This video provides a brief overview of the Prince William Sound Landslide Hazards Project in Alaska. The video describes each of the congressional mandates that makes up the project tasks. This is the first video in a series about the project.
Arctic regions of Alaska are important for biodiversity, national security, cultural and economic sustainability, and support a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. USGS and collaborators provide information about its ecosystems, natural hazards, geologic resources, coasts, and wildlife that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The United States is an Arctic nation because of Alaska, which is bounded by three oceans. The U.S. maintains tremendous interests and stewardship responsibilities in the region, especially as the region undergoes substantial environmental transformation.
The U.S. Geological Survey is a science agency within the Department of the Interior (DOI) and directs its research activities to critical science needs of DOI management agencies. In Alaska, USGS conducts research on geology, energy and minerals, natural hazards, water, ice dynamics, landscapes, and ecosystems. This work is primarily focused on lands and marine areas managed by the Federal government, such as the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Water Resources research and monitoring is conducted with a range of Federal, State, local government, and other funding partners.
Research Plans and Strategies
USGS has roles in Arctic research plans and strategies. These documents provide pathways to improve coordination among federal agencies, indigenous communities, academic and non-federal researchers, the state of Alaska, nonprofits, the private sector and international organizations working in the Arctic.
IARPC Arctic Research Plan 2022-2026
IARPC Arctic Research Plan 2022-2026
USGS Science Strategy for Arctic Alaska, FY2022-2024
USGS Science Strategy for Arctic Alaska, FY2022-2024
USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystem's 5-year Arctic Research Plan
USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystem's 5-year Arctic Research Plan
National Strategy for the Arctic Region 2022
National Strategy for the Arctic Region 2022
USGS Research and Collaborative Projects in the Arctic
The USGS and its partners have developed research goals to address important issues in a rapidly changing Arctic. Learn more about our integrated research on permafrost dynamics, coastal change, environmental health, ice and snow (cryosphere), energy resources, methane and gas hydrates, mineral resources, Arctic and boreal ecosystems, marine ecosystems, and terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
USGS offices/programs that contribute to research in the Arctic (in alphabetical order):
- Alaska Region
- Alaska Science Center (ASC)
- Changing Arctic Ecosystems Initiative (CAE)
- Central Energy Resources Science Center (CERSC)
-
Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs)
-
Climate Research and Development Program (CRDP)
- Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program (CMHRP)
- The Gas Hydrates Project (jointly with ERP)
- Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (EarthMRI)
- Earth Resources Observation and Science Center (EROS)
- Energy Resources Program (ERP)
- Alaska Basins and Petroleum Systems Project
-
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC)
- Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center (GGG)
-
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center (GMEG)
-
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center (PCMSC)
-
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (WHCMSC)
Below are science projects associated with Arctic research.
Filter Total Items: 54
Geologic Map of Alaska
In January 2016, the U.S. Geological Survey released the first ever digital geologic map of Alaska. This map reflects more than a century of work and provides a visual context for the abundant mineral and energy resources found throughout the state. The map also is available to use in three different formats: a professional GIS database, a public interactive version via a web browser, and an...
Changing Arctic Ecosystems
Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
Science Support Program and Quick Response Program
This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff address priority research needs identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.
Walrus Research
The USGS Alaska Science Center conducts long-term research on the Pacific walrus to provide scientific information to Department of Interior management agencies and Alaska Native co-management partners. In addition, the USGS Pacific walrus research program collaborates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the State of Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game and Alaska Native co...
Alaska Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
Our objective is to provide a strategic framework for planning, coordination, and execution of the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) in Alaska. Earth MRI aims to improve knowledge of the U.S. geologic framework through new geological and geophysical mapping and to identify areas that have the potential to contain undiscovered critical mineral resources.
Polar Bear Research
Polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) are one of 4 marine mammal species managed by the U.S. Department of Interior. The USGS Alaska Science Center leads long–term research on polar bears to inform local, state, national and international policy makers regarding conservation of the species and its habitat. Our studies, ongoing since 1985, are focused on population dynamics, health and energetics...
Health and Energetics of Polar Bears
The warming climate has the potential to drive significant changes in the health and energetics of Arctic fauna, particularly those dependent on sea ice habitats like polar bears. An animal’s health and energetic state reflects the interaction between its behavioral choices and the environment. Because of this, measuring changes in health and energetics has potential for revealing important...
The Rusting of Arctic Rivers: Freshwater Ecosystems Respond to Rapidly Uptaking Metals
The water quality of streams and rivers in the Arctic is sensitive to rapid climate change and altered disturbance regimes.
