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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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UAF graduate student Cole Richards installs a high-sampling seismic sensor in February 2019. It is one 400 placed along the Parks Highway following the 2018 magnitude 7.1 Anchorage earthquake. Graduate student Bella Seppi would later use the sensor data in her aircraft research. Photo by Carl Tape

Seismic data can identify aircraft by type

Instruments typically used to detect the ground motion of earthquakes can also be used to identify the type of aircraft flying far overhead, research by University of Alaska Fairbanks scientists shows. That’s because aircraft sound waves also shake the ground, though to a much lesser extent. An…

A light beam produced by the new lidar emerges from the dome at the Subauroral Geophysical Observatory at Gakona. Photo by Mike Roddewig

New lidar advances atmospheric science at UAF research site

A new science tool at the University of Alaska Fairbanks research center in Gakona will advance understanding of Earth’s middle and upper atmosphere regions. The lidar at the Subauroral Geophysical Observatory is one of three operated by the UAF Geophysical Institute’s Lidar Research Laboratory…

Tom Glass and Rodrigo Rangel navigate a beaver pond on the northern Seward Peninsula in August 2024. Photo by Benjamin Jones

Beavers’ Arctic expansion quickens impact of region's warming

The climate-driven spread of beaver ponds in Alaska’s Arctic accelerates the effects of a warming environment by causing pond-adjacent permafrost to thaw and by increasing the amount of liquid water present during winter. Those are the key findings of the first comprehensive, on-the-ground…

The aurora shines over Fairbanks on Oct. 5, 2024. Photo by Bryan Whitten

Triple blast of solar activity sets stage for active aurora show

An unusual triple-whammy of solar outbursts, including one scientists call a cannibal, began hitting Earth this afternoon and is likely to bring the curtain up on spectacular aurora performances starting tonight. Events like this bring a risk of radio blackouts and satellite damage, according to the…

Marita and Walt Babula walk hand in hand Oct. 11, 2025, at the site of a 65-seat planetarium. The Babulas made a previously anonymous donation of $7.4 million to the project. Photo by Bryan Whitten

UAF planetarium set for spring opening

A decades-long dream of a planetarium at the University of Alaska Museum of the North will come to fruition this spring when the University of Alaska Fairbanks opens the new 65-seat facility to the public. The planetarium will be named for Walt and Marita Babula, the formerly anonymous donors whose…

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