Images

Walrus reflections in the water.  Taken from a USGS research cruise in the Chukchi Sea,

Pacific walrus resting on ice in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska. This field work was part a satellite tagging expedition in the northwest Chukchi Sea to understand movement patterns, foraging behaviors of walruses and important summering habitats.

Trail made by cattle through hillside Heracleum maximum-Geranium erianthum forb meadow on Chirikof Island, Alaska.

Mowed grasses interspersed with low shrubs in coastal dunes of the Ki’i Unit in James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on Oahu, Hawaii

Ephemeral wet meadow surrounded by mowed vegetation in the Punamano Unit of the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on Oahu, Hawaii

An arctic fox on the tundra of the north slope of Alaska near a field camp of the Alaska Science Center.

A view of the inflatable boat rack on the back of the R/V Alaskan Gyre

Arctic fox depredates a nesting female white-fronted goose.  Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, USA.

White-fronted geese defend their nest from an arctic fox on the Arctic Coastal Plain in northern Alaska. June 2014, USGS photo.

White-fronted geese at their nest site while a caribou stands in the foreground on the Arctic Coastal Plain in northern Alaska. June 2014, USGS photo.

Semipalmated Sandpiper on the Arctic Coastal Plain, Alaska.

A waterfall flowing into Exit Creek

Exit Creek in front of some mountains

Tundra Swan swimming on a lake in northern Alaska.

Banded Greater White-fronted geese flying in northern Alaska.

Incubating female white-fronted goose assumes hiding posture in response to vehicular traffic while the gander stands guard.  Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, USA.

Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska, in the Chipp South area.

Historically, the coastal plain of Alaska has been characterized by cloudy or foggy conditions, with only limited summer rain. However, with increasing air temperatures, convective storms are becoming increasingly common.

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Nearly all female walruses and their young migrate north through the Bering Strait with the seasonal retreat of sea ice.  In the Chukchi Sea these walruses rest on sea ice as long as it is available.  In most recent years, beginning in 2007, sea ice has disappeared from these offshore habitats and walruses have turned to shore to rest.  USGS is studyi

Nearly all female walruses and their young migrate north through the Bering Strait with the seasonal retreat of sea ice. In the Chukchi Sea these walruses rest on sea ice as long as it is available.