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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: 1585
Landscape of Icy Cape with biologist sitting on small hill looking towards water and sky.
landscape 5 of Icy Cape, Alaska
landscape 5 of Icy Cape, Alaska
landscape 5 of Icy Cape, Alaska

1980 photo of biologist sitting on land at Icy Cape Alaska. Icy Cape is part of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) on the Arctic Coastal Plain. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

1980 photo of biologist sitting on land at Icy Cape Alaska. Icy Cape is part of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) on the Arctic Coastal Plain. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Biologist holding a long-tailed Jaeger chick in right hand to measure bird. Binoculars around neck, dressed for cold weather.
Biologist measuring long-tailed Jaeger chick, Alaska
Biologist measuring long-tailed Jaeger chick, Alaska
Biologist measuring long-tailed Jaeger chick, Alaska

Biologist measuring long-tailed Jaeger chick at study site at Icy Cape Alaska. Icy Cape is part of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) on the Arctic Coastal Plain. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Biologist measuring long-tailed Jaeger chick at study site at Icy Cape Alaska. Icy Cape is part of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) on the Arctic Coastal Plain. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Biologist holding lemming in hand at study site at Icy Cape, AK. Biologist hand is covered with brown glove.
Lemming, Icy Cape, Alaska
Lemming, Icy Cape, Alaska
Lemming, Icy Cape, Alaska

Biologist holding lemming. Photo taken at Icy Cape study site. Icy Cape is part of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) on the Arctic Coastal Plain. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Biologist holding lemming. Photo taken at Icy Cape study site. Icy Cape is part of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) on the Arctic Coastal Plain. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Bairds Sandpiper nest at Point Storkersen Alaska. Study plot on tundra, white string square around nest, ruler and compass.
Bairds Sandpiper nest at Point Storkersen, Alaska
Bairds Sandpiper nest at Point Storkersen, Alaska
Bairds Sandpiper nest at Point Storkersen, Alaska

Collecting habitat information at a Baird's Sandpiper nest study site at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Collecting habitat information at a Baird's Sandpiper nest study site at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Caribou grazing on the tundra at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska. Yellow flowers are in bloom.
Caribou on the tundra at Point Storkersen, Alaska
Caribou on the tundra at Point Storkersen, Alaska
Caribou on the tundra at Point Storkersen, Alaska

Caribou on the tundra at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Caribou on the tundra at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

photo of moss campion in bloom with pink flowers. Also know as cushion pink, is a small mountain-dwelling wildflower.
Blooming moss campion at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska
Blooming moss campion at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska
Blooming moss campion at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska

Photo of moss campion flowering at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska. Moss campion or cushion pink, is a small mountain-dwelling wildflower that is common all over the high arctic and tundra. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Photo of moss campion flowering at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska. Moss campion or cushion pink, is a small mountain-dwelling wildflower that is common all over the high arctic and tundra. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Biologist holding Buff-breasted Sandpiper chick. Chick's right leg (one red color ban), left leg (red top and white band)
Banded Buff-breasted Sandpiper chick at Point Storkersen, Alaska
Banded Buff-breasted Sandpiper chick at Point Storkersen, Alaska
Banded Buff-breasted Sandpiper chick at Point Storkersen, Alaska

Banded Buff-breasted Sandpiper chick at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Banded Buff-breasted Sandpiper chick at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper chick with wing spread in the hand of a scientist. They are examining the body condition of the chick
Scientist examining the body condition of a Buff-breasted Sandpiper chick
Scientist examining the body condition of a Buff-breasted Sandpiper chick
Scientist examining the body condition of a Buff-breasted Sandpiper chick

Shorebird nests and broods were monitored daily as part of a long-term study to determine reproductive success of multiple species. The tundra habitat around Pt. Storkersen supports a diversity of shorebird and waterfowl species.

Shorebird nests and broods were monitored daily as part of a long-term study to determine reproductive success of multiple species. The tundra habitat around Pt. Storkersen supports a diversity of shorebird and waterfowl species.

