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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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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…

Map of the United States showing the newest NSF Regional Innovation Engine awards to 12 teams across 20 states. Labeled markers identify each engine’s region, including the NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska; solid dots represent Cohort 1 and gear-shaped symbols represent Cohort 2.

National Science Foundation funds UAF-led critical minerals coalition

The U.S. National Science Foundation announced today that it will fund a major critical minerals project led by the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The regional collaboration aims to reduce the nation’s dependence on imported critical minerals used in everyday products and important to national…

Part of Fourth Avenue in downtown Anchorage lies collapsed after subsiding nearly 11 feet during the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, with damaged buildings, cars and trucks visible along the broken street.

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A history of Alaska's seismic monitoring

Tracking Alaska's ground motion started with a single station installed in 1904. A second station was established in Fairbanks in 1935.

A New York Air National Guard LC-130 Skibird cargo aircraft sits on a snow runway atop the Greenland Ice Cap under a clear blue sky. The ski-equipped aircraft, operated by the 109th Airlift Wing, is parked on the windswept ice with a small field camp, flags and support structures visible.

Frozen Arctic lakes becoming less capable of supporting cargo aircraft

The ability to land a military cargo plane on a frozen Arctic lake is becoming less likely as a warming environment reduces the number of subfreezing days. That puts ice thickness below the minimum needed to support heavy aircraft. Arctic lakes sometimes won’t reach that minimum thickness at all…

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