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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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The seasonal transition that began in August and continues in September is well underway in Interior Alaska. The season’s changing colors are visible around the West Ridge of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Troth Yeddha’ campus in early September. UAF photo by Eric Marshall

Article

Alaska climate report: August, a time of meteorological change

Geophysical Institute

September 9, 2025

August was a bit of a weather yo-yo in some parts of Alaska. Kotzebue, Nome and Bethel had warm weather in the month’s first week but cooler than...

Drilling to the bed of thick, flowing ice is highly challenging and has never been undertaken for the sustained period required to maintain the drainage of subglacial water, the researcher paper’s authors write. Illustration is from the research paper

Article

Researchers reject geo-engineering as a climate-warming response

Geophysical Institute

September 9, 2025

Proposals to reduce climate warming in the polar regions through geo-engineering rather than carbon emission cutbacks would be dangerous and...

Some of the 300 people who attended the 2024 Alaska Defense Forum listen during a session at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel and Conference Center. The 2025 forum, set for Aug. 25-27 at the 8 Star Event Center, is the sixth year the forum has been held. Photo by RED Photography

Article

Geophysical Institute organizes defense forum to discuss shared goals

Geophysical Institute

August 21, 2025

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute has organized this year’s Alaska Defense Forum, which brings together military leaders...

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Lew Shapiro poses with Josie Sam in 2012 after she earned her master’s degree at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Photo courtesy of Josie Sam.

From the Bronx to Barrow to Ghana

It’s a long way from the Bronx to Barrow. It’s even farther from Fairbanks to Ghana. Lewis Shapiro covered a lot of ground during his 90 years.

Malaspina Glacier spills out toward the Gulf of Alaska in this 2014 image. Image courtesy of NASA Earth Observatory.

The long fade of Alaska’s largest glacier

SITKAGI BLUFFS — While paddling a glacial lake complete with icebergs and milky blue water, I dipped my left hand, then tasted my fingers.

Salty.

Balsam poplars dwarf nearby tundra and willow shrubs near the Anaktuvuk River in early August. Balsam poplar is the largest tree species on Alaska's North Slope. Photo by Sara Wilbur

Calling lost chickadees in far north poplars

Note to readers: Guest columnist Sara Wilbur, communications coordinator at the UAF Geophysical Institute, wrote this week’s Alaska Science Forum while author Ned Rozell is traveling in Southeast A