Artist concept of the solar system. Image by NASA

Venus study is finalist in NASA’s Discovery Program

February 18, 2020
Venus was once Earth-like and maybe even habitable. Why is it so different from Earth now? This week NASA announced its selection of four...
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Shishaldin volcano erupts, as seen from Cold Bay, Alaska, U.S, January 6, 2020. Photo by Aaron Merculief.

"AVO Radio" to bring volcano updates to the airwaves

February 5, 2020
Some Alaskans have the dubious distinction of a volcano practically in their backyard, across the water or upwind. Now, a new radio program will...
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A NASA sounding rocket launches from Poker Flat Research Range north of Fairbanks on Jan. 27, 2020. UAF photo by JR Ancheta.

NASA sounding rocket launches from Poker Flat

January 29, 2020
A NASA sounding rocket launched from Poker Flat Research Range north of Fairbanks at 4:40 a.m. on Jan. 27, 2020. The rocket arced to a high point...
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Two rockets rise from Poker Flat Research Range in this composite photograph taken the night of Jan. 25-26, 2015. The aurora is visible across the sky. The 2020 rocket launch window opens Jan. 26. Photo by J. Adkins, NASA.

Space Week features rocket launch window and NASA experts

January 22, 2020
An unofficial Space Week, filled with space science events, rocket launch preparations and presentations by NASA guests, will blast off in...
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At Nome Creek, Alaska ground temperatures rose immediately after a 2003 wildfire. New research from Sergey Marchenko shows wildfires, which affect terrestrial carbon storage, result in significant changes in permafrost zones. Photo by Sergey Marchenko.

Wildfires may send permafrost protections up in smoke

January 8, 2020
Across much of Alaska, permafrost is thawing. In most locations of interior and south Alaska, what permafrost exists is protected by the...
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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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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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University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK 99775

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