Possible connection between two Alaskan catastrophes occurring 25 yr apart (1964 and 1989)

Research Article| September 01, 1993 Possible connection between two Alaskan catastrophes occurring 25 yr apart (1964 and 1989) Keith A. Kvenvolden; Keith A. Kvenvolden 1U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, MS 999, Menlo Park, California 94025 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Paul R. Carlson; Paul R. Carlson 1U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, MS 999, Menlo Park, California 94025 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Charles N. Threlkeld; Charles N. Threlkeld 2U.S. Geological Survey, Federal Center, Box 25046, MS 977, Denver, Colorado 80225 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Augusta Warden Augusta Warden 2U.S. Geological Survey, Federal Center, Box 25046, MS 977, Denver, Colorado 80225 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1993) 21 (9): 813–816. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1993)021<0813:PCBTAC>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Keith A. Kvenvolden, Paul R. Carlson, Charles N. Threlkeld, Augusta Warden; Possible connection between two Alaskan catastrophes occurring 25 yr apart (1964 and 1989). Geology 1993;; 21 (9): 813–816. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1993)021<0813:PCBTAC>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez supertanker grounded on Bligh Reef, spilling North Slope crude oil into Prince William Sound, Alaska. Tracking the geochemical fate of this spilled oil has revealed, in addition to weathered products from the spill, minor oil residues on beaches from a distinctly different source. By using carbon isotopic compositions of whole-oil residues as a principal method of identification, we found that the δ13C values of Exxon Valdez oil (one sample) and its residues (eight samples from six islands) average -29.3 ±0.1‰. In contrast, the non-Exxon Valdez residues (15 samples from 12 localities) have an average δ13C value of -23.8 ±0.1‰. This tight distribution of carbon isotopic values suggests a single event to explain the non-Exxon Valdez residues. This event likely was the Great Alaska Earthquake of March 27, 1964. This quake and the subsequent tsunami destroyed asphalt storage facilities at the old Valdez town site, spilling asphalt (δ13C = -23.6‰) into Port Valdez fjord. From there the asphalt apparently advanced south into the sound. Thus, the possible connection between two Alaskan catastrophes, separated by 25 yr, is found in the minor oil- like residues that continue to mark the two events on the beaches of Prince William Sound. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.