Louise Farquharson works on the tundra at Kougarok, Alaska. The site is one of 28 field locations that show evidence of extensive permafrost thawing zones previously unrecognized. This could have dramatic implications for subsequent carbon release. Photo by Vladimir Romanovsky

The Arctic’s grand reveal

December 12, 2019
“This green line looks like the death of permafrost — it’s flatlining,” Louise Farquharson said to an audience of a few dozen scientists. Her...
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An unmanned aerial vehicle at Oliktok Point, Alaska used to map Arctic sea ice in 2018. Oliktok Point is the proposed site for a permanent High Arctic research center, discussed at a NSF-funded workshop on the UAF campus in October. Photo by ACUASI.

Permanent Arctic research facility under discussion

November 15, 2019
The logistics of doing research in the Arctic are challenging and complex. Travelling hundreds of miles through tundra, sometimes in temperatures...
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An ocean view of McBride Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Photo by Joanna Young.

International climate report holds special value for Alaska

October 28, 2019
Authors of the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, delivered a stunning alarm bell for our planet's oceans...
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The Ayars family of Dillingham, Alaska. Photo courtesy Chelsea Ayars.

“Infrasound angels” recognized by Wilson Alaska Technical Center

October 14, 2019
Much of scientific work depends on quiet supporters; people working reliably in the background to make sure the operation runs smoothly. This...
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The city of Valdez shown in the Alaska Tsunami Hazard Map Tool. The tool is a web-based map portal that displays potential tsunami hazard zones for settlements across Alaska. From the Alaska Earthquake Center.

New tsunami map tool empowers Alaskans to plan for the worst

September 17, 2019
September is national preparedness month and, for many Alaskans, that means thinking about tsunamis. With the most earthquakes and the longest...
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Asteroid impact: An artist’s interpretation of the asteroid impact that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. The asteroid in the artwork appears much larger than the six-mile rock that scientists hypothesize actually struck the Earth 66 million years ago. Image by NASA/Don Davis.

The first day of the dinosaur extinction

September 9, 2019
When the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs slammed into the planet 66 million years ago, the impact set wildfires, triggered tsunamis and...
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The Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement, visible as a pink band rising from the lower left to upper right of this photograph, appears with the Milky Way over Childs Lake, Manitoba, Canada. Image courtesy of Krista Trinder and NASA

It’s not aurora, it’s STEVE

September 4, 2019
Aurora-watchers gazing at spectacular displays over the Labor Day weekend may have been seeing more than the northern lights. They may have been...
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Michael West, GI research professor and director of the Alaska Earthquake Center, will receive the 2019 Emil Usibell Distinguished Service Award.

UAF announces 2019 Usibelli Award recipients

August 29, 2019
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has announced the winners of the 2019 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching, Service and Research Awards. The...
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Peter Webley is one of 54 academic inventors honored as Senior Members of the National Academy of inventors for Spring 2019. UAF photo by JR Ancheta

Peter Webley honored by the National Academy of Inventors

August 16, 2019
Peter Webley’s passion for innovation, mentoring and outreach has earned him recognition from a national organization. The National Academy of...
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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.

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Fairbanks, AK 99775

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