Northwest Island Lake. Part of the Teshekpuk Lake Special Management Area located in the NPR-A in Alaska
Northwest Island Lake, Alaska
Northwest Island Lake, Alaska
Northwest Island Lake, Alaska

Northwest Island Lake located in the Teshekpuk Lake Special Management Area of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) on the Arctic Coastal Plain. This area provides important habitat for migratory birds. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Northwest Island Lake located in the Teshekpuk Lake Special Management Area of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) on the Arctic Coastal Plain. This area provides important habitat for migratory birds. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Two Arctic foxes on the tundra at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska.
Arctic Foxes on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska
Arctic Foxes on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska
Arctic Foxes on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska

Two Arctic Foxes at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

Two Arctic Foxes at Point Storkersen on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska. This was one of many study site locations of waterbird-oriented ecosystem studies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska from 1974-1992.

A flock of waterfowl flying over Izembek Lagoon on the outskirts of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge on the Alaska Peninsula.
A flock of waterfowl flying over Izembek Lagoon
A flock of waterfowl flying over Izembek Lagoon
A flock of waterfowl flying over Izembek Lagoon

A flock of waterfowl flying over Izembek Lagoon on the outskirts of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge on the Alaska Peninsula. Scientists observed the response of Black Brant and other geese to the disturbance of aircraft overflights during a long-term study in the 1980s.

A flock of waterfowl flying over Izembek Lagoon on the outskirts of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge on the Alaska Peninsula. Scientists observed the response of Black Brant and other geese to the disturbance of aircraft overflights during a long-term study in the 1980s.

Repeat oblique photographs of Gulkana glaciers in Alaska.
Repeat oblique photographs of Gulkana glaciers in Alaska.
Repeat oblique photographs of Gulkana glaciers in Alaska.
Repeat oblique photographs of Wolverine glacier in Alaska.
Repeat oblique photographs of Wolverine glacier in Alaska.
Repeat oblique photographs of Wolverine glacier in Alaska.
Repeat oblique photographs of Wolverine glacier in Alaska.

Repeat oblique photographs of Wolverine glacier in Alaska.  1966 image by unknown USGS photographer; 2015 image by L. Sass, USGS.

Air traffic control tower on concrete footing, 5 white sides, tinted windows at top with antennae. Trucks, cars on ground.
New control tower for Anchorage International Airport
New control tower for Anchorage International Airport
New control tower for Anchorage International Airport

Album caption: New control tower for Anchorage International Airport, built by Federal Aviation Agency at a cost of \$850,000. One of the first of the new 0-type towers in the nation, it was operational by February, 1965. Anchorage district, Cook Inlet region, Alaska. n.d. (Photo by Federal Aviation Agency).

Album caption: New control tower for Anchorage International Airport, built by Federal Aviation Agency at a cost of \$850,000. One of the first of the new 0-type towers in the nation, it was operational by February, 1965. Anchorage district, Cook Inlet region, Alaska. n.d. (Photo by Federal Aviation Agency).

Uplifted sea floor. Gently sloping flat rocky surface with the white coating which lies between the cliffs and the water.
Uplifted sea floor at Cape Cleare, Montague Island, Prince William Sound
Uplifted sea floor at Cape Cleare, Montague Island, Prince William Sound
Uplifted sea floor at Cape Cleare, Montague Island, Prince William Sound

Uplifted sea floor at Cape Cleare, Montague Island, Prince William Sound, in the area of greatest recorded tectonic uplift on land (33 feet). The very gently sloping flat rocky surface with the white coating which lies between the cliffs and the water is about a quarter of a mile wide. It is a wave-cut surface that was below sea level before the earthquake.

Uplifted sea floor at Cape Cleare, Montague Island, Prince William Sound, in the area of greatest recorded tectonic uplift on land (33 feet). The very gently sloping flat rocky surface with the white coating which lies between the cliffs and the water is about a quarter of a mile wide. It is a wave-cut surface that was below sea level before the earthquake.

Photo of dock on Hinchinbrook Island after the 1964 earthquake. Shows exposed rocks under the dock.
Uplifted dock on Hinchinbrook Island, Alaska
Uplifted dock on Hinchinbrook Island, Alaska
Uplifted dock on Hinchinbrook Island, Alaska

During the earthquake fundamental changes in the level of the earth's crust occurred in south-central Alaska and adjacent off­ shore areas. Uplifted dock on Hinchinbrook Island, Prince William Sound. Land in this area rose about 8 feet during the earthquake, and the dock can now be used only at extremely high tides. 

