Barry Arm of Harriman Fjord, Prince William Sound, Alaska. Included is Barry Glacier and Cascade Glacier.
Christian E Zimmerman, Ph.D.
Actionable science to inform decision makers, managers, and the public
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 15
The Rusting of Arctic Rivers: Freshwater Ecosystems Respond to Rapidly Uptaking Metals
The water quality of streams and rivers in the Arctic is sensitive to rapid climate change and altered disturbance regimes.
Assessing heat stress in migrating Yukon River Chinook Salmon
We will examine evidence of heat stress in Yukon River Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) using heat shock proteins and gene expression.
Outer Continental Shelf Program
This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management staff address priority research needs identified by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.
Science Support Program and Quick Response Program
This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff address priority research needs identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.
Collaborative Science for Priority Information Needs
One of the primary missions of the USGS is to address the science needs of Department of Interior bureaus, particularly those that manage natural resources and lands. This mission is fulfilled through the research and other activities of USGS scientists but also specifically through three USGS nationally-funded programs listed below.
Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Hydrology
The Arctic is warming at higher rates than much of the rest of the world. For Alaska, this results in changes in hydrology and ecosystems – permafrost is thawing, changing landscapes and releasing nutrients to soils and streams.
Natural Resources Preservation Program
This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and National Park Service staff address priority research needs identified by the National Park Service. On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.
Arctic Lake Food Webs
From 2011 to 2013 we investigated freshwater food webs of Arctic Coastal Plain lakes in Alaska to improve our understanding how Arctic freshwater food webs may respond to landscape change the warmer, drier future.
Ecosystem Shifts in Arctic Seas
In addition to the direct effects of sea ice loss on walrus ( Odobenus rosmarus divergens ) and polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) that use ice as a platform, the decline of Arctic sea ice is predicted to promote a fundamental ecosystem shift from benthic animals that forage on the sea floor to pelagic animals that forage near the sea surface.
Lake Trout Biochronologies as Long-term Climate and Productivity Indicators in Alaska Lake Ecosystems
High latitude ecosystems are among the most vulnerable to long-term climate change, yet continuous, multidecadal indicators by which to gauge effects on biology are scarce, especially in freshwater environments.
Primary Production Sources and Bottom-up Limitations in Nearshore Ecosystems
Kelp forests are among the world’s most productive habitats, but recent evidence suggests that production is highly variable.
Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Ecology
Permafrost thaw is leading to a myriad of changes in physical and chemical conditions throughout the Arctic.
Filter Total Items: 65
Barry Arm of Harriman Fjord, Prince William Sound, Alaska
Barry Arm of Harriman Fjord, Prince William Sound, Alaska. Included is Barry Glacier and Cascade Glacier.
Fyke net contents from a lake near Atqasuk, Alaska
Contents of the fyke net that was set in the lake near Atqasuk in 2016. All sticklebacks.
Contents of the fyke net that was set in the lake near Atqasuk in 2016. All sticklebacks.
Water quality measurements on the Pilgrim River
Collecting water quality data on the Pilgrim River. Types of measurements taken were on water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity.
Collecting water quality data on the Pilgrim River. Types of measurements taken were on water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity.
Setting nets on Whitefish Lake on Lake Clark Nat'l Park and Preserve
Randy Brown and Dan Young are setting nets to catch whitefish on Whitefish Lake in the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.
Randy Brown and Dan Young are setting nets to catch whitefish on Whitefish Lake in the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.
Kijik Lake
Kijik Lake in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska. USGS researchers study salmon ecology in cooperation with NPS.
Kijik Lake in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska. USGS researchers study salmon ecology in cooperation with NPS.
Tanalian Mountain and Hardenburg Bay in Lake Clark, Alaska
Reflections of Tanalian Mountain and Hardenburg Bay in Lake Clark, Alaska. Near Port Alsworth.
Reflections of Tanalian Mountain and Hardenburg Bay in Lake Clark, Alaska. Near Port Alsworth.
Sorting through invertebrates from a north slope lake of Alaska
As part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem project, two biologists sampling invertebrates near the Chipp River area.
As part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem project, two biologists sampling invertebrates near the Chipp River area.
Ice wedge polygons on the north slope of Alaska
Ice wedge polygons near the Chipp River area on the north slope of Alaska
Ice wedge polygons near the Chipp River area on the north slope of Alaska
A north slope camp
An enhanced photo of camp on the north slope.
Clear Montana Bill Creek flowing into volcanically silted creek
A clear Montana Bill Creek flowing into volcanically silted creek. Coho salmon are seen holding in the clear water area. Aerial surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
A clear Montana Bill Creek flowing into volcanically silted creek. Coho salmon are seen holding in the clear water area. Aerial surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
Cannery Creek after the Redoubt Volcano eruption of 2009
Cannery Creek on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. Aerial surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
Cannery Creek on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. Aerial surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
Salmon in Montana Bill Creek after the Redoubt Volcano 2009 eruption
A coho salmon holding in Montana Bill Creek after the Redoubt volcano eruption.
