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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: 2891

Genetic diversity in Arctic-nesting geese: Implications for management and conservation

The North Pacific Rim harbors breeding populations of many unique wildlife resources, of which waterfowl are among the most abundant and taxonomically diverse. Arctic nesting geese in particular are wide-spread in distribution (Figure 1), and though only seasons residents, they have evolved many unique adaptations for breeding in northern latitudes. This diversity has been recognized and managed a
Authors
Craig R. Ely, Kim T. Scribner

Management of Pacific brant: Population structure and conservation issues

Pacific brant (Branta bernicla) nest from the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-) Delta in southwestern Alaska along the coast of North America to the central Canadian arctic (Pacific Flyway Subcommittee on Pacific Brant 1992) (Figure 1). Birds from this population also nest in the Canadian arctic islands south of Prince Patrick Island and on the coast of the Chukotka Peninsula. Brant nest principally in colonie
Authors
James S. Sedinger, David H. Ward, R. Michael Anthony, Dirk V. Derksen, Calvin J. Lensink, Karen S. Bollinger, Neil K. Dawe

The status of sea ducks in the North Pacific Rim: Toward their conservation and management

Sea ducks (tribe Mergini after Johnsgard 1960) are the most northerly distributed ducks, and species diversity is greatest in the North Pacific. They exploit a diversity of inshore and offshore marine habitats during the non-breeding season, and their use of habitat during breeding varies from coastal through freshwater wetlands of the tundra and taiga (Figure 1, Appendix 1). Non-breeding cohorts
Authors
R. Ian Goudie, Solange Brault, Bruce Conant, Alexander V. Kondratyev, Margaret R. Petersen, Kees Vermeer

Demographic and life history characteristics influence the cytonuclear composition of mosquitofish populations

Experimental laboratory crosses and population experiments reveal significant differences in individual life-history traits and population demography between two related species of mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis and G. holbrooki. With respect to life-history traits, progeny from G. holbrooki exhibit larger size at birth and earlier age at sexual maturity than do progeny from G. affinis parents. Wi
Authors
Kim T. Scribner, John C. Avise

A seabird monitoring program for the North Pacific

Seabird monitoring is the accumulation of time series data on any aspect of seabird distribution, abundance, demography, or behavior. Typical studies include annual or less frequent measures of numbers or productivity; less commonly, the focus is on marine habitat use, phenology, food habits, or survival. The key requirement is that observations are replicated over time and made with sufficient pr
Authors
S.A. Hatcher, G.W. Kaiser, Alexander V. Kondratyev, G.V. Byrd

Hybrid zone studies: An interdisciplinary approach for the analysis of evolutionary processes

There has been considerable debate in the ecological and evolutionary literature over the relative importance and rate by which microevolutionary processes operating at the population level result in separation and differentiation of lineages and populations, and ultimately in speciation. Our understanding of evolutionary processes have need greatly enhances through the study of hybridization and
Authors
Kim T. Scribner

Stream and floodplain restoration in a riparian ecosystem disturbed by placer mining

Techniques for the hydrologic restoration of placer-mined streams and floodplains were developed in Denali National Park and Preserve Alaska, USA. The hydrologic study focused on a design of stream and floodplain geometry using hydraulic capacity and shear stress equations. Slope and sinuosity values were based on regional relationships. Design requirements include a channel capacity for a 1.5-yea
Authors
Kenneth F. Karle, Roseann V. Densmore

The role of nutrient reserves for clutch formation by Northern Pintails in Alaska

We analyzed carcass composition of female Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) in Alaska to assess the importance of nutrient reserves for formation of first clutches (n = 85) and renests (n = 39). Habitat (tundra vs. boreal forest), hen age (yearling vs. adult), and year (1990 vs. 1991) did not affect nutrient reserve use. During formation of first clutches, Northern Pintail hens relied on lipid reserv
Authors
Daniel Esler, J. Barry Grand

Age, habitat and tide effects on feeding activity of Emperor Geese during Autumn migration

I studied feeding activity of Emperor Geese (Chen canagica) on the Alaska Peninsula during autumn migration, 1991. Scan samples were used to estimate the proportion of birds feeding in flocks as a measure of feeding intensity. Most geese fed during low tides and roosted during high tides. However, flocks with disproportionately more juveniles continued to feed during high tides in either blue muss
Authors
Joel A. Schmutz

Assessment of shoreline vegetation in relation to use by molting black brant Branta bernicla nigricans on the Alaska Coastal Plain

To evaluate the importance of large thaw lakes on the Alaska Coastal Plain for molting Pacific black brant Branta bernicla nigricans, distribution and life form of shoreline vegetation were assessed using several scales: satellite imagery, point-intercept transects, cover quadrats, and a parameter for water regime. Brant population and distribution estimates from aerial surveys were used to classi
Authors
Milton W. Weller, K. C. Jensen, Eric J. Taylor, Mark W. Miller, Karen S. Bollinger, Dirk V. Derksen, Daniel Esler, Carl J. Markon

Succession on regraded placer mine spoil in Alaska, USA, in relation to initial site characteristics

This study evaluated the rate and pattern of natural succession on regraded placer mine spoil in relation to initial substrate characteristics. The study site was the Glen Creek watershed of the Kantishna mining area of Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska. After regrading, twelve 0.01-ha plots were established and substrate characteristics were measured. Natural plant succession was evaluate
Authors
R.V. Densmore