Images

An aerial view of sea ice with open water from a helicopter in the Beaufort Sea. Photo taken during Spring Capture of the Polar Bear project.

This photos was staged to simulate how scientists monitor data. 

Northwestern Crow with deformed top beak in Auke Bay, Juneau, Alaska. Avian keratin disorder (AKD) is a disease characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues. Affected birds have difficulty feeding and preening and may suffer high rates of mortality.

Polar bear still hunting at a seal breathing hole

Redoubt Volcano viewed from the northwest following the April 4, 2009 eruption (Event 19). Steam rises from the summit crater, pyroclastic flow and surge deposits drape the flanks, and lahar deposits cover the Drift River Valley. 

An adult male polar bear still-hunting at a seal hole on the sea ice of the southern Beaufort Sea.

Large polar bear

Black-capped Chickadee with a long down-curved elongated top beak. Avian keratin disorder (AKD) is a disease characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues. Affected birds have difficulty feeding and preening and may suffer high rates of mortality.

Community engagement and emergency preparedness can mitigate exposure to volcanic events.  Sign at Nikiski Fire Department on March 28, 2009. Ash fall up to a millimeter thick from Redoubt Volcano occurred twice during the 2009 eruption on this area. AVO photo.

Ash is resuspended from Redoubt Volcano eruption

Nikiski Fire Department on March 28, 2009. Ash fall up to a millimeter thick from Redoubt volcano occurred twice during the 2009 eruption on this area (March 26 and March 28). 

Photograph of impacts from the volcanic ash fall out in Nikiski, AK from Redoubt volcano. This plume was generated during the March 28, 15:29 AKDT, 2009 event, and ash fall began at approximately 16:16 AKDT and lasted maybe 5 minutes.

Using remote sensing through the ice to determine how much water was in the Nome River in the winter. Some spots were open to the air.

Using remote sensing through the ice to determine how much water was in the Nome River in the winter.

Using remote sensing through the ice to determine how much water was in the Nome River in the winter.

USGS Scientist-in-Charge (SIC) of the Alaska Volcano Observatory, Tom Murray, gets first-hand look at the heightened activity of Redoubt volcano.

Research geologist Michelle Coombs monitors information on Redoubt during a restless period.

Black-capped Chickadee with an elongated and decurved maxilla.

Water sampling on the Tanana River.  Notice the poles of the piezometers installed in the river. This project was to see chum salmon spawning habitat in the winter.

Biologist standing in the Tanana River sampling the open water. This project was to see chum salmon spawning habitat in the winter.