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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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Planetarium construction continues at the west side of the University of Alaska Museum of the North on UAF’s Troth Yeddha’ Campus in Fairbanks. UAF/GI photo by Rod Boyce

Planetarium construction begins, Murdock Trust joins project

Geophysical Institute

June 24, 2025

Construction has begun on a new 65-seat planetarium at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The project, approved by the UA Board of Regents in...

A University of Alaska Fairbanks professor has published a new mathematical framework for three-dimensional time. TheDigitalArtist/Pixabay

UAF professor’s work is a step toward elusive ‘theory of everything’

Geophysical Institute

June 18, 2025

Time, not space plus time, might be the single fundamental property in which all physical phenomena occur, according to a new theory by a...

Alaska Earthquake Center Director Michael West testified at a congressional subcommittee hearing on May 20, 2025, regarding bills for volcano, earthquake and landslide hazard programs. Photo taken from subcommittee video.

Alaska Earthquake Center director at Congress: Renew three hazards programs

Geophysical Institute

June 17, 2025

Reauthorizing federal programs that help warn of volcano eruptions, earthquakes and landslides is essential for reducing fatalities and the...

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Larry Hinzman at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Photo courtesy Larry Hinzman.

Natural changes only part of the story

Last week, I sent out a story on changes in Alaska over the past few million years.

Alaska has been — and will continue to be — a place of great change. Map from “A Guide to Alaska, Last American Frontier” by Merle Colby, Federal Writers’ Project, 1935.

Change is the state of Alaska

With its melting glaciers, thawing permafrost, and floating sea ice that gets tougher to see from its northern shores each summer, Alaska is the poster state for global warming.

In June 2025, Kathe Rich sits in her office at Poker Flat Research Range behind notebooks she has filled with details of her 35 years at the rocket-launching facility. Photo by Ned Rozell.

Career at rocket range energizing, fun

POKER FLAT RESEARCH RANGE — After 35 years of driving to work over a small mountain each day, Kathe Rich will soon make her last daily ascent of Cleary Summit.