Terrestrial Mammal Research
Understanding the population dynamics, predator/prey relationships and habitat ecology of terrestrial mammals, such as caribou and muskoxen, is critical for the management of these species and their habitats in Alaska.
Ecosystems Analytics
Ecosystems Analytics is a group of quantitative biologists and research statisticians with a diverse range of expertise and experience (summarized below). We collaborate with internal and external partners to answer challenging ecological questions that are a high priority of the U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, sister agencies within the Department of the Interior (DOI), and various...
Alaska Petroleum Systems
The Alaska Petroleum Systems project has three main objectives: (A) conduct research that increases our understanding of Alaska petroleum systems, (B) conduct assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources, and (C) deliver energy-resource information to land and resource managers, policy makers, and the public.
Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Hydrology
The Arctic is warming at higher rates than much of the rest of the world. For Alaska, this results in changes in hydrology and ecosystems – permafrost is thawing, changing landscapes and releasing nutrients to soils and streams.
Below is multimedia associated with Arctic research.
Prince William Sound Landslide Hazards Project Overview
This video provides a brief overview of the Prince William Sound Landslide Hazards Project in Alaska. The video describes each of the congressional mandates that makes up the project tasks. This is the first video in a series about the project.
5 Ways Climate Affects Caribou
The words "5 Ways Climate Change Affects Caribou" are written in yellow with an icon of a brown caribou with large antlers in the bottom right corner.
Text reads:
"More wildfires lead to less lichen, as lichen can take decades to recover, and is an important food source for caribou in the winter."
The words "5 Ways Climate Change Affects Caribou" are written in yellow with an icon of a brown caribou with large antlers in the bottom right corner.
Text reads:
"More wildfires lead to less lichen, as lichen can take decades to recover, and is an important food source for caribou in the winter."
Role of Diet and Food Intake Affecting Polar Bear Population Dynamics in Southern Beaufort Sea
This is a graphical abstract for a publication by the USGS and collaborators that examines the role of diet and food intake affecting polar bear population dynamics. Polar bears consume diets consisting of high proportions of marine mammal blubber that they access from the sea ice.
This is a graphical abstract for a publication by the USGS and collaborators that examines the role of diet and food intake affecting polar bear population dynamics. Polar bears consume diets consisting of high proportions of marine mammal blubber that they access from the sea ice.
USGS Research on the Changing Cryosphere
Climate change has a profound effect on the Earth’s cryosphere, the portions of the planet's surface dominated by snow and ice. This has impacts on global water supplies, economies, coastal communities, and ecosystems.
Climate change has a profound effect on the Earth’s cryosphere, the portions of the planet's surface dominated by snow and ice. This has impacts on global water supplies, economies, coastal communities, and ecosystems.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Vijay Patil, Wildlife Biologist (AD)
Wildlife Biologist Vijay Patil explores the effects of climate change and shifting seasons on Arctic-nesting waterfowl.
Wildlife Biologist Vijay Patil explores the effects of climate change and shifting seasons on Arctic-nesting waterfowl.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist (AD)
USGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.
USGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Mike Carey, Research Fish Ecologist (AD)
Fish Ecologist Mike Carey studies the impacts beavers have on warming Alaskan permafrost landscapes.
Fish Ecologist Mike Carey studies the impacts beavers have on warming Alaskan permafrost landscapes.
Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Ann Gibbs, Geologist (AD)
Geologist Ann Gibbs studies the vulnerability of the rapidly-warming Alaska coast to climate change effects like sea level rise and permafrost thawing.
Geologist Ann Gibbs studies the vulnerability of the rapidly-warming Alaska coast to climate change effects like sea level rise and permafrost thawing.
Coastal Change in Arctic Alaska (AD)
The Arctic region is warming faster than anywhere else in the nation. Understanding the rates and causes of coastal change in Alaska is needed to identify and mitigate hazards that might affect people and animals that call Alaska home.
The Arctic region is warming faster than anywhere else in the nation. Understanding the rates and causes of coastal change in Alaska is needed to identify and mitigate hazards that might affect people and animals that call Alaska home.
COP26-Communities on the Frontline-Jerilyn Kelly from Quinhagak, AK
This video was prepared for Douglas Beard's presentation at COP26, Communities on the Frontline. Jerilyn Kelly, from Quinhagak, AK shares video and photographs from her community and some of the climate related challenges her community faces. She describes how erosion and permafrost degradation impact her community and their housing.
