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Atmospheric Sciences
The Atmospheric Sciences group studies the physical, chemical and dynamical processes
of the atmosphere from the unique vantage point of the polar region. The group strives to understand
the polar atmosphere and its role within the Earth system. Many topics bear directly on societal issues
related to climate variability and change.
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Space Physics and Aeronomy
The Space Physics & Aeronomy research group studies Earth's geospace environment,
which extends from the surface of the sun to Earth's atmosphere. The group uses
ground-based observations of magnetic fluctuations, infrasound, light from
auroral emissions, and radio signals reflected from ionospheric irregularities.
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Snow, Ice and Permafrost
The Snow, Ice & Permafrost research group seeks to understand the properties of Earth's
icy regions, known as the cryosphere, and the physical processes that occur within them.
Scientists study the role of snow, ice and permafrost in shaping the landscape, and the
changes that occur as the Arctic climate warms.
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Seismology and Geodesy
The Seismology group conducts research and monitors Alaska's earthquakes and tsunamis. The group
includes the State Seismology Lab. Alaska lies in a tectonically complex region bounded by a major
subduction zone. The group carries out high-resolution seismic recordings and studies the motion
and configuration of tectonic plates.
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Tectonics and Sedimentation
The Tectonics & Sedimentation research group strives to reconstruct the processes of Earth's
history over a variety of timescales. Alaska and the adjacent regions of the circumpolar north
provide a rich environment for such research. The Pacific North American and Eurasian plates
meet in Alaska, creating a natural laboratory for research in this area.
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Remote Sensing
The Remote Sensing group develops and uses data from satellite, ground-based and
airborne sources to address Earth and planetary science topics. The group studies
volcanology, sea ice, permafrost, crustal deformation, impact craters, land use and
hazard monitoring.
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Volcanology
Alaska is the nation's most volcanically active state, with eruptions of broad impact. The Volcanology
group studies volcanoes and eruptions using remote sensing, infrasound, chemical analyses,
and special instrumentation. The group also studies volcanoes throughout the world and maintains
active collaborations with Alaska Volcano Observatory partners and with other universities worldwide.
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The northern lights adorn the sky over the UAF Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station early Sunday morning, April 21, 2024. UAF photo by Eric Engman

First results from 2021 rocket launch shed light on aurora’s birth

Geophysical Institute

December 19, 2024

Newly published results from a 2021 experiment led by a University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist have begun to reveal the particle-level...

Associate professor Sean Regan holds a copy of the December edition of Geology, which features his latest research in its cover photo. Photo by Bryan Whitten

Denali Fault tore apart ancient joining of two landmasses

Geophysical Institute

December 19, 2024

New research shows that three sites spread along an approximately 620-mile portion of today’s Denali Fault were once a smaller united geologic...

Setting up the UAF Research booth. Photo by Rod Boyce

What a week in D.C. for AGU24

Geophysical Institute

December 18, 2024

Nearly 90 University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute researchers — faculty, students and staff — made just over 100 oral and poster...

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Neve Baker stands beside her poster on discovering ancient evidence of beavers in Grand Tetons National Park while she was at the Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union in Washington, D.C. in December 2024. Photo by Ned Rozell.

Ancient beavers, sea floor bumps, thick air

It’s time to start emptying the notebook following the Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union, which happened from Dec. 9-13, 2024 in Washington, D.C.

The Walter Washington Center in downtown Washington, D.C., hosted the 25,000 scientists who attended the Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union from Dec. 9-13, 2024. Photo by Ned Rozell.

More familiar news of the North

WASHINGTON, D.C. — I am once again elbow-to-elbow with thousands of scientists, at a meeting I first attended 25 years ago.

The Riley Creek Fire burned more than 400 acres within Denali National Park and Preserve in July 2024. Photo by Paul Ollig, National Park Service.

Alaska continues to change, fast

With his eyes on Alaska weather and climate for many years, Rick Thoman saw a need for a recent update on what is happening within America’s largest state.

Four red squirrels poke their heads from a boreal owl box in May 2024. Photo by Ned Rozell.

The secret life of red squirrels

Stan Boutin has climbed more than 5,000 spruce trees in the last 30 years.

Natalia Ruppert poses with her son Daneel and her husband Artem in May 2001 after receiving her doctorate degree at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Photo courtesy Natalia Ruppert.

Earthquake scientist moving on after 30 years

One Sunday more than 20 years ago, Natalia Ruppert held her 1-year-old son a bit tighter in her arms. A friend’s house had started shaking with an intensity she had never felt before.

Monitors

In the News

First results from 2021 rocket launch shed light on aurora’s birth

Denali Fault tore apart ancient joining of two landmasses

What a week in D.C. for AGU24

Student Scientists

Meet Ph.D. student Valerie Wasser

Anika Pinzner at AGU 2023

Zack Williams, 2024 UAF Geophysical Institute Schaible Fellowship recipient

Meet Ph.D. student Amy Hendricks

Amy Jenson at AGU 2023

Meet master's student Robin Carbaugh

Dillon Gillespie at AGU 2023

Meet Ph.D. student Austin Smith

Meet Ph.D. student Amy Jenson

CeCe Borries-Strigle at AGU 2023

Michael Cristoffersen at AGU23

Victor Devaux-Chupin at AGU23

Valerie Wasser at AGU23

Meet graduate student researcher Emily Fedders

Chynna Spitler at AGU23

Sam McKay at AGU 2023

Meet Ph.D. student Wisnu Priyanto

Kyra Bornong, 2024 UAF Geophysical Institute Schaible Fellowship recipient

Salcha quake provided a rapid-response opportunity for UAF grad students

Gabrielle Nowak at AGU23

Kaytan Kelkar at AGU 2023

Researchers

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