During the earthquake fundamental changes in the level of the earth's crust occurred in south-central Alaska and adjacent off­ shore areas. Uplifted dock on Hinchinbrook Island, Prince William Sound. Land in this area rose about 8 feet during the earthquake, and the dock can now be used only at extremely high tides. 

Mountain side with trees and snow. Snow avalanche down the mountain covers railroad tracks.
Earthquake­ triggered avalanche
Earthquake­ triggered avalanche
Earthquake­ triggered avalanche

At many places along the mountain front bordering Turnagain Arm, earthquake­ triggered avalanches buried the Seward Highway and the main line of The Alaska Railroad. In this slide the railroad is on top of the embankment at the foot of the mountain; "the highway is at the foot of the embankment, at the edge of the mud flats.

At many places along the mountain front bordering Turnagain Arm, earthquake­ triggered avalanches buried the Seward Highway and the main line of The Alaska Railroad. In this slide the railroad is on top of the embankment at the foot of the mountain; "the highway is at the foot of the embankment, at the edge of the mud flats.

Water on right and muddy shoreline with piles of railroad cars, barrels, and broken railroad tracks. Mountains to left.
Seward waterfront damage
Seward waterfront damage
Seward waterfront damage

The waterfront at Seward a few months after the earthquake, looking north. Note the "scalloped" shoreline left by the underwater landslides, the severed tracks in the railroad yard which dangle over the landslide scarp, and the windrow-like heaps of railroad cars and other debris thrown up by the tsunami waves.

The waterfront at Seward a few months after the earthquake, looking north. Note the "scalloped" shoreline left by the underwater landslides, the severed tracks in the railroad yard which dangle over the landslide scarp, and the windrow-like heaps of railroad cars and other debris thrown up by the tsunami waves.

Large deep cracks opened along highway. Speed sign right side, vegetation, trees and convoy truck approaching crack.
Highway near Portage
Highway near Portage
Highway near Portage

This highway embankment fissured and spread (lurched). The road was built on thick deposits of alluvium and tidal estuary mud along Turnagain Arm near Portage, Alaska. Failure of railway and highway embankments by fissuring and spreading, and by subsidence of the embankments into underlying, earthquake-weakened, unconsolidated deposits.

This highway embankment fissured and spread (lurched). The road was built on thick deposits of alluvium and tidal estuary mud along Turnagain Arm near Portage, Alaska. Failure of railway and highway embankments by fissuring and spreading, and by subsidence of the embankments into underlying, earthquake-weakened, unconsolidated deposits.

Railway torn off tracks in an "s cure" to the left slightly hanging over water. Snow covered mountain with trees.
Railroad tracks
Railroad tracks
Railroad tracks

The rails in this approach to a railroad bridge near the head of Turnagain Arm were torn from their ties and buckled laterally by channelward movement of the riverbanks during the earthquake. The bridge was also com­ pressed and developed a hump from vertical buckling.

The rails in this approach to a railroad bridge near the head of Turnagain Arm were torn from their ties and buckled laterally by channelward movement of the riverbanks during the earthquake. The bridge was also com­ pressed and developed a hump from vertical buckling.

Large pieces of wood, bicycles, a car, small sailboat, and house scattered around in mud. Mountains with snow in background.
Tsunami damage at Seward, Alaska
Tsunami damage at Seward, Alaska
Tsunami damage at Seward, Alaska

Damage from seismic sea wave aka Tsunami in Seward, Alaska. The waves came in from the sea via Resurrection Bay in the background. A series of large tsunami waves were generated by sudden uplift of the sea floor beneath the continental shelf off south-central Alaska during the earthquake.

Damage from seismic sea wave aka Tsunami in Seward, Alaska. The waves came in from the sea via Resurrection Bay in the background. A series of large tsunami waves were generated by sudden uplift of the sea floor beneath the continental shelf off south-central Alaska during the earthquake.

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