The dataset was developed as part of the Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) project covering all of NTS 73M, southern three-quarters of 74D and southeast part of 84A. It contains all the linear landform features such as eskers, flutings and melt-water channels, etc. Part of the dataset was complied by air photo interpretations and followed by random ground-truthing (NTS73M) by AGS geologists. Dataset was then merged with other existing surficial geology maps (NTS 74D and 84A). Analysis of surficial geological materials, aspects of local relief, and morphological characteristics of surface landforms form an integral component in the evaluation of recharge fluxes to regional groundwater flow systems. To assist in the evaluation of groundwater recharge, terrain analysis maps were constructed in GIS format at a scale of 1:50 000 and 1:250 000 for most of the study area, including all of map NTS 73M (Winefred), the southern three-quarters of map NTS 74D (Waterways), and the southeast part of NTS 84A (Algar). Surficial geology maps of the portion of the study area that lies within map area NTS 83P (Pelican) were published by the surficial geology group in the Minerals Section of the Alberta Geological Survey. The terrain analysis maps in NTS 73M and NTS 84A were constructed almost entirely from the interpretation of 1:60 000 scale aerial photographs, supplemented with only a minor amount of ground verification. Terrain analysis maps in the area defined by NTS 74D were constructed from both aerial photograph analysis as well as from published surficial geology information (Bayrock, L. and Reimchen, T., 1973). Classification of the terrain was based on interpretations of landform types, tonal reflections of surface materials, differences in vegetative cover, and differences in drainage patterns and characteristics, all of which can be identified on aerial photographs. It is for this reason that the maps are referred to as aerial photograph terrain analysis maps, rather than surficial geology maps, which generally have a greater amount of ground verification. The reader is therefore cautioned that a higher degree of uncertainty exists regarding the information depicted on the terrain analysis map, compared to that on a surficial geology map.

This dataset has stratigraphic and lithological picks of the upper bedrock and Quaternary geological units in the Athabasca Oil Sands Area extending north from Cold Lake to the Fort McMurray region. The picks were compiled from the mid-1970s to 2006 to construct maps of the subsurface distribution, structure, topography and thickness of near-surface bedrock and Quaternary stratigraphic units. Alberta Geological Survey staff, as well as staff from industry and other government departments, interpreted the data.

This is a 1000 m cell-sized raster dataset of the upper surface of the Sunchild Aquifer, modelled from the >55% sand point data derived by depth-slice analysis of well-log data. Alberta Geological Survey Bulletin 66 provides details on this grid dataset. The dataset is in ESRI ASCII grid format.

A digital grid of the top of the Empress Formation where present, or the topography of the surrounding landscape, where the formation is absent. This includes the units 1 to 3 of the Empress Formation in buried valleys, as well as undifferentiated Empress interfluve sediments resting on the bedrock surface between buried valleys. The unit is originally modelled from borehole data and adjusted to the bedrock surface, the surfaces of units 1, 2, 3 and interfluve units of the Empress Formation, and the present-day land surface. The grid is generated at a 250 metre cell-size resolution, based on 2003 information.

This data comprises the polygon features from AGS Map 213, 'Quaternary Geology, Central Alberta', compiled by I. Shetsen. Field work was conducted between 1981 and 1983, and the map was published in 1987 at 1:500,000 scale. See AGS Map 213 for data sources used in the compilation.

This digital dataset represents the modelled outputs of the three-dimensional distribution of sandiness in the Paskapoo Formation, Alberta, Canada. Sand-abundance values were determined from log analysis of water-well lithologs and petroleum exploration downhole-geophysical logs, specifically gamma-ray logs. We derived the sandiness values by calculating the average sandiness in 25 m thick slices above the base of the Paskapoo Formation in a borehole and by assigning the average value (P50) to the midpoint of each slice interval. Alberta Geological Survey Bulletin 66 provides detailed descriptions of the methodology. We tested the borehole sand-abundance values in a 3-D variogram prior to kriging in a regular block model consisting of cells with dimensions of 1000 m on the x and y planes and 25 m in the z (elevation) direction. Values of modelled sandiness range from 0 (absence of sand) to 1 (100% sand) and are assigned elevations based on two datums: 1) a stratigraphic level corresponding to the height of the midpoint of each respective 25 m thick slice interval above the base of Paskapoo Formation, and 2) the elevation of the midpoint of the slice above sea level. Importing the modelled results of sandiness into model viewing software, such as Voxler, permits the user to generate three-dimensional isovalue plots illustrating the differences in distribution and geometry of aquifers as different cutoff or threshold criteria are applied. The dataset also enables one to delineate the regional lithostratigraphic units nested within stratigraphically complex rock formations.