A coho salmon holding in Montana Bill Creek after the Redoubt volcano eruption.
Redoubt Volcano panorama with the Drift River Delta
A panorama of the Redoubt Volcano after the 2009 eruption and the Drift River delta in the foreground
A panorama of the Redoubt Volcano after the 2009 eruption and the Drift River delta in the foreground
The lower Drift River after the Redoubt Volcano 2009 eruption
Lower Drift River with tremendous amount of silt from the lahars. Aerial surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
Lower Drift River with tremendous amount of silt from the lahars. Aerial surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
Drift River lahar from shore after the Redoubt Volcano 2009 eruption
Drift River on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. Lahars from the eruption of Redoubt are evident. Surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
Drift River on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. Lahars from the eruption of Redoubt are evident. Surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
A Drift River lahar after the Redoubt Volcano 2009 eruption
Drift River on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. Lahars from the eruption of Redoubt are evident. Surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams. Alaska Department of Fish and Game had done surveys in this particular area and found coho salmon before the eruption.
Drift River on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. Lahars from the eruption of Redoubt are evident. Surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams. Alaska Department of Fish and Game had done surveys in this particular area and found coho salmon before the eruption.
View across the Drift River after the Redoubt Volcano 2009 eruption
View of the amount of lahar deposit from across the river and the amount of deposit the river has eroded out to sea in about 6 months. Surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
View of the amount of lahar deposit from across the river and the amount of deposit the river has eroded out to sea in about 6 months. Surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
Aerial view of the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve area
Aerial views of Tuxedni Bay on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. This was during surveys for juvenile salmon distribution for the Anadromous Fish Catalog for the State of Alaska.
Aerial views of Tuxedni Bay on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. This was during surveys for juvenile salmon distribution for the Anadromous Fish Catalog for the State of Alaska.
Aerial view of the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve area
Aerial views of Tuxedni Bay on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. This was during surveys for juvenile salmon distribution for the Anadromous Fish Catalog for the State of Alaska.
Aerial views of Tuxedni Bay on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. This was during surveys for juvenile salmon distribution for the Anadromous Fish Catalog for the State of Alaska.
A tributary of Lake Clark, Alaska
Aerial views of streams on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. This was during surveys for juvenile salmon distribution for the Anadromous Fish Catalog for the State of Alaska.
Aerial views of streams on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. This was during surveys for juvenile salmon distribution for the Anadromous Fish Catalog for the State of Alaska.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 15
The Rusting of Arctic Rivers: Freshwater Ecosystems Respond to Rapidly Uptaking Metals
The water quality of streams and rivers in the Arctic is sensitive to rapid climate change and altered disturbance regimes.
Assessing heat stress in migrating Yukon River Chinook Salmon
We will examine evidence of heat stress in Yukon River Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) using heat shock proteins and gene expression.
Outer Continental Shelf Program
This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management staff address priority research needs identified by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.
Science Support Program and Quick Response Program
This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff address priority research needs identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.
Collaborative Science for Priority Information Needs
One of the primary missions of the USGS is to address the science needs of Department of Interior bureaus, particularly those that manage natural resources and lands. This mission is fulfilled through the research and other activities of USGS scientists but also specifically through three USGS nationally-funded programs listed below.
Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Hydrology
The Arctic is warming at higher rates than much of the rest of the world. For Alaska, this results in changes in hydrology and ecosystems – permafrost is thawing, changing landscapes and releasing nutrients to soils and streams.
Natural Resources Preservation Program
This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and National Park Service staff address priority research needs identified by the National Park Service. On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.
Arctic Lake Food Webs
From 2011 to 2013 we investigated freshwater food webs of Arctic Coastal Plain lakes in Alaska to improve our understanding how Arctic freshwater food webs may respond to landscape change the warmer, drier future.
Ecosystem Shifts in Arctic Seas
In addition to the direct effects of sea ice loss on walrus ( Odobenus rosmarus divergens ) and polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) that use ice as a platform, the decline of Arctic sea ice is predicted to promote a fundamental ecosystem shift from benthic animals that forage on the sea floor to pelagic animals that forage near the sea surface.
Lake Trout Biochronologies as Long-term Climate and Productivity Indicators in Alaska Lake Ecosystems
High latitude ecosystems are among the most vulnerable to long-term climate change, yet continuous, multidecadal indicators by which to gauge effects on biology are scarce, especially in freshwater environments.
Primary Production Sources and Bottom-up Limitations in Nearshore Ecosystems
Kelp forests are among the world’s most productive habitats, but recent evidence suggests that production is highly variable.
Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Ecology
Permafrost thaw is leading to a myriad of changes in physical and chemical conditions throughout the Arctic.
Filter Total Items: 65
Barry Arm of Harriman Fjord, Prince William Sound, Alaska
Barry Arm of Harriman Fjord, Prince William Sound, Alaska. Included is Barry Glacier and Cascade Glacier.
