The Alaska Science Pod will give voice to the people tackling big scientific questions in the Last Frontier through a series of monthly episodes featuring natural phenomena in Alaska and the people who study them.
In Alaska’s infinite waters swims a handsome, silvery fish. Until recently, we knew little about the Bering cisco, which exists only around Alaska and Siberia. Then a scientist combined his unique life experiences with modern tools to help color in the fish’s life history.
Local pilot Chris Palms of K2 Aviation first noticed this unique geologic event during a recent overflight of the mountain. Since then, park scientists have begun a flurry of observations of this now rapidly flowing glacier.
While out on a springtime snow trail, I recently saw a dozen white-winged crossbills pecking at snow on the side of the trail. When I reached the spot, I saw a yellow stain from where a team of dogs had paused: Why might songbirds have a thing for yellow snow?
The largest earthquake on the planet that year happened somewhere near Kodiak on Oct. 9, 1900. Scientists know it was big, but how big? And could it happen again?
Researchers in Germany and at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute have developed a method of using satellite imagery to measure the depth of thaw directly above permafrost in boreal ecosystems.