Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Images

Browse images from a wide range of science topics covered by USGS. All items in this gallery are considered public domain unless otherwise noted.

Filter Total Items: 1509
White metal sign with red title: Earthquake Warning and blue text with two screws attaching sign to beige brick wall.
Signage
Signage
Signage

Sign along a wall adjacent to a parking lot in downtown Anchorage warn motorists and passersby about the hazard presented by unreinforced masonry walls. 

Sign along a wall adjacent to a parking lot in downtown Anchorage warn motorists and passersby about the hazard presented by unreinforced masonry walls. 

Drone in air against blue sky, scattered clouds, ocean water near beach shore. Large case on ground grass in background.
USGS flying drone
USGS flying drone
USGS flying drone

USGS is flying drones for science, small uncrewed areal systems (sUAS), to surveys walruses when they rest on shore. The sUAS makes minimal sound due it is broad wing and is flown high above the walrus herds to enables survey data collection with minimal risk to walruses.

USGS is flying drones for science, small uncrewed areal systems (sUAS), to surveys walruses when they rest on shore. The sUAS makes minimal sound due it is broad wing and is flown high above the walrus herds to enables survey data collection with minimal risk to walruses.

Two dead walrus on beach, two people on right walking towards walrus to collect samples. One person has 5-gallon bucket.
Two adult walrus carcasses
Two adult walrus carcasses
Two adult walrus carcasses

Two adult walrus carcasses on the beach observed during the summer after a large group of walruses had rested on shore.  USGS is collaborating with the North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management to screen walruses for wildlife diseases and algal toxins.  The University of Alaska Fairbanks is collaborating with USGS to validate drone survey metho

Two adult walrus carcasses on the beach observed during the summer after a large group of walruses had rested on shore.  USGS is collaborating with the North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management to screen walruses for wildlife diseases and algal toxins.  The University of Alaska Fairbanks is collaborating with USGS to validate drone survey metho

One black Orca shows dorsal fin with white saddle patch. The other is coming up for air as water splashes between them.
The Salmon Specialists
The Salmon Specialists
The Salmon Specialists

Orcas (Orcinus orca) of the AD8 pod search for schools of salmon in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.

Orcas (Orcinus orca) of the AD8 pod search for schools of salmon in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.

Close up of a large Orca dorsal fin with notch and saddle patch on body. Water surface broken by dive. Green cliffs in back.
Male Orca AD37, "Brit" taking a Dive
Male Orca AD37, "Brit" taking a Dive
Male Orca AD37, "Brit" taking a Dive

Male orca (Orcinus orca) AD37 "Brit" of pod AD8, swims next to a scientific research skiff in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.

Male orca (Orcinus orca) AD37 "Brit" of pod AD8, swims next to a scientific research skiff in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.

Looking at back side of large dorsal fin of black Orca whale moving through the ocean water. Mist from blowhole visible.
Male Orca AD37, "Brit"
Male Orca AD37, "Brit"
Male Orca AD37, "Brit"

Male orca (Orcinus orca) AD37 "Brit" of pod AD8, swims in front of a scientific research skiff in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.

Male orca (Orcinus orca) AD37 "Brit" of pod AD8, swims in front of a scientific research skiff in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.

Blue mussels and yellowish white barnacles attached to rocks at low tide.
Mussels in the Rocky Intertidal
Mussels in the Rocky Intertidal
Mussels in the Rocky Intertidal

A cluster of mussels (Mytilus spp.) and barnacles at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of mussel size and density allows scientists to quantify change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.

A cluster of mussels (Mytilus spp.) and barnacles at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of mussel size and density allows scientists to quantify change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.

Rocks at low tide covered with brown algae, blue mussels and white barnacles also known as "sticky little crustaceans."
Fucus in the Rocky Intertidal
Fucus in the Rocky Intertidal
Fucus in the Rocky Intertidal

A cluster of fucus (Fucus distichus) mussels (Mytilus spp.) and barnacles at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae is used to quantitatively assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.

A cluster of fucus (Fucus distichus) mussels (Mytilus spp.) and barnacles at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae is used to quantitatively assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.