Barry Arm of Harriman Fjord, Prince William Sound, Alaska. Included is Barry Glacier and Cascade Glacier.
Fyke net contents from a lake near Atqasuk, Alaska
Contents of the fyke net that was set in the lake near Atqasuk in 2016. All sticklebacks.
Contents of the fyke net that was set in the lake near Atqasuk in 2016. All sticklebacks.
Water quality measurements on the Pilgrim River
Collecting water quality data on the Pilgrim River. Types of measurements taken were on water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity.
Collecting water quality data on the Pilgrim River. Types of measurements taken were on water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity.
Setting nets on Whitefish Lake on Lake Clark Nat'l Park and Preserve
Randy Brown and Dan Young are setting nets to catch whitefish on Whitefish Lake in the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.
Randy Brown and Dan Young are setting nets to catch whitefish on Whitefish Lake in the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.
Kijik Lake
Kijik Lake in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska. USGS researchers study salmon ecology in cooperation with NPS.
Kijik Lake in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska. USGS researchers study salmon ecology in cooperation with NPS.
Tanalian Mountain and Hardenburg Bay in Lake Clark, Alaska
Reflections of Tanalian Mountain and Hardenburg Bay in Lake Clark, Alaska. Near Port Alsworth.
Reflections of Tanalian Mountain and Hardenburg Bay in Lake Clark, Alaska. Near Port Alsworth.
Sorting through invertebrates from a north slope lake of Alaska
As part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem project, two biologists sampling invertebrates near the Chipp River area.
As part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem project, two biologists sampling invertebrates near the Chipp River area.
Ice wedge polygons on the north slope of Alaska
Ice wedge polygons near the Chipp River area on the north slope of Alaska
Ice wedge polygons near the Chipp River area on the north slope of Alaska
A north slope camp
An enhanced photo of camp on the north slope.
Clear Montana Bill Creek flowing into volcanically silted creek
A clear Montana Bill Creek flowing into volcanically silted creek. Coho salmon are seen holding in the clear water area. Aerial surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
A clear Montana Bill Creek flowing into volcanically silted creek. Coho salmon are seen holding in the clear water area. Aerial surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
Cannery Creek after the Redoubt Volcano eruption of 2009
Cannery Creek on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. Aerial surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
Cannery Creek on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. Aerial surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
Salmon in Montana Bill Creek after the Redoubt Volcano 2009 eruption
A coho salmon holding in Montana Bill Creek after the Redoubt volcano eruption.
A coho salmon holding in Montana Bill Creek after the Redoubt volcano eruption.
Redoubt Volcano panorama with the Drift River Delta
A panorama of the Redoubt Volcano after the 2009 eruption and the Drift River delta in the foreground
A panorama of the Redoubt Volcano after the 2009 eruption and the Drift River delta in the foreground
The lower Drift River after the Redoubt Volcano 2009 eruption
Lower Drift River with tremendous amount of silt from the lahars. Aerial surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
Lower Drift River with tremendous amount of silt from the lahars. Aerial surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
Drift River lahar from shore after the Redoubt Volcano 2009 eruption
Drift River on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. Lahars from the eruption of Redoubt are evident. Surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
Drift River on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. Lahars from the eruption of Redoubt are evident. Surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
A Drift River lahar after the Redoubt Volcano 2009 eruption
Drift River on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. Lahars from the eruption of Redoubt are evident. Surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams. Alaska Department of Fish and Game had done surveys in this particular area and found coho salmon before the eruption.
Drift River on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. Lahars from the eruption of Redoubt are evident. Surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams. Alaska Department of Fish and Game had done surveys in this particular area and found coho salmon before the eruption.
View across the Drift River after the Redoubt Volcano 2009 eruption
View of the amount of lahar deposit from across the river and the amount of deposit the river has eroded out to sea in about 6 months. Surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
View of the amount of lahar deposit from across the river and the amount of deposit the river has eroded out to sea in about 6 months. Surveys were done after the eruption of the Redoubt volcano to determine the condition of fish streams.
Aerial view of the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve area
Aerial views of Tuxedni Bay on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. This was during surveys for juvenile salmon distribution for the Anadromous Fish Catalog for the State of Alaska.
Aerial views of Tuxedni Bay on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. This was during surveys for juvenile salmon distribution for the Anadromous Fish Catalog for the State of Alaska.
Aerial view of the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve area
Aerial views of Tuxedni Bay on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. This was during surveys for juvenile salmon distribution for the Anadromous Fish Catalog for the State of Alaska.
Aerial views of Tuxedni Bay on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. This was during surveys for juvenile salmon distribution for the Anadromous Fish Catalog for the State of Alaska.
A tributary of Lake Clark, Alaska
Aerial views of streams on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. This was during surveys for juvenile salmon distribution for the Anadromous Fish Catalog for the State of Alaska.
Aerial views of streams on the west side of Cook Inlet, Alaska. This was during surveys for juvenile salmon distribution for the Anadromous Fish Catalog for the State of Alaska.