USGS uses small uncrewed aerial systems, also known as drones for science, to survey walrus herds and carcasses on remote Alaskan beaches. The USGS visual observer, Christina Ahlstrom, keeps her eyes on the survey drone while the remote pilot prepares it to survey the walrus herd that is visible in the distance behind her on the beach.
Multimedia
The Alaska USGS Multimedia Gallery is our one-stop collection of videos, photography, and audio. All items in this gallery are considered public domain unless otherwise noted.
Images
Drone on beach
USGS uses small uncrewed aerial systems, also known as drones for science, to survey walrus herds and carcasses on remote Alaskan beaches. The USGS visual observer, Christina Ahlstrom, keeps her eyes on the survey drone while the remote pilot prepares it to survey the walrus herd that is visible in the distance behind her on the beach.
Walrus carcasses
Aerial survey drone prepared for flight positioned on the beach near walrus calf carcasses. When sea ice retreats from large regions of the Chukchi Sea large herds of female and young walruses come to shore to rest.
Aerial survey drone prepared for flight positioned on the beach near walrus calf carcasses. When sea ice retreats from large regions of the Chukchi Sea large herds of female and young walruses come to shore to rest.
Signage
Sign along a wall adjacent to a parking lot in downtown Anchorage warn motorists and passersby about the hazard presented by unreinforced masonry walls.
Sign along a wall adjacent to a parking lot in downtown Anchorage warn motorists and passersby about the hazard presented by unreinforced masonry walls.
USGS flying drone
USGS is flying drones for science, small uncrewed areal systems (sUAS), to surveys walruses when they rest on shore. The sUAS makes minimal sound due it is broad wing and is flown high above the walrus herds to enables survey data collection with minimal risk to walruses.
USGS is flying drones for science, small uncrewed areal systems (sUAS), to surveys walruses when they rest on shore. The sUAS makes minimal sound due it is broad wing and is flown high above the walrus herds to enables survey data collection with minimal risk to walruses.
Two adult walrus carcasses
Two adult walrus carcasses on the beach observed during the summer after a large group of walruses had rested on shore. USGS is collaborating with the North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management to screen walruses for wildlife diseases and algal toxins. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is collaborating with USGS to validate drone survey metho
Two adult walrus carcasses on the beach observed during the summer after a large group of walruses had rested on shore. USGS is collaborating with the North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management to screen walruses for wildlife diseases and algal toxins. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is collaborating with USGS to validate drone survey metho
The Salmon Specialists
Orcas (Orcinus orca) of the AD8 pod search for schools of salmon in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.
Orcas (Orcinus orca) of the AD8 pod search for schools of salmon in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.
Videos
The 1964 Tsunami in Valdez, Alaska
This is a remarkable film of the underwater landslide and tsunami at Valdez, Alaska, taken during the 1964 Great Alaska earthquake.
It has never been seen before in its correct sequence. There is no other film that we are aware of that shows the formation of a large submarine landslide.
This is a remarkable film of the underwater landslide and tsunami at Valdez, Alaska, taken during the 1964 Great Alaska earthquake.
It has never been seen before in its correct sequence. There is no other film that we are aware of that shows the formation of a large submarine landslide.
The 1964 Tsunami in Valdez, Alaska (AD)
This is a remarkable film of the underwater landslide and tsunami at Valdez, Alaska, taken during the 1964 Great Alaska earthquake.
It has never been seen before in its correct sequence. There is no other film that we are aware of that shows the formation of a large submarine landslide.
This is a remarkable film of the underwater landslide and tsunami at Valdez, Alaska, taken during the 1964 Great Alaska earthquake.
It has never been seen before in its correct sequence. There is no other film that we are aware of that shows the formation of a large submarine landslide.
POV Polar Bear Collar Cam B-roll 2019, 2021, and 2022
This is B-roll video of POV Polar Bear Collar Cam B-roll 2019, 2021, and 2022.
This is B-roll video of POV Polar Bear Collar Cam B-roll 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Climate Science Champions: Introduction (AD)
From volcanologists to oceanographers, biologists to paleontologists, the U.S. Geological Survey employs thousands of scientists across the Earth sciences. Each has a unique role in supporting the bureau’s mission of providing “science that matters” to the American people.
From volcanologists to oceanographers, biologists to paleontologists, the U.S. Geological Survey employs thousands of scientists across the Earth sciences. Each has a unique role in supporting the bureau’s mission of providing “science that matters” to the American people.
Climate Science Champions: Introduction
From volcanologists to oceanographers, biologists to paleontologists, the U.S. Geological Survey employs thousands of scientists across the Earth sciences. Each has a unique role in supporting the bureau’s mission of providing “science that matters” to the American people.
