Unified Interior Regions
Region 11: Alaska
Alaska Science Center
4210 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone: (907) 786-7000
Volcano Science Center
4230 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone: (907) 786-7497
Climate Adaptation Science Center
4230 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone: 907-301-7830
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USGS research activities relevant to Alaska have yielded more than 9400 historical publications. This page features some of the most recent newsworthy research findings.
Search USGS publications for Alaska
Arctic Science for Decision Maker
2019 USGS Alaska Annual Science ReportBody composition and weight dynamics of wintering greater white-fronted geese
Adult greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) wintering in southern Oregon and California increased or maintained body weight in autumn, lost weight from autumn through winter, and rapidly increased in weight before spring migration in late April. We documented significant annual differences in body weights for both sexes. We...
Ely, Craig R.; Raveling, Dennis G.Continued studies on opiods and hibernation: Does the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) hibernate?
No abstract available.
Malan, André; Canguilhem, Bernard; Bruce, David S.; Darling, Nancy K.; Seeland, Katheleen J.; Oeltgen, Peter R.; Nilekani, Sita P.; Amstrup, Steven C.Cytopathology and coagulopathy associated with viral erythrocytic necrosis in chum salmon
The 8-month cytopathologic progression of viral erythrocytic necrosis (VEN) disease in chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta is described. Single to multiple acidophilic, cytoplasmic viral inclusion bodies developed first in mature erythrocytes and then, within 1–2 months, all morphologically identifiable hemopoietic cell types contained VEN inclusions....
MacMillian, John R.; Mulcahy, D.; Landolt, M.L.Diurnal and seasonal patterns of colony attendance in the Northern Fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis
The annual cycle of Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) in the western Gulf of Alaska includes about six months from mid-April to mid-October when birds are associated with land at the Semidi Islands. The pre-laying stage in five years was marked by recurrent peaks in attendance that included up to 90% of the population, and alternate periods of...
Hatch, Scott A.Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) poisoning in a free-ranging polar bear
The bright, fluorescent pink-colored remains of a polar bear were found on an Alaskan island with the gravel and snow adjacent to the bear colored bright purple. Traces of fox urine and feces found nearby were also pink. The punk and purple colors were due to rhodamine B, and ethylene glycol (EG) was present in the soil under the carcass. Evidence...
Amstrup, Steven C.; Gardner, Craig L.; Myers, Kevin C.; Oehme, Frederick W.Extra-pair copulation in the greater white-fronted goose
Controlled experiments and quantitative field studies with both captive and wild waterfowl (Family Anatidae) have demonstrated that extra-pair copulations (EPCs, both forced and unforced) may be a viable alternative reproductive strategy for males (Mineau and Cooke 1979; Burns et al. 1980; Cheng et al. 1982, 1983; Afron 1985; Evarts and Williams...
Ely, Craig R.Impacts of petroleum development in the Arctic
In their article “Cumulative impacts of oil fields on northern Alaskan landscapes.” D. A. Walter et al. (1) document some direct and indirect impacts of petroleum development in the Arctic on selected portions of the Prudhoe Bay Oil field. While most of the kinds of impacts they discuss are valid points to consider in designing an arctic oil field...
S.B., RobertsonIterative techniques for characterizing marine bird habitats with time-series of satellite images
Demonstrating long-term habitat use of marine habitats by seabirds is often complicated by short-term changes in habitat locations, persistence, and age. This paper describes iterative techniques for characterizing non-static habitats, such as meso-scale (10-100 km) ocean eddies and fronts, using time-series of satellite images that define sea...
Haney, J. ChristopherNest habitat use of Rio Grande wild turkeys
Nest habitat use of Rio Grande Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) was studied along the South Platte River in northeast Colorado in 1986-87. Thirty-three of 35 nests were in riparian habitats. Nests were either in western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) (67%) or mixed forbs and grasses (33%). Early season nests were more likely...
Schmutz, Joel A.; Braun, Clait E.; Andelt, William F.Nesting biology of pacific loons, Gavia pacifica, on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
The nesting biology of Pacific Loons, Gavia pacifica, was studied from 1973 to 1975 on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska. Loons maintained territories on ponds throughout the pre-nesting period. Both adults incubated eggs and raised the young. Males incubated more than females during early incubation, and females more than males during late...
Petersen, Margaret R.ODP investigates Indian Ocean origins
No abstract available.
Gradstein, F.M.; Ludden, J.Performance and utility of satellite telemetry during field studies of free-ranging polar bears in Alaska
Satellite telemetry technology has been used during field studies of polar bears in Alaska since 1985. A total of 109 Platform Transmitter Terminals (PTT) have been deployed on free-ranging female polar bears that seasonally inhabit waters adjacent to the Alaskan coast. The PTTs transmitted locational and sensor data to TIROS-N polar-orbiting...
Amlaner, Charles J.; Garner, Gerald W.; Amstrup, Steven C.; Douglas, David C.; Gardner, Craig L.Stay up-to-date with what is happening in the Alaska Region by checking out our different social media accounts. You can also contact Alaska Regional Office staff or Center Directors for more information.