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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

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI): An emerging disease threat in North America

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is an ecologically and economically significant avian disease that is quickly spreading among wild and domestic birds throughout North America. In this blog post, we provide information and resources that can help you to be informed, be prepared, and be ready to take appropriate action should you observe wild birds that may be affected by HPAI.
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Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Regional walrus abundance estimate in the United States Chukchi Sea in autumn

Human activities (e.g., shipping, tourism, oil, gas development) have increased in the Chukchi Sea because of declining sea ice. The declining sea ice itself and these activities may affect Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) abundance; however, previous walrus abundance estimates have been notably imprecise. When sea ice is absent from the eastern Chukchi Sea, walruses in waters of the U
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Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Fish ear stones offer climate change clues in Alaska's lakes

Otoliths, also known as ear stones, are small body parts that help fish with hearing and balance. Like tree rings, otoliths form one light and one dark band per year, creating rings. These rings can be measured to understand fish growth. The wider the ring, the greater the growth. In our study, we used otoliths to understand how one fish species—lake trout—responds to rising temperature in the sta
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Alaska Science Center
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Science

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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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Eelgrass in Kinzarof Lagoon

Eelgrass

Eelgrass is the predominant aquatic plant within embayments of southwestern Alaska and provides an important habitat for birds, fish, and invertebrates. The USGS has conducted extensive research on the status, trends, and use of eelgrass by migratory birds in southwestern Alaska primarily at the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.
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Alaska Science Center
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Eelgrass

Eelgrass is the predominant aquatic plant within embayments of southwestern Alaska and provides an important habitat for birds, fish, and invertebrates. The USGS has conducted extensive research on the status, trends, and use of eelgrass by migratory birds in southwestern Alaska primarily at the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.
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