Handbook for the Alaskan Prospector

Handbook for the Alaskan Prospector

Wolff, Ernest

Date: 1969

Publisher: Mineral Industry Research Laboratory, University of Alaska, Fairbanks

Type: Book

Table of Contents: [Part 1. Geology] Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction to Geology; Structure of the Earth: The Study of Geology; the Constitution of the Earth; Earth Movements -- Mineralogy: Introduction; Properties of Minerals; Identification of Minerals by Chemical methods; Blowpipe and Qualitative Tests for Individual Elements; Descriptions of Minerals; Commercial materials and their chief Mineral Sources; Determinative Mineralogy -- The Study of Rocks: Introduction; Igneous Rocks; Sedimentary Rocks; Metamorphic Rocks; Conclusion -- Structural Geology: Original structures; Imposed Structures -- Historical Geology: Introduction; the Cryptozoic (Precambrion) Eon; The Phonerozoic Eon -- Surface Features of the Land, Geomorphology: Introduction; The Fluvial or "Normal" Cycle; The Fluvial Cycle Modified by a Cold Climate; Glaciated Regions; Arid Lands; The Marine Cycle; Underground Solution Processes; Features due to Construct!anal Forces; Physiographic Provinces -- Mineral Deposits: Introduction; Brief Summary of Events in Formation; Metallogenetic Epochs; Metallogenetic Provinces; Classification of Mineral deposits; Controls of Mineralization -- [Part II. Prospecting] Background: The Prospector; Analysis of Present Status of Mining and Prospecting in Alaska; Brief History -- General Prospecting: Definitions; Preliminary to Field Work; Reconnaissance -- Prospecting and Exploration of Lodes: Prospecting; Exploration; Summary of Surface Methods; Underground Openings; Development and Exploitation; Sampling Procedures and Calculating Results; Prospecting and Exploring with Bore Holes -- Diamond Drilling: The Diamond Drill; Casing the Diamond Drill Hole; Core Drilling -- Prospecting and Exploration of Placer Deposits: General; Opencutting; Crosscutting the Creek -- Sinking Placer Prospect Shafts: Sinking shafts in Frozen Ground; Sinking shafts in Thawed Ground -- Drilling Placer Deposits: Introduction; Equipment; Process of Drilling; Keeping Records and Handling Samples; Calculating Drill Holes; Evaluating the Ground -- Geophysical, Geochemical, and Mineralogical Prospecting: Geophysical Methods; GeochemicaiMethods; Mineralogical Prospecting -- Auxiliary Techniques: Surveying and Mapping; Reading Geologic Maps and Aerial Photogrof>hs; Drilling Rock for Blasting; Use of Explosives; Blacksmithing; Use of the Pan and Rocker; Handling Gold; How to Build Various Appliances Used in Prospecting -- Transportation; Clothing; Shelter; Food; Techniques and Equipment Used in Camp Life: Transportation; Communications; Shelter; Food; Clothing -- Elements of Mining Law; Staking Claims: Introduction; History; laws Pertaining to both Lode and Placer; Lodes; Placers; Tunnel Sites; Prospecting Sites; MiIIsites; Water Rights; Liens; Grubstake Agreements; Patenting; Leasing; Licenses and Taxes; Forms; Conclusions -- Geography of Alaska: legal Subdivisions: Subdivisions Based on Geology and Geography; Broad Geographical Features; United States Geological Survey Subdivisions; Chief Transportation and Communication Routes -- Appendix: Sources of Information and Aid to Prospectors; Weights, Measure Sizes; Short Glossary of Alaskan Terms -- Bibliography: Arrangement and Scope of Bibliography; Publications of the United States Geological Survey; United States Bureau of Mines; Bureau of land Management; University of Alaska; Territorial and State; General -- Addendum: Introduction; Notes on Chapters 1, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 -- Additions to Bibliography -- Index

Abstract:

It is hoped that this book will be of value to many different classes of men engaged in the search for mineral deposits. These classes might include the experienced practical prospector who would like to learn something of geology; the young geologist who needs information on practical prospecting; the novice who needs a comprehensive reference; and the all around experienced exploration engineer or geologist who might need to refer to some specialized technique, look up a reference in the bibliography, or read a resume of the geology of a particular area, Because this book is aimed at so many different classes, different chapters are written assuming different levels of learning and experience. This, no doubt, will prove troublesome at times, but it is believed to be the best way to insure that the information contained in each chapter will reach with maximum effectiveness the group for whom it is intended.

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