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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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Chart displaying Alaska’s average annual temperature from 1925 to 2025. Orange points show yearly temperatures that fluctuate between about 22°F and 32°F, while a blue trend line indicates steady warming of roughly 0.3°F per decade over the 100-year period.

Alaska climate report: 2025 ran warm

Alaska had one of its warmest years of the previous 100 in 2025, the Alaska Climate Research Center reports in its year-end summary. The Alaska Climate Research Center, part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, released its 2025 summary in late January. The year was among the…

Description of three sounding-rocket missions launching four rockets from Poker Flat Research Range near Fairbanks between Jan. 30 and Feb. 10. The launches occurred within just four available launch days, showing the team’s efficiency and success.

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Launches x4: Multiple missions kept everyone busy at Poker Flat

Three missions with four rockets were sent skyward in an unusually short timespan at Poker Flat Research Range. That's a big success for the Poker crew on a much tighter schedule than in previous years at the University of Alaska Fairbanks-owned range north of Fairbanks.

One of ACUASI's two new Windracers ULTRA MK1 aircraft at the ACUASI hangar in Nenana, Alaska, on Jan. 23, 2026. Photo by Bryan Whitten

ACUASI successfully tests parachute delivery with new drone

One of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ two new twin-engine unmanned aircraft circled Nenana Municipal Airport, descended and turned toward a drop zone. Three medical payloads popped out of separate cargo doors in succession, drifting downward beneath their own parachute. It was the first time…

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Three missions, four rockets: Poker Flat is ready for launch

The 2026 Poker Flat Research Range launch season opens late Thursday night, Jan. 29, with the first of three missions studying the aurora and the upper atmosphere. Launch is possible at approximately 4:20 a.m. Friday. Text PFRRLAUNCHES to 866-485-7614 for launch updates.

Graduate student researcher Emily Graham presents her research during the 2025 lecture series. Photo by LJ Evans

Science for Alaska talks and events announced

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute will host free public science talks over the next few weeks, highlighting new climate research technology, an Alaska earthquake mystery solution, tidewater glaciers in Alaska and Greenland and a recent Bering Sea journey aboard the research…

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Matt Druckenmiller, right, and his research advisor Hajo Eicken, a professor of Geophysics, on an ice floe near Utqiaġvik in about 2010. Photo by Daniel Pringle.

The full circling of a northern career

Hajo Eicken had “everything I could ever ask for” in his former career at a German institute. Well, almost everything.

A whimbrel rests on a willow near the Jago River in summer 2024. Photo by Alan Kneidel.

Alaska lovebirds go their own way

During a month of endless summer light, a mated pair of shorebirds teaches their four chicks how to catch insects. The babies grow fat and strong on the tundra high in northeastern Alaska.

Washington State University doctoral student Ellery Vincent, left, and Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Jordan Pruszenski take measurements and samples of an anesthetized grizzly bear on the North Slope of Alaska prior to installing a video collar in August 2025. Photo by Rob Kozakiewicz

The scent of barren ground grizzly

Unlike most of us, Jordan Pruszenski has held in her arms the following wild animals: wolves, caribou, beavers, muskrats, musk oxen, emperor geese and moose.

Alaska glaciers, such as Worthington here near Valdez, have shrunk the height of a 10-story building since 1950. Ned Rozell photo.

Twenty years of Arctic Report Cards

Twenty years have passed since scientists released the first version of the Arctic Report Card, now a staple at the Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union.