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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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Clusters of “fairy circles” in Western Australia have been found to seep hydrogen gas. The image was acquired by the Landsat 9 satellite on June 27, 2023. Landsat 9 is a partnership between NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey. Image courtesy of NASA Earth Observatory

UAF workshop will look at Alaska’s geologic hydrogen

Geophysical Institute

October 25, 2024

Reshaping Alaska’s energy future with geologic hydrogen is the subject of a three-day workshop next week hosted by the University of Alaska...

Smoke from nearby wildfires creates a haze on the University of Alaska Fairbanks Troth Yeddha’ Campus in June 2022. UAF photo by Eric Engman

Method rapidly determines surface air quality during Alaska wildfires

Geophysical Institute

October 23, 2024

A method of quickly determining surface air quality during Alaska’s sometimes intense wildfire season will benefit urban and rural communities...

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS passes by the sun (blocked by center circle) on Oct. 10, 2024, in this image from the Solar & Heliospheric Observatory. The observatory launched in December 1995 as a joint mission of NASA and the European Space Agency. Image courtesy of the Solar & Heliospheric Observatory

UAF to offer comet viewing — if the weather cooperates

Geophysical Institute

October 11, 2024

The University of Alaska Fairbanks invites the public to view a celestial visitor that hasn’t traveled near Earth in at least 80,000 years. Comet...

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A short-tailed weasel pauses at the entrance to a building on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Photo by Ned Rozell.

Weasels are cute, natural born killers

Weighing as much as a cup of walnuts and resembling a squeaky dog toy, the short-tailed weasel is easy to underestimate.

Roger Jaramillo, left, and Matthew Crisafi-Lurtsema stand on the summit of Denali on June 7, 2024. Photo by Roger Jaramillo.

Denali climbed, its snow sampled for plastics

Two mountaineers who are also University of Alaska Fairbanks students were successful in their attempt to reach the top of North America’s highest peak in summer 2024.