This video was prepared for Douglas Beard's presentation at COP26, Communities on the Frontline. Jerilyn Kelly, from Quinhagak, AK shares video and photographs from her community and some of the climate related challenges her community faces. She describes how erosion and permafrost degradation impact her community and their housing.
Evaluation of Satellite Imagery Monitoring Pacific Walruses haulouts
This is a graphical abstract for a publication by the USGS that evaluates satellite imagery for monitoring large Pacific walrus haulouts in northwestern Alaska.
This is a graphical abstract for a publication by the USGS that evaluates satellite imagery for monitoring large Pacific walrus haulouts in northwestern Alaska.
Eyes on Earth Episode 20 - Mapping Alaska's Permafrost
The Arctic is changing at a more rapid rate than the rest of the planet. Some of the most significant changes are tied to the thawing of near-surface permafrost, the layers of frozen soil containing vast stocks of stored carbon.
The Arctic is changing at a more rapid rate than the rest of the planet. Some of the most significant changes are tied to the thawing of near-surface permafrost, the layers of frozen soil containing vast stocks of stored carbon.
Animation depicting seasonal cycles on Alaska's Arctic bluffs
In the spring, winter sea ice thaws and moves offshore leaving the coast exposed to increased wave action and relatively warm water temperatures that, when in contact with the bluff, erodes the toe of the bluff.
In the spring, winter sea ice thaws and moves offshore leaving the coast exposed to increased wave action and relatively warm water temperatures that, when in contact with the bluff, erodes the toe of the bluff.
Low-oblique view of Barter Island bluffs
Example of a low-oblique photograph taken with an unmanned aerial system (UAS), or drone, of the coastal bluffs of Barter Island on North Slope of Alaska. The photographs from different time periods can be compared, using a technique called structure-from-motion photogrammetry, to measure changes in the coastal bluffs.
Example of a low-oblique photograph taken with an unmanned aerial system (UAS), or drone, of the coastal bluffs of Barter Island on North Slope of Alaska. The photographs from different time periods can be compared, using a technique called structure-from-motion photogrammetry, to measure changes in the coastal bluffs.
Oblique view of Barter Island bluffs
Example of a high-oblique photograph taken with an unmanned aerial system (UAS), or drone, of the coastal bluffs of Barter Island on North Slope of Alaska. The photographs from different time periods can be compared, using a technique called structure-from-motion photogrammetry, to measure changes in the coastal bluffs.
Example of a high-oblique photograph taken with an unmanned aerial system (UAS), or drone, of the coastal bluffs of Barter Island on North Slope of Alaska. The photographs from different time periods can be compared, using a technique called structure-from-motion photogrammetry, to measure changes in the coastal bluffs.
Tracking Pacific Walrus: Expedition to the Shrinking Chukchi Sea Ice
Summer ice retreat in the Chukchi Sea between Alaska and Russia is a significant climate change impact affecting Pacific Walruses, which are being considered for listing as a threatened species. This twelve minute video follows walruses in their summer sea ice habitat and shows how USGS biologists use satellite radio tags to track their movements and behavior.
Summer ice retreat in the Chukchi Sea between Alaska and Russia is a significant climate change impact affecting Pacific Walruses, which are being considered for listing as a threatened species. This twelve minute video follows walruses in their summer sea ice habitat and shows how USGS biologists use satellite radio tags to track their movements and behavior.
What is the difference between the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?
The National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) is a roughly 23.4 million acre area of Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It lies in northwest Alaska and borders both the Chukchi Sea to the west and the Beaufort Sea to the north. The NPR-A was originally established in 1923 as a petroleum reserve for the U.S. Navy, then transferred to the Department of the Interior in 1976. The...
How many walruses are in Alaska's Chukchi Sea?
In 2007, walruses began coming onshore in large numbers on the Alaska coast of the Chukchi Sea, which allowed for more accurate population counts through the use of small aerial drones, satellite tags, and calculations based on walrus behavior. The number of walruses using the U.S. side of the Chukchi Sea in autumn was estimated to be 166,000 in 2018 and 189,000 in 2019. These numbers are...
What is methane and why is it a safety concern?
Methane (a gas composed of carbon and hydrogen) is produced two ways: Through biologic decomposition of organic matter at shallow depths. Swamps, landfills, and even shallow bedrock are some settings where this occurs. Methane can also be derived over millions of years by high pressure and high temperature processes that produce fossil fuels deep underground. Examples include coal deposits and oil...
