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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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Illustration showing orange solar wind flowing toward Earth and interacting with the blue and purple magnetic field around the planet. Labels compare the measured solar wind strength near L1 with the true solar wind strength closer to Earth, while two graphs below explain measurement uncertainty.

Extreme solar storms can hit Earth harder than thought

Scientists have greatly underestimated the impact an extreme solar storm can have on Earth, according to new research. A new way to account for uncertainty in solar wind measurements could help communication and power system operators better prepare for disruptions caused by major solar storms Space…

A glowing Alaska Defense Forum sign sits on a table at the 2025 event at the 8 Star Event Center in Fairbanks. The circular sign features an outline of Alaska over a globe, with conference attendees visible in the background.

Alaska Defense Forum 2026 focuses on community-military ties

Leaders in national defense, research and policy are gathering with local partners this week in Fairbanks for the annual Alaska Defense Forum organized by the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The Alaska Defense Forum brings experts together to strengthen Alaska’s role in national defense and address…

Rainy silver metal pedestrian bridge crosses Montana Creek in Juneau, surrounded by dense evergreen forest. The wet metal bridge deck leads into the trees, with the creek visible below on the right.

Alaska climate report: A wet and cool July

Talkeetna got soaked. The community nearly 200 air miles south of Fairbanks had its wettest July in just over a century, according to the monthly report from the Alaska Climate Research Center. Several rounds of heavy rain from July 19-23 flooded the community’s low-lying areas and caused extensive…

Satellite map of the Nenana area in central Alaska showing locations for the three components of the Aug. 20, 2025, earthquake. Red markers north of Nenana identify the foreshock and very-low-frequency earthquake and the main shock location. A green marker shows the nearby NEA2 seismic station.

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A whisper from within

An unusual signal seconds ahead of an Alaska earthquake could help solve a seismic mystery

A helicopter carrying a water bucket flies beside a massive plume of gray and brown smoke rising above a forest from the lightning-caused Starry Fire, which started June 20 near Anderson.

Alaska climate report: A quiet June … except for all that lightning

June was mostly a meteorologically mild month across Alaska, with temperatures near or slightly below normal. Precipitation was below average in many areas, particularly in western Alaska. Fire activity increased during the second half of the month after lightning ignited several blazes, though the…

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Red, purple, and green leaves on Alaska plants

Time capsule: Color guard

Note: Regardless of how far they had advanced into autumn colors, all the leaves in Goldstream Valley on the morning of Sept. 3, 2026, were crusted with frost.