The Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest near Fairbanks, Alaska, covers an area north of the Tanana River and south of the Parks Highway. Researchers took field measurements in the forest to test their new method of inferring permafrost thaw depth from such images. Image by Veronika Döpper

Scientists use forest color to gauge permafrost depth

March 1, 2021
Scientists regularly use remote sensing drones and satellites to record how climate change affects permafrost thaw rates — methods that work well...
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A time-lapse photograph captures the Super Soaker launches on Jan. 25-26, 2018. Photo by Zayn Roohi courtesy of NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility and Poker Flat Research Range.

Rocket launches reveal water vapor effect in upper atmosphere

February 26, 2021
Results of a 2018 multirocket launch at Poker Flat Research Range north of Fairbanks will help scientists better understand the impact of more...
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UAF announces 2021 Science for Alaska Lecture Series lineup

January 29, 2021
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute will host a series of free virtual public talks on topics that include measuring the...
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Catherine Cahill

UAF’s Cahill appointed to FAA’s Drone Advisory Committee

January 8, 2021
The Federal Aviation Administration has named University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist Catherine Cahill as one of 12 new members of its Drone...
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The Islands of Four Mountains lie near the center of the Aleutian Islands’ arc. This map also shows the position and approximate areas of known calderas along the arc. Graphic courtesy John Power, USGS.

Cluster of Alaska islands could be single giant volcano

December 3, 2020
A small group of volcanic islands in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands might be part of a single, undiscovered giant volcano, say scientists presenting...
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House fires caused by ruptured gas lines in Kenai following the 2016 magnitude 7.1 Iniskin earthquake. Photo courtesy Kenai Fire Department.

Alaska Earthquake Center receives USGS funding

November 23, 2020
The U.S. Geological Survey recently awarded the Alaska Earthquake Center a $2.85M one-year award to operate and strengthen Alaska’s earthquake...
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The red dots show locations of 45 USArray stations which greatly increase the ability to track earthquakes, permafrost changes, sea ice extent, aurora events and the weather across western and northern Alaska. Map courtesy of AEC.

Sensors will sustain Alaska earthquake and weather data

November 12, 2020
A new project will make it possible for scientists to better track a suite of phenomena in Alaska ranging from earthquakes to wildfires to sea...
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An artist’s rendering of the new virtual ‘ShAKe’ exhibit at the UA Museum of the North. Illustration by Roger Topp.

UA museum launches ‘shAKe,’ its first virtual exhibit

October 14, 2020
The headline across the top of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner front page, bold and in all caps, said “FAIRBANKS HIT BY ITS WORST EARTHQUAKE.”...
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UAF researchers and partner institutions will use computer modeling to study the impact of climate change on Alaska’s rapidly melting Malaspina Glacier, pictured here. Researchers say the loss of the ice may create a new bay in southeastern Alaska. UAF photo by Martin Truffer.

Study to investigate melting Malaspina Glacier, potential new bay

September 18, 2020
The rapidly melting Malaspina Glacier in southeastern Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park could create a new ocean bay, one feature in what...
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About

Since it was established by an Act of Congress in 1946, scientists at the Geophysical Institute have studied geophysical processes from the center of the Earth to the surface of the sun and beyond, turning data and observations into information useful for state, Arctic and national priorities.

Contact info

The GI is located on the West Ridge of the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.

2156 Koyukuk Drive
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK 99775

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