Modern Clastic Depositional Systems of South– Central–Alaska – Anchorage to Cordova, Alaska June 29 July 7, 1989

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Field Trip Guidebooks Series, Volume 101.

The south-central coast of Alaska is an excellent location to view dynamic coastal processes. It is remarkable that although the area is situated on the leading edge of a major continental plate, the sediment production is such that large depositional systems with a good preservation potential are present. This eight-day field trip is designed to show the participants the entire spectrum of Holocene depositional systems that occur on this part of Alaska's coast. The first part of the trip will focus on a modern forearc embayment, lower Cook Inlet (Fig. 1). Though erosive processes dominate in Cook Inlet, excellent examples of fan deltas, macrotidal bayhead depositional systems, and depositional spits occur throughout the area. These depositional features, plus spectacular erosional coastlines, typically mild weather, and some of the most beautiful scenery on earth, should combine to provide for an enjoyable visit.