The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami occurred on March 27th
The leap in scientific understanding led to earth science research worldwide
The leap in scientific understanding led to earth science research worldwide
Environmental Occurrence of Avian Influenza Virus Relative to Bait Trapping of Waterfowl
Study finds that bait trapping was associated with localized increases in avian influenza virus
Study finds that bait trapping was associated with localized increases in avian influenza virus
Anchor River at Anchor Point
USGS has 24 river webcams in AK. Here is one river's data, photos, and timelapse video.
USGS has 24 river webcams in AK. Here is one river's data, photos, and timelapse video.
Q&A: New Drone-Based Method Helps Monitor Walrus Health
Like you going to the doctor’s office - USGS is doing this with walruses!
Like you going to the doctor’s office - USGS is doing this with walruses!
Collecting High-Resolution Geophysical Data Focused on Areas with Potential for Critical Mineral Resources in Alaska
Rusting Rivers Videos
Orange streams are increasingly common in the Brooks Range of northern Alaska
Orange streams are increasingly common in the Brooks Range of northern Alaska
Alaska Forage Fish Database (AFFD)
A powerful tool for examining trends and distribution of forage fish across large marine ecosystems of the North Pacific and the Arctic
A powerful tool for examining trends and distribution of forage fish across large marine ecosystems of the North Pacific and the Arctic
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.
In the Spotlight
In the Spotlight
Seabirds and Forage Fish Ecology
Alaska's coastal and offshore waters provide foraging habitat for an estimated 100 million birds comprising more than 90 different species. Seabirds serve as practical indicators of change in the marine environment. We study population biology and feeding ecology of a variety of seabird species, including threatened and endangered species.
Current Water Conditions
Current Water Conditions
Explore real-time Alaska streamflow, groundwater, and water-quality conditions and access data with our new interactive map application.
News
Shorebirds and Roads: How Human-altered Landscapes Influence Shorebird Movements in Alaska
Shorebirds and Roads: How Human-altered Landscapes Influence Shorebird Movements in Alaska
Sixty-seven years and still digging! A brief history of the USGS Benchmark Glacier Project
Sixty-seven years and still digging! A brief history of the USGS Benchmark Glacier Project
Alaska Science Center Newsletter – 2024 Yearly Review
Alaska Science Center Newsletter – 2024 Yearly Review
Publications
Exposure of wild mammals inhabiting Alaska to influenza A(H5N1) virus
Serum samples from wild mammals inhabiting Alaska, USA, showed that 4 species, including Ursus arctos bears and Vulpes vulpes foxes, were exposed to influenza A(H5N1) viruses. Results indicated some mammals in Alaska survived H5N1 virus infection. Surveillance efforts may be improved by incorporating information on susceptibility and detectable immune responses among wild mammals.
Delineating ecologically-distinct groups for annual cycle management of a declining shorebird
1. Patterns of migratory connectivity are increasingly used to understand and manage threats throughout the annual cycle of migratory species. Strong migratory connectivity refers to when individuals from different populations remain spatially separated across the annual cycle, which may expose populations to unique sets of threats and conditions that cause differential population trends...
Measuring polar bear health using allostatic load
The southern Beaufort Sea polar bear sub-population (Ursus maritimus) has been adversely affected by climate change and loss of sea ice habitat. Even though the sub-population is likely decreasing, it remains difficult to link individual polar bear health and physiological change to sub-population effects. We developed an index of allostatic load, which represents potential physiological...
Science
Detecting Long-term Changes in Forage Fish Populations in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Forage fish are small pelagic schooling fish that play a key role in transferring energy between plankton and top marine predators. Many seabirds, marine mammals, and commercial fish species depend on forage fish to grow and survive.
Q&A: The Role of USGS Ecosystems Science in Alaska
The USGS is the science arm of the Department of the Interior (DOI) with a mission to provide timely and impartial science information to decision-makers, industry, and others. Topics of USGS research and monitoring in Alaska include Ecosystems, Energy and Minerals, Geology, Water Resources, and Natural Hazards. At the Ecosystems Office of the USGS Alaska Science Center, research and monitoring...
Flood Frequency Data Collection for Alaska and Conterminous Drainage Basins in Canada
Estimates of the magnitude and frequency of floods are needed for engineering design of transportation and water-conveyance structures, flood-insurance studies, flood-plain management, and other water-resource purposes. In 2016, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated flood frequency and magnitude for selected streamgages in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada and developed methods for...