Research reveals that Alaska glaciers are losing mass due to rising temperatures, with a single degree Celsius increase in summer temperature causing an additional three weeks of melting. Synthetic aperture radar technology provides consistent and automatic monitoring year-round, allowing scientists to track glacier changes.
Landfast sea ice is sticking to Alaska's northern coast for less time each year, according to 27 years of data analyzed by University of Alaska Fairbanks scientists. The Chukchi and Beaufort seas have seen a decline in landfast sea ice coverage, with the extent of Beaufort Sea landfast sea ice decreasing by 39 days over the past 9 years.
Killer whales in southern Alaska have a diverse diet that shifts between Chinook, chum, and coho salmon across different foraging hotspots. The study reveals the importance of accounting for sampling bias in diet studies and highlights the resilience of the region's killer whale population.
Wildfires on Alaska's North Slope have reached unprecedented levels in recent centuries, driven by drying soils and expanding woody shrubs. The study's findings suggest a rapid transformation of the tundra ecosystem, with modern-day fires burning hotter and consuming more fuel.
Researchers at University of Alaska Fairbanks used seismic data to identify aircraft types by analyzing frequency imprints from sound waves. The method involves removing Doppler effect and creating a frequency comb, which is then matched with a catalog of aircraft frequency patterns.
Researchers analyzed atmospheric pressure waves from a massive South Pacific volcanic eruption to determine the speed of seismic waves in Alaska's upper crust. The study provided valuable information on subsurface material properties, such as hardness, which controls seismic velocity.
A proposed earthquake early warning system for Alaska could provide critical seconds of warning time before strong shaking, according to research by Alex Fozkos. The system would use a network of seismic sensors to detect an earthquake's fast-moving primary waves and send alerts before slower secondary waves arrive.
Researchers used tiny crystal clots to analyze pressure changes before the 2006 Augustine Volcano eruption, which increased pressure enough to break rocks and cause the eruption. The method complements geophysical modeling, increasing understanding of magmatic processes.
A University of Alaska Fairbanks professor has proposed a new three-dimensional time theory that could help solve some of the biggest questions in physics. The theory argues that time comes in multiple dimensions rather than just one, and space emerges as a secondary manifestation.
A new study projects that wind-driven changes in ocean circulation will intensify the cooling effect in the North Atlantic by 2040, with potential implications for precipitation levels and temperatures over Europe.
The study found that Earth's glaciers will lose 76% of their 2020 mass under current climate policy pledges, with Alaska losing 69%. Limiting warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit could reduce global mass loss to 47%, and Alaska's loss to 41%.
Scientists have discovered fossils of multiple bird species in the Arctic, including diving birds and gull-like birds, that were breeding during the time of the dinosaurs. The findings push back the known record of birds nesting in polar regions by 25-30 million years.
Scientists have named a new species of fish from the Cretaceous Period, Sivulliusalmo alaskensis, which is the oldest salmonid in the fossil record. The discovery provides insight into the evolutionary history of the salmon family and suggests that they likely originated in the North.
Researchers are developing a satellite capable of detecting small space debris as small as 1 centimeter in size, which can damage satellites and other spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. The system uses plasma disturbances to determine the distance and angle of approach to the debris.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute is launching three NASA sounding rockets at Poker Flat Research Range to study black, flickering and fast-pulsating aurora types. The missions aim to understand electron distributions and wave-particle interactions in space.
A new study reveals that northern pike are colonizing freshwater habitats in Southcentral Alaska through marine corridors, challenging existing conservation efforts. Researchers analyzed otoliths from caught fish and found isotopic signatures matching upper Cook Inlet water, suggesting the fish had occupied the inlet at some point.
A new study published in Science Advances reveals that right whales can survive for over 130 years, with some individuals possibly reaching 150 years. This discovery highlights the impact of human activities on whale lifespans, particularly entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes.
A study led by University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher Sean Regan has identified a 620-mile segment of the Denali Fault as a site where two landmasses joined and were later torn apart. The research focused on formations at three locations in Southcentral Alaska, Yukon, and near Juneau.
Newly published results from a 2021 experiment reveal the particle-level processes that create auroras. The Kinetic-scale Energy and momentum Transport experiment created an Alfvén wave, which accelerated electrons on magnetic field lines, similar to an auroral beam of electrons.
Scientists uncovered the first direct evidence that ancient Americans primarily relied on mammoth and other large animals for food. The study sheds light on both the rapid expansion of humans throughout the Americas and the extinction of large ice age mammals.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks report highlights environmental changes and extremes impacting Alaskans and their livelihoods. Warmer temperatures are particularly notable in winter, with the northern state experiencing an 8.2°F increase.
Researchers at UAF developed a way to equip Seagliders with sensors that monitor carbon dioxide and methane levels in the ocean. This technology provides high spatial and temporal resolution data for weeks at a time, giving scientists a clear picture of ocean chemistry.
A new method developed by Tianlang Zhao quickly determines surface air quality during Alaska's intense wildfire season. The method combines ground monitoring data with satellite aerosol optical depth measurements to provide an observational-based estimation of PM 2.5 levels across Alaska during wildfires.
A genetic study has found significant differences between Iliamna Lake harbor seals and those in other Pacific Ocean populations. The seals' distinct genetic markers suggest they may be evolutionarily reproductively and demographically discrete from other seal populations, potentially indicating a unique endemic form of harbor seal.
