Barry Arm is a Large Glacier-Permafrost-Related Landslide
USGS and its partners are monitoring potential changes and tsunami hazards
USGS and its partners are monitoring potential changes and tsunami hazards
Bees and Berries
Fact sheet discusses enhancing climate adaptation for native communities in western Alaska and more
Fact sheet discusses enhancing climate adaptation for native communities in western Alaska and more
USGS Invests Millions in Critical-Minerals Mapping in Alaska
USGS Arctic Research
The USGS and its partners are addressing important issues in a rapidly changing Arctic
The USGS and its partners are addressing important issues in a rapidly changing Arctic
Avian Influenza Research
Since 2006, the Alaska Science Center has been part of the State and Federal interagency team for the detection and response to highly pathogenic (HPAI) viruses in North America
Since 2006, the Alaska Science Center has been part of the State and Federal interagency team for the detection and response to highly pathogenic (HPAI) viruses in North America
Barry Arm Landslide and Tsunami Hazard
USGS will determine the requirements for a monitoring and/or surveillance strategy for the Barry Arm landslide
USGS will determine the requirements for a monitoring and/or surveillance strategy for the Barry Arm landslide
Alaska Region
USGS in Alaska conducts science for decision-making in five major areas: natural hazards; energy & minerals; water quality, streamflow & ice; wildlife, fish & habitat; and geospatial mapping. The Alaska Regional Office provides management and strategic coordination among the Alaska Science Center, the Volcano Science Center, & other partners operating in AK.
Alaska Science Center
Alaska Science Center
4210 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone: (907) 786-7000
Volcano Science Center
Volcano Science Center
4230 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone: (907) 786-7497
Climate Adaptation Science Center
Climate Adaptation Science Center
4230 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone: 907-301-7830
News
DOI scientists engage with Southeast Alaska Indigenous Guardians to discuss local sea otter ecology and economics
DOI scientists engage with Southeast Alaska Indigenous Guardians to discuss local sea otter ecology and economics
AquaDePTH: Merging Aquatic Disease Surveillance Data into One Useful Tool
AquaDePTH: Merging Aquatic Disease Surveillance Data into One Useful Tool
USGS Measures Glacial Flooding in Juneau, Alaska
USGS Measures Glacial Flooding in Juneau, Alaska
Publications
Investigating the role of lake environments and food chains on the transfer of mercury to lake trout Investigating the role of lake environments and food chains on the transfer of mercury to lake trout
Mercury contamination can pose threats to fish, wildlife, and people. Methylmercury, found in fish, can be particularly detrimental, especially to children. This study explores the sources and concentrations of mercury and proposes how people can become aware and limit their exposure.
Brewing change in the (glacier) percolation zone Brewing change in the (glacier) percolation zone
Alaska's glaciers are losing mass at the fastest rate of any region globally, significantly affecting both the volume and distribution of water across the landscape. Though glaciers in the Alaska region (as defined by glaciologists this includes both Alaska and portions of adjacent Canada) range from sea level to nearly 6200 m (20,320 ft), the majority of glacier area in the Alaska...
Understanding flooding and channel dynamics along the Taiya River: Providing context for resource management Understanding flooding and channel dynamics along the Taiya River: Providing context for resource management
Flooding and channel change in the Taiya River Basin in recent decades have directly affected park infrastructure and cultural resources. The complexities of flooding and channel change are compounded by the changing sediment and flow regime from a changing climate and shrinking glaciers, which will continue to drive dynamic riverine change. Streamflow data and geomorphic interpretation...
Science
Mass Balance Methods: Measuring Glacier Change
Nearly all of Earth's alpine glaciers are losing mass, with consequences for freshwater resources, landscape stability, regional ecosystems, and global sea level. Rates of glacier mass loss in Western North America and Alaska are among the highest on Earth (The GlaMBIE Team, 2025).
Additional Research Glaciers
The USGS Glacier Project has conducted research beyond the Benchmark Glaciers, both past and present. This work has focused on infrastructure hazards, rapid glacier change, landscape destabilization, and glacier dynamics and processes not captured by the Benchmark Glacier network. These glaciers include Black Rapids, Kahiltna, Kennicott, Columbia, Hubbard, and Taku.
Gulkana Glacier
Gulkana Glacier is located in the high-latitude continental climate regime of Alaska’s Delta Mountains. Glacier observations began at this site in 1966 and continue through present as the northern most USGS Benchmark Glacier.