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: 2892
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
Geologic studies in Alaska by the U.S. Geological Survey during 1987
This volume is a continuation of the annual United States Geological Survey (USGS) Circulars reporting results of work in progress on earth science investigations in Alaska. The series began in 1975 under the title "The United States Geological Survey in Alaska - Accomplishments during 19xx" and has continued since 1986 under the present title. The 40 short papers and the feature article presented
USGS research on mineral resources - 1989: Program and abstracts
No abstract available.
Summer production of coho salmon stocked in Mount St. Helens streams 3-6 years after the 1980 eruption
No abstract available.
Authors
P.A. Bisson, J.L. Nielsen, J.W. Ward
Channel hydraulics, habitat use, and body form of juvenile coho salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout in streams
No abstract available.
Authors
P.A. Bisson, K. Sullivan, J.L. Nielsen
Effects of kelp forest removal on associated fish assemblages in central California
Visual surveys along subtidal belt transects were used to compare fish assemblages on an experimental and a control site before and after the removal of a canopy-forming kelp forest. The giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C.A. Agardh was removed at the holdfast from ≈ 1 ha of high relief structurally complex rock substratum. The abundance of seven species of fish, of which five were considered m
Authors
James L. Bodkin
Polar Bear
Polar bears are long-lived, late-maturing carnivores that have relatively low rates of reproduction and natural mortality. Their populations are susceptible to disturbance from human activities, such as the exploration and development of mineral resources or hunting. Polar bear populations have been an important renewable resource available to coastal communities throughout the Arctic for thousand
Authors
S.D. Amstrup