This data comprises the polygon features from AGS Map 207, 'Quaternary Geology, Southern Alberta', compiled by I. Shetsen. Field work was conducted between 1981 and 1983, and the map was published in 1987 at 1:500,000 scale. The dataset covers an area between Townships 1 and 36 and Ranges 1 west of the 4th Meridian to Range 7 west of the 5th Meridian. See AGS Map 207 for data sources used in the compilation.

In freshwater bodies of New Hampshire, the most problematic aquatic invasive plant species is Myriophyllum heterophyllum or variable leaf water-milfoil. Once established, variable leaf water-milfoil forms dense beds that can alter the limnologic characteristics of a waterbody, impacting natural lacustrine communities and their habitats. Variable leaf water-milfoil infestations also disrupt recreational uses of waterbodies and have negatively affected swimming, boating, fishing, and property values in and around several lakes and ponds in New Hampshire. In 1965, Moultonborough Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee became the first waterbody in New Hampshire where variable leaf water-milfoil was observed. Variable leaf water-milfoil is native to the Southeastern and Midwestern areas of the United States where more alkaline waters appear to limit the growth of this plant. Outside its native range, however, it adapts well to the relatively acidic, low-alkalinity, and nutrient-poor conditions of oligotrophic lakes and bays similar to Moultonborough Bay. In 2005, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) collaborated with the U.S. Geological Survey to investigate the distribution (presence and density) of variable leaf water-milfoil in Moultonborough Bay. This study utilized geophysical systems and conventional water-quality measurements to identify lake-floor environments that may provide suitable habitat for the establishment and growth of variable leaf water-milfoil. The results of the study are intended to assist resource managers in federal and state agencies by providing methods for detecting variable leaf water-milfoil and for identifying areas susceptible to infestation. Ultimately, this information may lead to early detection, prevention, and more effective mitigation strategies. Field activity information for this cruise is available on-line through the U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Geoscience Data System https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fa=2005-004-FA.

In freshwater bodies of New Hampshire, the most problematic aquatic invasive plant species is Myriophyllum heterophyllum or variable leaf water-milfoil. Once established, variable leaf water-milfoil forms dense beds that can alter the limnologic characteristics of a waterbody, impacting natural lacustrine communities and their habitats. Variable leaf water-milfoil infestations also disrupt recreational uses of waterbodies and have negatively affected swimming, boating, fishing, and property values in and around several lakes and ponds in New Hampshire. In 1965, Moultonborough Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee became the first waterbody in New Hampshire where variable leaf water-milfoil was observed. Variable leaf water-milfoil is native to the Southeastern and Midwestern areas of the United States where more alkaline waters appear to limit the growth of this plant. Outside its native range, however, it adapts well to the relatively acidic, low-alkalinity, and nutrient-poor conditions of oligotrophic lakes and bays similar to Moultonborough Bay. In 2005, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) collaborated with the U.S. Geological Survey to investigate the distribution (presence and density) of variable leaf water-milfoil in Moultonborough Bay. This study utilized geophysical systems and conventional water-quality measurements to identify lake-floor environments that may provide suitable habitat for the establishment and growth of variable leaf water-milfoil. The results of the study are intended to assist resource managers in federal and state agencies by providing methods for detecting variable leaf water-milfoil and for identifying areas susceptible to infestation. Ultimately, this information may lead to early detection, prevention, and more effective mitigation strategies. Field activity information for this cruise is available on-line through the U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Geoscience Data System https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fa=2005-004-FA.

The dataset contains the results of analyses of surface water samples collected by AGS in the summer of 1999. Three lakes, three creeks, one stream and two rivers were sampled as part of a water sampling program carried out by AGS in the Athabasca Oil Sands in-situ area of Alberta. This area extends from approximately 55.34 degrees north latitude to 55.96 degrees north latitude, and 110.5 degrees west longitude to 111.8 degrees west longitude. The datum is NAD83. The dataset contains information on laboratory measured pH and conductivity, major, minor and trace element concentrations, as well as stable isotope ratio values of oxygen and hydrogen. AGS staff collected the samples using a discrete sampling method. The sample bottle was dipped into the surface water body and partially filled with water, rinsed and the water was discarded. The bottle was then filled and capped. The sample was subsequently filtered on site using a 0.45 micron filter. A sample was acidified for minor and trace-element analysis. Separate samples were collected for stable-isotope analysis. The major, minor and trace-element concentrations were determined by Norwest Labs of Edmonton. The stable isotope values were determined by the University of Calgary stable-isotope lab. The data are as they were received from the laboratories. A change in focus for the second year of the program meant much of the data were not included in the final report, and so were not interpreted to any extent. The data have not been processed or modified.