Women in blue hat, yellow vest, orange pants holding a computer collecting data. She is standing on rocks at low tide.
Monitoring Rocky Intertidal Communities
Monitoring Rocky Intertidal Communities
Monitoring Rocky Intertidal Communities

A USGS scientist collects information on intertidal communities during low tide at Takli Island. The purpose of the collection is to estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae to assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.

A USGS scientist collects information on intertidal communities during low tide at Takli Island. The purpose of the collection is to estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae to assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.

A SeaStar aka "Starfish" in the intertidal zone by leafy kelp blades. It is orange red in color with five arms.
A Splash of Color in the Rocky Intertidal
A Splash of Color in the Rocky Intertidal
A Splash of Color in the Rocky Intertidal

A bright red Pacific blood star (Henricia leviuscula) rests among the algae, barnacles, and limpets at low tide in Kalfia Bay. Beginning in 2014, a marine heat wave prompted the spread of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome throughout the Gulf of Alaska region.

A bright red Pacific blood star (Henricia leviuscula) rests among the algae, barnacles, and limpets at low tide in Kalfia Bay. Beginning in 2014, a marine heat wave prompted the spread of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome throughout the Gulf of Alaska region.

rocks, barnacles, and green, yellowish and red algae at low tide in Alaska.
Rocky Intertidal Coastline
Rocky Intertidal Coastline
Rocky Intertidal Coastline

A typical rocky intertidal monitoring site within Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae is used to quantitatively assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.

A typical rocky intertidal monitoring site within Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae is used to quantitatively assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.

Brown Sea star aka "starfish" on rocks at low tide surrounded by kelp, barnacles, and limpets.
Return of the Sea Star
Return of the Sea Star
Return of the Sea Star

A mottled sea star (Evasterias troschelii) rests among the algae, barnacles, and limpets at low tide in Kalfia Bay. Beginning in 2014, a marine heat wave prompted the spread of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome throughout the Gulf of Alaska region. The symptoms of the syndrome included twisted arms, white lesions, deflated arms, arm loss, and body disintegration.

A mottled sea star (Evasterias troschelii) rests among the algae, barnacles, and limpets at low tide in Kalfia Bay. Beginning in 2014, a marine heat wave prompted the spread of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome throughout the Gulf of Alaska region. The symptoms of the syndrome included twisted arms, white lesions, deflated arms, arm loss, and body disintegration.

Two chitons on rocks in intertidal zone surrounded by barnacles. Football-shaped with black leathery 8 plates in middle.
Chitons of the Rocky Intertidal
Chitons of the Rocky Intertidal
Chitons of the Rocky Intertidal

A pair of Black Katy Chiton (Katharina tunicate) at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of chiton density allows scientists to quantify change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.

A pair of Black Katy Chiton (Katharina tunicate) at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of chiton density allows scientists to quantify change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.

Mature Bald Eagle flying over water. Wings spread, white tail and head, yellow bill and talons.
Easy Opportunity for Bald Eagles
Easy Opportunity for Bald Eagles
Easy Opportunity for Bald Eagles

Katmai National Park and Preserve supports a large population of Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). In summer, eagles are commonly observed scavenging on fish carcasses along beaches and streams.

Katmai National Park and Preserve supports a large population of Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). In summer, eagles are commonly observed scavenging on fish carcasses along beaches and streams.

Brown bear on rocks coming out of stream. Water is dripping from legs and belly. Head is dry.
Drip Dry for Katmai Brown Bears
Drip Dry for Katmai Brown Bears
Drip Dry for Katmai Brown Bears

Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to over 2,200 brown bears (Ursus arctos). Bears that live along the Katmai coast are known to swim several miles across the ocean in search of marine mammal carcasses, marine invertebrates, and beach grasses. 

Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to over 2,200 brown bears (Ursus arctos). Bears that live along the Katmai coast are known to swim several miles across the ocean in search of marine mammal carcasses, marine invertebrates, and beach grasses. 

