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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 ionosphere and aurora wrap around Earth, as seen from the International Space Station. Photo courtesy of NASA

NASA-funded project looks for answers about aurora’s energy

Geophysical Institute

December 3, 2024

Most electrons that create the aurora have a moderate amount of energy, but scientists want to know more about how electrons on either side on...

A photograph made during fieldwork along the Yukon River in central Alaska in 2023 shows the four-toed track. Photo courtesy of Anthony Fiorillo

Fossil tracks push range of large bird northward

Geophysical Institute

November 4, 2024

Scientists from Fairbanks, New Mexico and Japan have discovered the first reported fossilized tracks of a large four-toed bird that inhabited...

UAF aims to make Alaska a critical minerals hub

Geophysical Institute

November 1, 2024

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has a new research unit that aims to make Alaska a global leader in research and development of critical...

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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.