Scientists have documented a recent population explosion of beavers on the Baldwin Peninsula near Kotzebue. Using satellite images, the researchers counted an increase from two to 98 beaver dams near Kotzebue between 2002 and 2019. “Our study shows that (beavers) were responsible for two-thirds of the increase in surface-water area in the Kotzebue study […]
Using data from the ICESat and ICESat-2 laser altimeters, scientists precisely measured how much ice has been lost from ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland between 2003 and 2019. The Antarctic Peninsula, seen here, was one of the fastest changing regions of the continent. Credits: NASA / K. Ramsayer The results provide insights into how […]
On these wet, mushy April days, as returning ducks set their wings for landing at Creamer’s Field in Fairbanks, spring breakup is proceeding as it always has. This year is different, though, noticed in the striking quiet of places that would usually be hopping. One of those is the campus of the University of […]
Howard Pass, a rock-stubbled tundra plateau in the western Brooks Range, is one of the lowest points in the mountains that arc across northern Alaska. It is a broad gateway between the great drainages of the Colville and Noatak rivers. Scientists who have visited the lonely spot say Howard Pass is noteworthy for two […]