From volcanologists to oceanographers, biologists to paleontologists, the U.S. Geological Survey employs thousands of scientists across the Earth sciences. Each has a unique role in supporting the bureau’s mission of providing “science that matters” to the American people.
USGS Alaska Science Center Ecosystems Analytics Program
The USGS Alaska Science Center Ecosystems Analytics program is a group of quantitative biologists and research statisticians who provide analytical support to USGS scientists to answer challenging ecological topics and management questions for USGS partners.
The USGS Alaska Science Center Ecosystems Analytics program is a group of quantitative biologists and research statisticians who provide analytical support to USGS scientists to answer challenging ecological topics and management questions for USGS partners.
Audio
Large walrus herd resting on Alaskan shore
Sounds from a large herd of walruses resting on Alaskan shores of the Chukchi Sea recorded. Deep full barks and calls of individual walruses near the edge of the herd are audible over a continuous rhythmic humming sound that arises from the calls of tens of thousands of walrsues from deeper within the herd.
Sounds from a large herd of walruses resting on Alaskan shores of the Chukchi Sea recorded. Deep full barks and calls of individual walruses near the edge of the herd are audible over a continuous rhythmic humming sound that arises from the calls of tens of thousands of walrsues from deeper within the herd.
Walruses Hauled Out on the Northwest Coast of Alaska
What do walrus sound like? Listen to audio clips of walrus bellowing as they are hauled out on the northwest coast of Alaska.
What do walrus sound like? Listen to audio clips of walrus bellowing as they are hauled out on the northwest coast of Alaska.
Walruses Hauled Out on the Northwest Coast of Alaska
What do walrus sound like? Listen to audio clips of walrus bellowing as they are hauled out on the northwest coast of Alaska.
What do walrus sound like? Listen to audio clips of walrus bellowing as they are hauled out on the northwest coast of Alaska.
Walruses Hauled Out on the Northwest Coast of Alaska
What do walrus sound like? Listen to audio clips of walrus bellowing as they are hauled out on the northwest coast of Alaska.
What do walrus sound like? Listen to audio clips of walrus bellowing as they are hauled out on the northwest coast of Alaska.
Walruses Hauled Out on the Northwest Coast of Alaska
What do walrus sound like? Listen to audio clips of walrus bellowing as they are hauled out on the northwest coast of Alaska.
What do walrus sound like? Listen to audio clips of walrus bellowing as they are hauled out on the northwest coast of Alaska.
A New Way to Model Sea Ice Thickness
Sea ice, which is constantly thickening and thinning, plays an important role in the Earth's climate system.
Sea ice, which is constantly thickening and thinning, plays an important role in the Earth's climate system.
Webcams
Glacial Lake 2 and half miles
An overlook view of Glacial Lake 2.5 miles North of Nugget Creek near Auke Bay, Alaska.
An overlook view of Glacial Lake 2.5 miles North of Nugget Creek near Auke Bay, Alaska.
Phelan Creek near Paxson
Phelan Creek near Paxson, AK Monitoring location 15478040 is associated with a STREAM in SOUTHEAST FAIRBANKS CENSUS AREA, ALASKA. Current conditions of DISCHARGE, GAGE HEIGHT, and TEMPERATURE are available. Water data back to 1966 are available online. This camera is telemetered by satellite and updates at approximately 22:00 UTC (+/- 60 minutes) each day.
Phelan Creek near Paxson, AK Monitoring location 15478040 is associated with a STREAM in SOUTHEAST FAIRBANKS CENSUS AREA, ALASKA. Current conditions of DISCHARGE, GAGE HEIGHT, and TEMPERATURE are available. Water data back to 1966 are available online. This camera is telemetered by satellite and updates at approximately 22:00 UTC (+/- 60 minutes) each day.
Tyee Lake Outlet near Wrangell
Tyee Lake Outlet near Wrangell, AK Monitoring location 15019990 is associated with a STREAM in CITY AND BOROUGH OF WRANGELL, ALASKA. Current conditions of DCP BATTERY VOLTAGE and GAGE HEIGHT are available. Water data back to 1979 are available online. This camera is telemetered by satellite and updates at approximately 19:00 UTC (+/- 60 minutes) each day.
Tyee Lake Outlet near Wrangell, AK Monitoring location 15019990 is associated with a STREAM in CITY AND BOROUGH OF WRANGELL, ALASKA. Current conditions of DCP BATTERY VOLTAGE and GAGE HEIGHT are available. Water data back to 1979 are available online. This camera is telemetered by satellite and updates at approximately 19:00 UTC (+/- 60 minutes) each day.