Eicken recognized for pioneering sea ice research
Professor of Geophysics Hajo Eicken was awarded the 2010 Louis Agassiz Medal by the European Geosciences Union. The EGU selected Eicken for his outstanding contribution to the study of both the physical and biological properties of sea ice and for the scientist’s pioneering methods applied in the field as well as the laboratory.
Pioneering glaciologist leaves legacy of research
Geophysical Institute Professor Emeritus Keith Echelmeyer died at age 56 on Oct. 2, 2010. The glaciologist, pilot, mountaineer and fighter for life passed away with his incomparable wife Susan Campbell by his side. She wrote the following in his obituary:
Permafrost research infused into curriculum for teachers
Staff in the Geophysical Institute’s Outreach Office recently created Cryospheric Connection, an online professional development course for secondary teachers. The NASA-funded course is focused on permafrost and examines how this changing element of the cryosphere affects Earth as a whole.
What changes can we expect as permafrost continues to thaw?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Stevie Seibert, GI Public Relations, 907-474-5229, stevie [dot] seibert [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu
Fairbanks, Alaska—For many years now, scientists have been tracking the thaw of permafrost throughout the Arctic. Since permafrost with the highest ice content is usually found closer to the ground surface where our structures are, Alaskans and other Arctic communities face major changes in the future if the degradation continues. Ecosystems, buildings, roads, and pipelines will likely lose their stability as the ground beneath them shifts.
PDF DownloadWhat are the effects of thawing permafrost on Alaska's water?
For Immediate Release
As the Arctic climate warms, permafrost begins to thermally degrade. Transformation of this frozen layer of earth triggers changes in every aspect of surface water and energy in the Arctic. While the region experiences warming, permafrost becomes thinner, and its extent in the boreal forest shrinks. Alterations to permafrost also influence the look of the northern landscape and the region's climatology. In short, warming climate and thawing permafrost create changes to the entire hydrological cycle in Alaska.
Geophysical Institute scientists to chair sessions at international conference
For Immediate Release
Five scientists from the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) will lead sessions at the International Geophysical and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS), September 20 through 24 at the Egan Convention Center in Anchorage.
FAA Awards UAF researcher for aircraft icing research
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recognized its In-Flight Icing Product Development Team, including UAF Geophysical Institute Assistant Research Professor Jeff Tilley, as the winners of the 2002 Excellence in Aviation Award. As part of the Icing Product Team, Tilley provides experimental real-time modeling of aircraft icing potential for the benefit of pilots in Alaska.
Climate Change Experts Gather in Anchorage
For Immediate Release
Experts on climate change in Alaska and the Arctic will gather in Anchorage on Friday, Sept. 24 to give presentations on thinning Alaska glaciers, melting permafrost, and the possibility of shipping routes through the Canadian Arctic in the near future.