Arctic regions of Alaska are important for biodiversity, national security, cultural and economic sustainability, and support a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. USGS and collaborators provide information about its ecosystems, natural hazards, geologic resources, coasts, and wildlife that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The United States is an Arctic nation because of Alaska, which is bounded by three oceans. The U.S. maintains tremendous interests and stewardship responsibilities in the region, especially as the region undergoes substantial environmental transformation.
The U.S. Geological Survey is a science agency within the Department of the Interior (DOI) and directs its research activities to critical science needs of DOI management agencies. In Alaska, USGS conducts research on geology, energy and minerals, natural hazards, water, ice dynamics, landscapes, and ecosystems. This work is primarily focused on lands and marine areas managed by the Federal government, such as the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Water Resources research and monitoring is conducted with a range of Federal, State, local government, and other funding partners.
Research Plans and Strategies
USGS has roles in Arctic research plans and strategies. These documents provide pathways to improve coordination among federal agencies, indigenous communities, academic and non-federal researchers, the state of Alaska, nonprofits, the private sector and international organizations working in the Arctic.
IARPC Arctic Research Plan 2022-2026
IARPC Arctic Research Plan 2022-2026
USGS Science Strategy for Arctic Alaska, FY2022-2024
USGS Science Strategy for Arctic Alaska, FY2022-2024
USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystem's 5-year Arctic Research Plan
USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystem's 5-year Arctic Research Plan
National Strategy for the Arctic Region 2022
National Strategy for the Arctic Region 2022
USGS Research and Collaborative Projects in the Arctic
The USGS and its partners have developed research goals to address important issues in a rapidly changing Arctic. Learn more about our integrated research on permafrost dynamics, coastal change, environmental health, ice and snow (cryosphere), energy resources, methane and gas hydrates, mineral resources, Arctic and boreal ecosystems, marine ecosystems, and terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
USGS offices/programs that contribute to research in the Arctic (in alphabetical order):
- Alaska Region
- Alaska Science Center (ASC)
- Changing Arctic Ecosystems Initiative (CAE)
- Central Energy Resources Science Center (CERSC)
-
Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs)
-
Climate Research and Development Program (CRDP)
- Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program (CMHRP)
- The Gas Hydrates Project (jointly with ERP)
- Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (EarthMRI)
- Earth Resources Observation and Science Center (EROS)
- Energy Resources Program (ERP)
- Alaska Basins and Petroleum Systems Project
-
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC)
- Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center (GGG)
-
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center (GMEG)
-
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center (PCMSC)
-
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (WHCMSC)
Below are science projects associated with Arctic research.
Filter Total Items: 54
Geologic Map of Alaska
In January 2016, the U.S. Geological Survey released the first ever digital geologic map of Alaska. This map reflects more than a century of work and provides a visual context for the abundant mineral and energy resources found throughout the state. The map also is available to use in three different formats: a professional GIS database, a public interactive version via a web browser, and an...
Changing Arctic Ecosystems
Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
Science Support Program and Quick Response Program
This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff address priority research needs identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.
Walrus Research
The USGS Alaska Science Center conducts long-term research on the Pacific walrus to provide scientific information to Department of Interior management agencies and Alaska Native co-management partners. In addition, the USGS Pacific walrus research program collaborates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the State of Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game and Alaska Native co...
Alaska Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
Our objective is to provide a strategic framework for planning, coordination, and execution of the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) in Alaska. Earth MRI aims to improve knowledge of the U.S. geologic framework through new geological and geophysical mapping and to identify areas that have the potential to contain undiscovered critical mineral resources.
Polar Bear Research
Polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) are one of 4 marine mammal species managed by the U.S. Department of Interior. The USGS Alaska Science Center leads long–term research on polar bears to inform local, state, national and international policy makers regarding conservation of the species and its habitat. Our studies, ongoing since 1985, are focused on population dynamics, health and energetics...
Health and Energetics of Polar Bears
The warming climate has the potential to drive significant changes in the health and energetics of Arctic fauna, particularly those dependent on sea ice habitats like polar bears. An animal’s health and energetic state reflects the interaction between its behavioral choices and the environment. Because of this, measuring changes in health and energetics has potential for revealing important...
The Rusting of Arctic Rivers: Freshwater Ecosystems Respond to Rapidly Uptaking Metals
The water quality of streams and rivers in the Arctic is sensitive to rapid climate change and altered disturbance regimes.
