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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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Jan. 27 | K-12 planetarium show

Jan. 29 | Kickoff flash talks at the Pub

Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 | Science talks from UAF experts (in-person & virtual)

This year, we highlight new climate research technology, an Alaska earthquake mystery solution, tidewater glaciers in Alaska and Greenland and a recent Bering Sea journey aboard the research vessel Sikuliaq.

Learn more about Science for Alaska 2026

a rocket in front of uaf geophysical institute building

A two-stage NASA sounding rocket launches from Poker Flat Research Range at 4:20 a.m. Jan. 30, 2026, as part of a Virginia Tech project studying nitric oxide produced by the aurora. Photo by Bryan Whitten

First rocket of 2026 takes flight at Poker Flat

A two-stage NASA sounding rocket shot skyward from Poker Flat Research Range at 4:20 a.m. today as part of a long-running project to learn more about aurora-produced nitric oxide in the upper atmosphere. Nitric oxide, a gas, can travel to lower atmospheric levels, where it can damage Earth’s…

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Three missions, four rockets: Poker Flat is ready for launch

The 2026 Poker Flat Research Range launch season opens late Thursday night, Jan. 29, with the first of three missions studying the aurora and the upper atmosphere. Launch is possible at approximately 4:20 a.m. Friday. Text PFRRLAUNCHES to 866-485-7614 for launch updates.

Graduate student researcher Emily Graham presents her research during the 2025 lecture series. Photo by LJ Evans

Science for Alaska talks and events announced

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute will host free public science talks over the next few weeks, highlighting new climate research technology, an Alaska earthquake mystery solution, tidewater glaciers in Alaska and Greenland and a recent Bering Sea journey aboard the research…

Ice fog shrouds a Fort Wainwright neighborhood near Fairbanks on Dec. 31, 2025. Photo by Sara Eliza Johnson

Alaska climate report: December’s deep cold, deep snow

The title page of the Alaska Climate Research Center’s monthly summary for December crisply explained what a busy weather month it was across the state. • Almost a month-long cold spell. • Snowiest December on record in Juneau. • Ice storm on the west coast, multiple severe wind events in the Mat-Su…

Discussion in a tent at a remote lake led to a new look at Alaska tectonic activity 75 million to 50 million years ago, a period spanning the Late Cretaceous through the early Paleogene. The two geologists determined that the concurrent events of the Western Alaska rotation and Southeast Alaska metamorphism from the addition of crust created the curvature seen today — an orocline in geologic terms. It can be seen in the arc of the Alaska Range mountains, Wrangell Mountains and St. Elias Mountains and the southern coastline.

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A new view of old Alaska

Discussion in a tent at a remote lake led to a new look at Alaska tectonic activity 75 million to 50 million years ago, a period spanning the Late Cretaceous through the early Paleogene. The two geologists determined that the concurrent events of the Western Alaska rotation and Southeast Alaska…

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Alaska glaciers, such as Worthington here near Valdez, have shrunk the height of a 10-story building since 1950. Ned Rozell photo.

Twenty years of Arctic report cards

Twenty years have passed since scientists released the first version of the Arctic Report Card, now a staple at the Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union.