A new UAF study tracked the reproduction, movement and survival of Canada lynx as their population collapsed due to primary prey snowshoe hare cycles. The findings indicate a clear evidence of a traveling population wave originating in the east and moving westward.
The study found a close correspondence between high levels of stress and disease in Indigenous populations and elevated immunoglobulins and C-reactive protein in their teeth. This new method provides a record of a person's health status from birth to early adulthood, offering valuable insights into past human experiences.
Researchers found that coastal dams can either increase or decrease flood risks, depending on the duration of a surge event and friction from water flow. The study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, analyzed data from Charleston Harbor and other estuaries to make this surprising discovery.
Researchers identified abnormal seismic activity three months before two major quakes in Alaska and California. The detection method uses machine learning to analyze datasets derived from earthquake catalogs.
Researchers at University of Alaska Fairbanks discovered a phenomenon impacting Earth's radiation belts, affecting the radiation belts with electromagnetic waves from lightning. The discovery provides insight into the behavior of electromagnetic waves in the magnetosphere and its implications for human operations in space.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that dry land ecosystems in Alaska are releasing high levels of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The discovery challenges current climate models and suggests that permafrost thaw may accelerate global climate change.
A new automated system of monitoring and classifying persistent vibrations at active volcanoes can eliminate hours of manual effort. The system, based on machine learning, documents volcanic tremor, a continuous seismic signal indicating underground movement of magma or gas.
A study by University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers found that hatchery-raised fish are interbreeding with wild populations, reducing diversity and increasing resilience. This can have long-term consequences for wild population recruitment and adaptation to future changes.
A new machine-learning system can automatically produce detailed maps from satellite data to show locations of likely beetle-killed spruce trees in Alaska. This helps forestry and wildfire managers make critical decisions as the beetle infestation spreads, affecting approximately 2 million acres across Southcentral Alaska.
New research reveals that Alaska's coastal communities will experience more frequent and severe flooding due to sea level rise. Currently, 22% of structures in 46 coastal communities are in flood plains, which is expected to increase to 30-37% by 2100.
Research reveals a correlation between warm ocean conditions and salmon movement into the Arctic. The study found that when both gates of ice-free water are open, salmon can expand their range in Canadian waters.
New discoveries about Jupiter's magnetosphere shed light on its interaction with the solar wind and Earth's magnetic field. The research, published in AGU Advances, shows that Jupiter has a largely closed magnetic field at its poles but open field lines, which could influence Earth's space weather forecasting.
Researchers have analyzed over 44,000 high seas survey gear hauls across the North Pacific to create detailed maps showing salmon species' ocean habitats and temperature tolerances. The study highlights varying cold-water tolerance among salmon species, with implications for climate change adaptation.
Researchers have developed a radar analysis method to detect open water zones and other changes in Alaska's frozen rivers, providing current hazard maps for improved winter river safety. The approach is automated, applicable across the Arctic and sub-Arctic, and can be customized for any northern latitude rivers.
A new study by University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers challenges the long-held scientific principle that animals in high-latitude climates are larger than their relatives in warmer climates. The study found that Bergmann's rule applies only to a subset of homeothermic animals and ignores other climatic variables.
A new study using machine learning reveals that great gray owls congregate near human-made structures, contrary to previous assumptions. The research used artificial intelligence modeling and large datasets to identify suitable habitats for the owl, providing a more accurate representation of its distribution.
Researchers found a rich find of evidence, including 75 fossil tracks and tree stumps, indicating a riverine or delta setting for dinosaurs. The discovery suggests the region received approximately 70 inches of precipitation annually during the mid-Cretaceous Period.
The new lidar will measure temperature and neutrally charged iron in the upper atmosphere, supporting experiments at HAARP. It is expected to be operational later this year and will provide complementary measurements to existing lidars.
Research conducted in Fairbanks found that residential heating fuel is the main contributor of primary sulfate pollution in wintertime air. The study's findings will help air quality managers decide on improvement methods and benefit high-latitude urban areas during winter.
Researchers at University of Alaska Fairbanks have developed a new detection method that can identify landslides within minutes and determine if they pose a tsunami hazard. The method uses seismic data to estimate a landslide's location, volume, and potential impact, with the goal of issuing warnings in under 5 minutes.
A recent study found that short-billed gulls are increasingly occupying urban areas in Alaska, particularly near waste transfer stations and fast-food restaurants. The shift is attributed to the availability of human food, which can be detrimental to the birds' longevity.
Researchers have found that a 14,000-year-old woolly mammoth named Élmayųujey'eh traveled through Alaska and northwestern Canada, providing insights into the relationship between humans and mammoths. The study suggests that early Alaskans structured their settlements to overlap with areas where mammoths congregated.
A University of Alaska Fairbanks team is exploring whether seaweeds can absorb rare-earth elements, with the goal of expanding the US supply and finding a low-impact alternative to mining. The project aims to determine if seaweeds can accumulate metals in concentrations that make financial recovery viable.
Researchers found that flooding led to subsidence, with areas flooded experiencing hotspots of subsidence exceeding 3 inches over a few years. The study used satellite data from 2015-2019 and found that subsidence was most pronounced in flooded locations, particularly those with high ice content.
A novel method of analyzing Mars' gravitational force confirms the presence of an extensive northern ocean, providing new insights into the planet's history. The approach differs from traditional methods and can be applied to various disciplines such as geology and hydrology.
A new study links Arctic beaver ponds to a significant increase in methane emissions along tundra streams. Researchers found that beaver dams create conditions ideal for methane release, with hotspots surrounding ponds and diminishing distances from the pond.