Terrestrial Mammal Research
Understanding the population dynamics, predator/prey relationships and habitat ecology of terrestrial mammals, such as caribou and muskoxen, is critical for the management of these species and their habitats in Alaska.
Ecosystems Analytics
Ecosystems Analytics is a group of quantitative biologists and research statisticians with a diverse range of expertise and experience (summarized below). We collaborate with internal and external partners to answer challenging ecological questions that are a high priority of the U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, sister agencies within the Department of the Interior (DOI), and various...
Alaska Petroleum Systems
The Alaska Petroleum Systems project has three main objectives: (A) conduct research that increases our understanding of Alaska petroleum systems, (B) conduct assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources, and (C) deliver energy-resource information to land and resource managers, policy makers, and the public.
Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Hydrology
The Arctic is warming at higher rates than much of the rest of the world. For Alaska, this results in changes in hydrology and ecosystems – permafrost is thawing, changing landscapes and releasing nutrients to soils and streams.
Below is multimedia associated with Arctic research.
Prince William Sound Landslide Hazards Project Overview
This video provides a brief overview of the Prince William Sound Landslide Hazards Project in Alaska. The video describes each of the congressional mandates that makes up the project tasks. This is the first video in a series about the project.
This video provides a brief overview of the Prince William Sound Landslide Hazards Project in Alaska. The video describes each of the congressional mandates that makes up the project tasks. This is the first video in a series about the project.
5 Ways Climate Affects Caribou
The words "5 Ways Climate Change Affects Caribou" are written in yellow with an icon of a brown caribou with large antlers in the bottom right corner.
Text reads:
"More wildfires lead to less lichen, as lichen can take decades to recover, and is an important food source for caribou in the winter."
The words "5 Ways Climate Change Affects Caribou" are written in yellow with an icon of a brown caribou with large antlers in the bottom right corner.
Text reads:
"More wildfires lead to less lichen, as lichen can take decades to recover, and is an important food source for caribou in the winter."
Role of Diet and Food Intake Affecting Polar Bear Population Dynamics in Southern Beaufort Sea
This is a graphical abstract for a publication by the USGS and collaborators that examines the role of diet and food intake affecting polar bear population dynamics. Polar bears consume diets consisting of high proportions of marine mammal blubber that they access from the sea ice.
This is a graphical abstract for a publication by the USGS and collaborators that examines the role of diet and food intake affecting polar bear population dynamics. Polar bears consume diets consisting of high proportions of marine mammal blubber that they access from the sea ice.
USGS Research on the Changing Cryosphere
Climate change has a profound effect on the Earth’s cryosphere, the portions of the planet's surface dominated by snow and ice. This has impacts on global water supplies, economies, coastal communities, and ecosystems.
Climate change has a profound effect on the Earth’s cryosphere, the portions of the planet's surface dominated by snow and ice. This has impacts on global water supplies, economies, coastal communities, and ecosystems.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Vijay Patil, Wildlife Biologist (AD)
Wildlife Biologist Vijay Patil explores the effects of climate change and shifting seasons on Arctic-nesting waterfowl.
Wildlife Biologist Vijay Patil explores the effects of climate change and shifting seasons on Arctic-nesting waterfowl.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist (AD)
USGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.
USGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Mike Carey, Research Fish Ecologist (AD)
Fish Ecologist Mike Carey studies the impacts beavers have on warming Alaskan permafrost landscapes.
Fish Ecologist Mike Carey studies the impacts beavers have on warming Alaskan permafrost landscapes.
Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Ann Gibbs, Geologist (AD)
Geologist Ann Gibbs studies the vulnerability of the rapidly-warming Alaska coast to climate change effects like sea level rise and permafrost thawing.
Geologist Ann Gibbs studies the vulnerability of the rapidly-warming Alaska coast to climate change effects like sea level rise and permafrost thawing.
Coastal Change in Arctic Alaska (AD)
The Arctic region is warming faster than anywhere else in the nation. Understanding the rates and causes of coastal change in Alaska is needed to identify and mitigate hazards that might affect people and animals that call Alaska home.
The Arctic region is warming faster than anywhere else in the nation. Understanding the rates and causes of coastal change in Alaska is needed to identify and mitigate hazards that might affect people and animals that call Alaska home.
COP26-Communities on the Frontline-Jerilyn Kelly from Quinhagak, AK
This video was prepared for Douglas Beard's presentation at COP26, Communities on the Frontline. Jerilyn Kelly, from Quinhagak, AK shares video and photographs from her community and some of the climate related challenges her community faces. She describes how erosion and permafrost degradation impact her community and their housing.
