The Border Ranges Fault in south-central Alaska

Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey
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Abstract

The Border Ranges fault, a major fault of southern Alaska, can be traced for more than 1,000 km arcuately eastward from Kodiak Island to the St. Elias Mountains. Throughout its extent, the fault juxtaposes upper Paleozoic and lower Mesozoic rocks on the north against upper Mesozoic and Tertiary rocks. This report describes the Border Ranges fault and its geologic setting along an approximately 245-km-long segment in the McCarthy and Valdez quadrangles. It also summarizes information relevant to other parts of the fault and discusses its significance and tectonic implications. In the McCarthy and Valdez quadrangles the fault strikes between N. 60° W. and west. Its dips change from vertical and steeply northward in its eastern part to between 20° and 60° north throughout most of the Valdez quadrangle and reflect the transition from a high-angle reverse fault to a northward-dipping thrust. The Border Ranges fault is interpreted to mark a plate boundary that developed near the close of the Mesozoic or in the early Tertiary.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The Border Ranges Fault in south-central Alaska
Series title Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey
Volume 2
Issue 3
Year Published 1974
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description 7 p.
First page 323
Last page 329
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Border Ranges Fault
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