Dead bird on sandy beach with small driftwood, rocks and algae scattered around. Skull and feathers are visible.
A "Wreck" of Seabirds
A "Wreck" of Seabirds
A "Wreck" of Seabirds

A Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) carcass lies on the beach of Hallo Bay. Since the massive die-off of Common Murres in the Gulf of Alaska during 2015-2016, coastal communities across Alaska have annually reported dead and dying seabirds on their beaches.

A Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) carcass lies on the beach of Hallo Bay. Since the massive die-off of Common Murres in the Gulf of Alaska during 2015-2016, coastal communities across Alaska have annually reported dead and dying seabirds on their beaches.

Scientist in orange clothing on rocky shoreline. Skiff in water with male on board with green jacket. Mountains and blue sky.
Beach Walks on Nukshak Island
Beach Walks on Nukshak Island
Beach Walks on Nukshak Island

A crew of scientists walk the rocky beaches of Nukshak Island in Katmai National Park and Preserve looking for sea otter carcasses and skulls.

A crew of scientists walk the rocky beaches of Nukshak Island in Katmai National Park and Preserve looking for sea otter carcasses and skulls.

Flyer with walrus, drone, and satellite images describing field research with dates and QR code for an Alaska community.
Community Flyer for USGS Walrus Carcass Surveys
Community Flyer for USGS Walrus Carcass Surveys
Community Flyer for USGS Walrus Carcass Surveys

This is a community flyer for distribution in Point Lay, Alaska, to alert community members of USGS activities in the area. A collaborative team of USGS, the North Slope Borough, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Point Lay residents will assist in surveys of walrus carcasses at a remote coastal haulout that has been used by hundreds of thousands of walruses e

This is a community flyer for distribution in Point Lay, Alaska, to alert community members of USGS activities in the area. A collaborative team of USGS, the North Slope Borough, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Point Lay residents will assist in surveys of walrus carcasses at a remote coastal haulout that has been used by hundreds of thousands of walruses e

Brown Bear next to stream with lush green vegetation including ferns and grasses. Bear's tongue is sticking out.
A Salad for Katmai's Brown Bears
A Salad for Katmai's Brown Bears
A Salad for Katmai's Brown Bears

Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to over 2,200 brown bears (Ursus arctos). Brown bears are omnivores that frequently "graze" in meadows along the Katmai coast until the salmon runs start in late July.  

Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to over 2,200 brown bears (Ursus arctos). Brown bears are omnivores that frequently "graze" in meadows along the Katmai coast until the salmon runs start in late July.  

Young chick camouflaged as it lays low among gray/white rocks. Feathers blend in, only color is light orange and black bill.
Hide-and-Seek with Black Oystercatchers
Hide-and-Seek with Black Oystercatchers
Hide-and-Seek with Black Oystercatchers

A Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) chick hides in a rock crevice on one of the Shakun Islets of Katmai National Park and Preserve. Unlike their name suggests, Black Oystercatchers rarely consume oysters, but rather intertidal marine invertebrates such as limpets, whelks and chitons, as well as crabs, sea urchins, barnacles, and isopods.

A Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) chick hides in a rock crevice on one of the Shakun Islets of Katmai National Park and Preserve. Unlike their name suggests, Black Oystercatchers rarely consume oysters, but rather intertidal marine invertebrates such as limpets, whelks and chitons, as well as crabs, sea urchins, barnacles, and isopods.

Pelagic Cormorants on nest on rocky cliffs with white guano. Male has purple and green feathers, white patch lower left side.
Pelagic Cormorants of the St. Matthew Grotto
Pelagic Cormorants of the St. Matthew Grotto
Pelagic Cormorants of the St. Matthew Grotto

Pair of Pelagic Cormorant (Urile pelagicus) nest along the sea cliffs of a grotto on St. Matthew Island. The island is home to over 1.6 million nesting seabirds, including murres, kittiwakes, puffins and auklets. 

Pair of Pelagic Cormorant (Urile pelagicus) nest along the sea cliffs of a grotto on St. Matthew Island. The island is home to over 1.6 million nesting seabirds, including murres, kittiwakes, puffins and auklets. 

Was this page helpful?