like Point Spencer can be classed among the barrier-bars or offshore bars; supply of fresh water in such areas is always limited; permafrost is the factor which permits its preservation in natural or artificial basins, and this must be considered in planning construction.