Publications
USGS research activities relevant to Alaska have yielded more than 9400 historical publications. This page features some of the most recent newsworthy research findings.
Filter Total Items: 2885
Seasonal and annual variation in the diet of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in relation to the abundance of capelin (Mallotus villosus) off eastern Newfoundland, Canada
The importance of capelin as prey for cod has long been known (Thompson, 1943; and see Lilly (1987) for a review); however, no studies have been conducted on how the highly dynamic seasonal and yearly variations in capelin abundance affect cod diet. We studied the occurrence of capelin in cod stomachs in relation to the relative abundance of capelin at Witless Bay, Newfoundland (47°15’N 52°46’W),
Authors
David A. Methven, John F. Piatt
Impacts of petroleum development in the Arctic
In their article “Cumulative impacts of oil fields on northern Alaskan landscapes.” D. A. Walter et al. (1) document some direct and indirect impacts of petroleum development in the Arctic on selected portions of the Prudhoe Bay Oil field. While most of the kinds of impacts they discuss are valid points to consider in designing an arctic oil field, the magnitude of what they describe is not repres
Authors
Robertson S.B.
Attendance patterns of murres at breeding sites: Implications for monitoring
We studied attendance patterns (presence and absence at breeding sites) of common murres (Uria aalge) and thick-billed murres (U. lomvia) at a colony in the Semidi Islands, western Gulf of Alaska. The period from mid-laying through hatching was appropriate for censusing because counts were subject to the least amount of daily variation. Time of day and weather did not have large effects on the cou
Authors
Scott A. Hatch, Martha A. Hatch
Autumn use of Izembek Lagoon, Alaska, by brant from different breeding areas
Thirty-three adult brant (Branta bernicla) were radiomarked at 4 widely separated areas of the western Canadian arctic and 1 area in western Alaska during June-August 1987. Their use of the Izembek Lagoon on the Alaska Peninsula was monitored through the 1987 fall staging period (Sep-Dec). Eighty percent of the brant (n = 33), including ≥50% of individuals from each of the marking areas, were loca
Authors
Austin Reed, Robert A. Stehn, David H. Ward
Body composition and weight dynamics of wintering greater white-fronted geese
Adult greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) wintering in southern Oregon and California increased or maintained body weight in autumn, lost weight from autumn through winter, and rapidly increased in weight before spring migration in late April. We documented significant annual differences in body weights for both sexes. We related seasonal changes in body weight to changes in li
Authors
Craig R. Ely, Dennis G. Raveling
Cytopathology and coagulopathy associated with viral erythrocytic necrosis in chum salmon
The 8-month cytopathologic progression of viral erythrocytic necrosis (VEN) disease in chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta is described. Single to multiple acidophilic, cytoplasmic viral inclusion bodies developed first in mature erythrocytes and then, within 1–2 months, all morphologically identifiable hemopoietic cell types contained VEN inclusions. Cytologic analysis indicated that multinucleate gian
Authors
John R. MacMillian, D. Mulcahy, M.L. Landolt
Iterative techniques for characterizing marine bird habitats with time-series of satellite images
Demonstrating long-term habitat use of marine habitats by seabirds is often complicated by short-term changes in habitat locations, persistence, and age. This paper describes iterative techniques for characterizing non-static habitats, such as meso-scale (10-100 km) ocean eddies and fronts, using time-series of satellite images that define sea surface conditions. Seabird use of satellite-detected
Authors
J. Christopher Haney
Extra-pair copulation in the greater white-fronted goose
Controlled experiments and quantitative field studies with both captive and wild waterfowl (Family Anatidae) have demonstrated that extra-pair copulations (EPCs, both forced and unforced) may be a viable alternative reproductive strategy for males (Mineau and Cooke 1979; Burns et al. 1980; Cheng et al. 1982, 1983; Afron 1985; Evarts and Williams 1987). In a review of EPCs in waterfowl, McKinney et
Authors
Craig R. Ely
Remote characterization of marine bird habitats with satellite imagery
Remote sensing techniques such as radar altimetry, synthetic aperture radar, coastal zone color scanning, and infrared radiometry provide effective, instantaneous, and relatively inexpensive means for characterizing critical habitats of marine birds. In order to make optimal use of satellite-derived data, the rationale for marine habitat classification is presented, and advantages and limitations
Authors
J. Christopher Haney
Nesting biology of pacific loons, Gavia pacifica, on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
The nesting biology of Pacific Loons, Gavia pacifica, was studied from 1973 to 1975 on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska. Loons maintained territories on ponds throughout the pre-nesting period. Both adults incubated eggs and raised the young. Males incubated more than females during early incubation, and females more than males during late incubation. The female assumes much of the early brood re
Authors
Margaret R. Petersen