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Ocean

Learn how USGS science contributes to knowledge on ocean processes, resources, hazards, and more

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New Advanced Methods used to Estimate the Regional Walrus Abundance in the Chukchi Sea

Using survey drones in combination with behavior logs from walruses tracked with satellite tags

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Marine Biology and Ecosystems

Learn more about USGS science on oceans and coastlines from the Atlantic to the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico

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Capelin Are Spawning on Beaches Around Alaska

Your observations are needed

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Glaciers and Climate Project

This flagship research effort is a multi-glacier, decades-long study of glacier-climate response

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Climate

Learn more about climate change, its impacts, and USGS climate science

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USGS Alaska Q&A Series

Learn about USGS science through a series of Questions and Answers (Q&As)

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Alaska Science Center

The mission of the Alaska Science Center is to provide objective and timely data, information, and research findings about the earth and its flora and fauna to Federal, State, and local resource managers and the public to support sound decisions regarding natural resources, natural hazards, and ecosystems in Alaska and circumpolar regions. We have offices in Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks. 

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In the Spotlight

Aerial view of the edge of a large walrus haulout on the northwestern shores of Alaska

The Pacific walrus is a species of conservation concern and cultural significance for Alaska and Chukotka Native People. USGS has advanced methods to estimate regional walrus abundance by using survey drones in combination with behavior logs from walruses tracked with satellite tags. See new FAQ about walrus on the Alaska coast of the Chukchi Sea. 

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Current Water Conditions

Alaska view on the National Water Dashboard

Explore real-time Alaska streamflow, groundwater, and water-quality conditions and access data with our new interactive map application.

Current Conditions

ASC Quick Links

News

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USGS Benchmark Glacier Research Project glaciology experts in news articles and videos

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Wanted: Information about capelin spawning on beaches in Alaska

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Bird Bands and the Public Help Researchers Better Understand Alaskan Bird Populations

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Publications

Evaluating the efficacy of aerial infrared surveys to detect artificial polar bear dens

The need to balance economic development with impacts to Arctic wildlife has been a prominent subject since petroleum exploration began on the North Slope of Alaska, USA, in the late 1950s. The North Slope region includes polar bears (Ursus maritimus) of the southern Beaufort Sea subpopulation, which has experienced a long-term decline in abundance. Pregnant polar bears dig dens in snow drifts dur
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Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic deposition of quartz arenites across southern Laurentia

Supermature siliciclastic sequences were deposited between 1.64 Ga and 1.59 Ga over a broad swath of southern Laurentia in the Archean, Penokean, Yavapai, and Mazatzal Provinces. These siliciclastic sequences are notable for their extreme mineralogical and chemical maturity, being devoid of detrital feldspar and ferromagnesian minerals, containing the clay mineral kaolinite (or its metamorphic equ
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Alaska Science Center

Prioritizing habitats based on abundance and distribution of molting waterfowl in the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area of the National Petroleum Reserve, Alaska

The National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A) encompasses more than 9.5 million hectares of federally managed land on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska, where it supports a diversity of wildlife, including millions of migratory birds. Within the NPR-A, Teshekpuk Lake and the surrounding area provide important habitat for migratory birds and this area has been designated by the Bureau
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Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center
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Science

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Male Long-tailed Duck in the water

Tracking Data for Long-tailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis)

Available here are tracking data of long-tailed duck, a species of seaduck that breeds throughout the circumpolar Arctic and spends the winter in coastal areas of northern and mid latitudes. These data were collected to determine range-wide migratory routes, migratory timing, and stopover habitats of this species.
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Alaska Science Center
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Tracking Data for Long-tailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis)

Available here are tracking data of long-tailed duck, a species of seaduck that breeds throughout the circumpolar Arctic and spends the winter in coastal areas of northern and mid latitudes. These data were collected to determine range-wide migratory routes, migratory timing, and stopover habitats of this species.
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Common Murre on the water in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Use and History of the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD)

Data on the distribution and abundance of seabirds at sea have been used for many decades to assist in understanding the marine ecology of seabirds away from their breeding colonies, measure population status and trends, assess the impact of human activities on ocean habitats and fish stocks, and to identify critical marine habitats for seabirds.
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Alaska Science Center
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Use and History of the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD)

Data on the distribution and abundance of seabirds at sea have been used for many decades to assist in understanding the marine ecology of seabirds away from their breeding colonies, measure population status and trends, assess the impact of human activities on ocean habitats and fish stocks, and to identify critical marine habitats for seabirds.
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South Cascade Glacier, northwestern Washington State

Glaciers and Climate Project

Mountain glaciers are dynamic reservoirs of frozen water closely coupled to ecosystems and climate. Glacier change in North America has major socioeconomic impacts, including global sea level change, tourism disruption, natural hazard risk, fishery effects, and water resource alteration. Understanding and quantifying precise connections between glaciers and climate is critical to decision makers...
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Climate Research and Development Program, Alaska Science Center
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Glaciers and Climate Project

Mountain glaciers are dynamic reservoirs of frozen water closely coupled to ecosystems and climate. Glacier change in North America has major socioeconomic impacts, including global sea level change, tourism disruption, natural hazard risk, fishery effects, and water resource alteration. Understanding and quantifying precise connections between glaciers and climate is critical to decision makers...
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