Images

Arctic primrose are native to the alpine regions of Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Far Eastern Russia. On St. Matthew Island, these flowers are typically observed on moist alpine slopes where snow remains long into the summer months. The flower was observed while conducting McKay's Bunting and Rock Sandpiper distance-sampling surveys on St.

The Pribilof Rock Sandpiper (Calidris ptilocnemis ptilocnemis) is endemic to the Bering Sea Region and only breeds on the islands of St. Matthew, Hall, St. Paul, and St. George. The Rock Sandpiper is one of two focal species monitored as part of a long-term population study led by USGS Alaska Science Center, U.S.

The McKay's Bunting (Plectrophenax hyperboreus) is endemic to the Bering Sea Region and only breeds on St. Matthew and Hall islands. Designated as a species of high conservation concern due to its small population size, surveys show that the species has continued to decline since the initial survey effort in 2003.
 

A pair of skiffs sit atop the R/V Tiglax on a cold summer morning in the Bering Sea. It is not uncommon for snow showers any time of the year in the Bering Sea region, however, this particular visit to St. Matthew proved to be extra chilly, as it never reaches over 40 degrees Fahrenheit into mid-June.

During the summer months on St. Matthew Island the sun never truly sets. The amber hues on the horizon serve as the perfect backdrop to a long, yet successful, day conducting Rock Sandpiper and McKay's Bunting distance-sampling surveys. The sunset photo was taken at 12:10am.

The St. Matthew Island LORAN station began operation by the Coast Guard on July 10, 1944. The station closed on September 13, 1946. Although equipment was removed from the island a few years after the station was closed, large and heavy objects were left behind, including this toilet, which stands in nearly pristine condition.

In August of 1944, 29 Nunivak Island reindeer were transported to St. Matthew Island via barge as a free-range food source for the Coast Guard officials that maintained the long-range navigation site (Loran) during World War II. At the peak, 6,000 reindeer roamed the island at a density of 47 animals per square mile.

Orange streams are increasingly common in the Brooks Range of northern Alaska. The orange stream color reflects oxidized iron, but also often indicates elevated heavy metal concentrations. Our ongoing study aims to document these occurrences and the timing of their onset.

Cape Upright is located on the southeasternmost point of St. Matthew Island and is comprised of rocky tundra and towering cliffs that reach over 1,000 feet. The point was named by Captain James Cook on July 29, 1778. This view was observed while conducting McKay's Bunting and Rock Sandpiper distance-sampling surveys on St. Matthew Island.

This map shows all available marine bird survey data from the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD) around St.

Installation of a post-hole seismometer. This is part of a USGS effort, in collaboration with partners from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ocean Bottom Seismic Instrument Center, to create a record of past earthquakes from Skilak Lake on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska.

Peter Haeussler (USGS), Brian Andrews (USGS), Hannah Brewer (WHOI), and Tim Kane (WHOI) prepare to launch the OBS float rig at the Upper Skilak Campground Boat Ramp. R/V Lutris (background) was used to tow the rig to the deployment sites.

Peter Haeussler (USGS), Brian Andrews (USGS), Hannah Brewer (WHOI), Rob Witter (USGS), and Tim Kane (WHOI) prepare to launch the OBS float rig at the Upper Skilak Campground Boat Ramp. R/V Lutris (background) was used to tow the rig to the deployment sites.

Pulling in R/V Lutris on Skilak Lake, Alaska. This is part of a USGS effort, in collaboration with partners from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ocean Bottom Seismic Instrument Center, to create a record of past earthquakes from Skilak Lake on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska.

Peter Haeussler (USGS), Brian Andrews (USGS), Hannah Brewer (WHOI), Rob Witter (USGS) and Tim Kane (WHOI) prepare to launch the OBS float rig at the Upper Skilak Campground Boat Ramp. R/V Lutris (background) was used to tow the rig to the deployment sites.

Tim Kane (WHOI) on the float rig supporting the OBS on Skilak Lake, Alaska. This is part of a USGS effort, in collaboration with partners from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ocean Bottom Seismic Instrument Center, to create a record of past earthquakes from Skilak Lake on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska.

Skilak Lake, Alaska. A team of USGS scientists, in collaboration with partners from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ocean Bottom Seismic Instrument Center, are aiming to create a record of past earthquakes from Skilak Lake on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska.

Brian Andrews (USGS), Nathan Miller (USGS), and Rob Witter (USGS) installing post-hole seismometers and attaching a station box containing electronics and batteries.

The float rig supporting the OBS is towed to the deployment site on Skilak Lake. Hannah Brewer (WHOI) is on board. This is part of a USGS effort, in collaboration with partners from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ocean Bottom Seismic Instrument Center, to create a record of past earthquakes from Skilak Lake on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska.

The R/V Lutris on Skilak Lake, Alaska. A team of USGS scientists, in collaboration with partners from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ocean Bottom Seismic Instrument Center, are aiming to create a record of past earthquakes from Skilak Lake on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska.

Skilak Lake, Alaska. A team of USGS scientists, in collaboration with partners from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ocean Bottom Seismic Instrument Center, are aiming to create a record of past earthquakes from Skilak Lake on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska.