Images

USGS researcher collecting samples in Kanuti, Alaska. The samples collected in this location were more resistant to weathering than the surrounding rock indicating a change in lithology.

USGS researcher making observations and recording information on the outcrop of the Kanuti Ophiolite in Alaska. The Kanuti ophiolite is a mafic-ultramafic thrust sheet of probable Jurassic age, formerly considered to be the upper part of the Yukon-Koyukuk ophiolite (Angayucham terrane).

Black-legged kittiwake adults and chicks on nests at Gull Island in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Biologists jig for lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) on Nutuvukti Lake, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Thick smoke from wildfires in the Kobuk River and Koyukuk River valleys settled over the lake for a week during field sampling in August.

Dwarf least cisco (Coregonus sardinella) were the primary diet item found in stomachs of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) from Nutuvukti Lake. These fish, measured at about 90 mm (3.5 in) in length, were reproductively mature. 

Emergent vegetation growing in the shallow water of Nutuvukti Lake, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Emergent vegetation provides habitat for aquatic insects and small fishes.

USGS researcher collecting one more sample while waiting for the helicopter in Kanuti, Alaska. The Kanuti ophiolite is a mafic-ultramafic thrust sheet of probable Jurassic age, formerly considered to be the upper part of the Yukon-Koyukuk ophiolite (Angayucham terrane).

The timelapse imagery provided here shows the lower half of Wolverine Glacier from 2012 to 2022. This imagery gives an intuitive view of the scale of change happening at glaciers across Alaska.

Mike Knapp, hydraulic engineer with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (far right) introduces USGS hydrologist Taylor Dudunake (back to camera) for a demonstration of multibeam echosounder technology on the Knik River near Palmer, Alaska, July 27, 2023.

RV Norseman II ship track for the Pacific walrus research expedition in 2023. In collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the USGS conducted a research expedition to study Pacific walrus population dynamics. The ship departed Nome, AK on June 5, 2023, and returned to Nome on July 2, 2023. 

A view of the old Lost River tin mine located on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. The mine produced tin and tungsten from the early 20th century and ceased around 1955. The site is currently being studied by USGS for lithium potential. 

Scientist sieving a sample of tin placer tailings in Cassiterite Creek on the western Seward Peninsula.

Antimicrobial resistance of clinical relevance may have important implications to human and animal health. In this photo, Laura Scott and Christina Ahlstrom (USGS – Alaska Science Center) are sampling surface waters for antimicrobial resistant bacteria at Exit Creek in Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska.

Antimicrobial resistance of clinical relevance may have important implications to human and animal health. In this photo, Laura Scott and Christina Ahlstrom (USGS – Alaska Science Center) are sampling surface waters for antimicrobial resistant bacteria at Exit Creek in Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska.

Antimicrobial resistance of clinical relevance may have important implications to human and animal health. In this photo, Laura Scott and Christina Ahlstrom (USGS – Alaska Science Center) are sampling surface waters for antimicrobial resistant bacteria at Exit Creek in Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska.

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.

Kougarok River at the confluence with Taylor Creek, Alaska. Large volume of gold placer tailings that contain critical minerals on the Kougarok River on the western Seward Peninsula.

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.

Algae collected from rocks in the littoral zone of Chandler Lake, Gates of the Arctic National Park. Algae samples are used to establish an energy baseline for the food web, as primary producers – organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis – algae provide food to the lake’s benthic macroinvertebrates.

Historic dredge and large volume of gold placer tailings that contain platinum group and chromium critical minerals on the Salmon River near Goodnews Bay, Alaska. Dragline-sluice tailings are in the foreground, stacked dredge tailings are in the background near the dredge.

Large volume of gold placer tailings that contain platinum group and chromium critical minerals on the Salmon River south of Goodnews Bay, Alaska.