This video was prepared for Douglas Beard's presentation at COP26, Communities on the Frontline. Jerilyn Kelly, from Quinhagak, AK shares video and photographs from her community and some of the climate related challenges her community faces. She describes how erosion and permafrost degradation impact her community and their housing.
Evaluation of Satellite Imagery Monitoring Pacific Walruses haulouts
This is a graphical abstract for a publication by the USGS that evaluates satellite imagery for monitoring large Pacific walrus haulouts in northwestern Alaska.
This is a graphical abstract for a publication by the USGS that evaluates satellite imagery for monitoring large Pacific walrus haulouts in northwestern Alaska.
Eyes on Earth Episode 20 - Mapping Alaska's Permafrost
The Arctic is changing at a more rapid rate than the rest of the planet. Some of the most significant changes are tied to the thawing of near-surface permafrost, the layers of frozen soil containing vast stocks of stored carbon.
The Arctic is changing at a more rapid rate than the rest of the planet. Some of the most significant changes are tied to the thawing of near-surface permafrost, the layers of frozen soil containing vast stocks of stored carbon.
Animation depicting seasonal cycles on Alaska's Arctic bluffs
In the spring, winter sea ice thaws and moves offshore leaving the coast exposed to increased wave action and relatively warm water temperatures that, when in contact with the bluff, erodes the toe of the bluff.
In the spring, winter sea ice thaws and moves offshore leaving the coast exposed to increased wave action and relatively warm water temperatures that, when in contact with the bluff, erodes the toe of the bluff.
Low-oblique view of Barter Island bluffs
Example of a low-oblique photograph taken with an unmanned aerial system (UAS), or drone, of the coastal bluffs of Barter Island on North Slope of Alaska. The photographs from different time periods can be compared, using a technique called structure-from-motion photogrammetry, to measure changes in the coastal bluffs.
Example of a low-oblique photograph taken with an unmanned aerial system (UAS), or drone, of the coastal bluffs of Barter Island on North Slope of Alaska. The photographs from different time periods can be compared, using a technique called structure-from-motion photogrammetry, to measure changes in the coastal bluffs.
Oblique view of Barter Island bluffs
Example of a high-oblique photograph taken with an unmanned aerial system (UAS), or drone, of the coastal bluffs of Barter Island on North Slope of Alaska. The photographs from different time periods can be compared, using a technique called structure-from-motion photogrammetry, to measure changes in the coastal bluffs.
Example of a high-oblique photograph taken with an unmanned aerial system (UAS), or drone, of the coastal bluffs of Barter Island on North Slope of Alaska. The photographs from different time periods can be compared, using a technique called structure-from-motion photogrammetry, to measure changes in the coastal bluffs.
Tracking Pacific Walrus: Expedition to the Shrinking Chukchi Sea Ice
Summer ice retreat in the Chukchi Sea between Alaska and Russia is a significant climate change impact affecting Pacific Walruses, which are being considered for listing as a threatened species. This twelve minute video follows walruses in their summer sea ice habitat and shows how USGS biologists use satellite radio tags to track their movements and behavior.
Summer ice retreat in the Chukchi Sea between Alaska and Russia is a significant climate change impact affecting Pacific Walruses, which are being considered for listing as a threatened species. This twelve minute video follows walruses in their summer sea ice habitat and shows how USGS biologists use satellite radio tags to track their movements and behavior.
What is the difference between the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?
The National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) is a roughly 23.4 million acre area of Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It lies in northwest Alaska and borders both the Chukchi Sea to the west and the Beaufort Sea to the north. The NPR-A was originally established in 1923 as a petroleum reserve for the U.S. Navy, then transferred to the Department of the Interior in 1976. The...
How many walruses are in Alaska's Chukchi Sea?
In 2007, walruses began coming onshore in large numbers on the Alaska coast of the Chukchi Sea, which allowed for more accurate population counts through the use of small aerial drones, satellite tags, and calculations based on walrus behavior. The number of walruses using the U.S. side of the Chukchi Sea in autumn was estimated to be 166,000 in 2018 and 189,000 in 2019. These numbers are...
What is methane and why is it a safety concern?
Methane (a gas composed of carbon and hydrogen) is produced two ways: Through biologic decomposition of organic matter at shallow depths. Swamps, landfills, and even shallow bedrock are some settings where this occurs. Methane can also be derived over millions of years by high pressure and high temperature processes that produce fossil fuels deep underground. Examples include coal deposits and oil...