The Peters Hills basin, a Neogene wedge-top basin on the Broad Pass thrust fault, south-central Alaska
Peter J. Haeussler, Richard W. Saltus, Richard G. Stanley, Natalia Ruppert, Kristen Lewis, Susan M. Karl, Adrian M. Bender
2017, Geosphere (13) 1464-1488
The Neogene Peters Hills basin is a small terrestrial basin that formed along the south flank of the Alaska Range during a time in which there was regional shortening. The formation of the Peters Hills basin is consistent with it being a wedge-top basin that formed on top of the...
Atmospheric deposition of glacial iron in the Gulf of Alaska impacted by the position of the Aleutian Low
Andrew W. Schroth, John Crusius, Santiago Gasso, Christopher M. Moy, Nathan J. Buck, Joseph A. Resing, Robert W. Campbell
2017, Geophysical Research Letters (44) 5053-5061
Our understanding of glacial flour dust storm delivery of iron to the Gulf of Alaska (GoA) is limited. Here we interpret concurrent time series satellite, meteorological, and aerosol geochemical data from the GoA to examine how interannual variability in regional weather patterns impacts offshore aerosol glacial Fe deposition. In 2011,...
Declining survival of black brant from subarctic and arctic breeding areas
Alan G. Leach, David H. Ward, James S. Sedinger, Mark S. Lindberg, W. Sean Boyd, Jerry W. Hupp, Robert J. Ritchie
2017, Journal of Wildlife Management (81) 1210-1218
Since the mid 1990s, the number of black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans; brant) nests on the Yukon‐Kuskokwim Delta (YKD), Alaska, USA, the historically predominant breeding area of brant, has declined steadily. This has caused researchers and managers to question if arctic breeding populations can compensate for the reduction in brant...
Permafrost-related processes and recent response to climatic changes
Marina Leibman, Alexandr Kizyakov, Guido Grosse, Benjamin M. Jones, M. Torre Jorgenson, Mikhail Z. Kanevskiy
2017, Book chapter, Snow, water, ice and permafrost in the Arctic (SWIPA) 2017
Permafrost-related processes have direct and indirect consequences to northern environments, but the impacts are affected by complex interactions involving positive and negative feedbacks at the surface (Jorgenson et al. 2010), climatic trends and fluctuations (Romanovsky et al. 2010; Konishchev 2011), and terrain and ground ice conditions (French and Shur 2010,...
Spatial ecology and movement of reintroduced Canada lynx
Frances E. Buderman, Mevin Hooten, Jacob S. Ivan, Tanya Shenk
2017, Ecography (41) 126-139
Understanding movement behavior and identifying areas of landscape connectivity is critical for the conservation of many species. However, collecting fine‐scale movement data can be prohibitively time consuming and costly, especially for rare or endangered species, whereas existing data sets may provide the best available information on animal movement. Contemporary movement...
Population genetic structure and gene flow of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) breeding throughout the western Antarctic Peninsula
Kristen B. Gorman, Sandra L. Talbot, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, George K. Sage, Megan C. Gravley, Tony D. Williams, William R. Fraser
2017, Antarctic Science (29) 499-510
Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) are responding to ocean–climate variability throughout the marine ecosystem of the western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) where some breeding colonies have declined by 80%. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers were used to understand historical population genetic structure and gene flow given relatively recent and continuing reductions...
Status of natural and human environment
Lyman K. Thorsteinson, Peter Outridge, Alexander Klepikov, Maria Ananichheva, Evgeny Antonov, Valeria Bashkirova, Valery Chaschin, Ashley Gaden, Layla Hughes, Gensuo Jia, Takashi Kikuchi, Kirill Kivka, James Lima, Magdalena Muir, Elena Nikitina, Nina Poussenkova, Natalia Pozhilova, Valentina Sergeeva, Vanessa Skean, Alexey Somov, Gary Stern, Vilena Valeeva
2017, Book chapter, AMAP 2017, Adaptation actions for a changing Arctic: Perspectives form the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort region
This report present the results of the 2017 AMAP Assessment of Adaptation Actions for a changing Arctic (AACA): Perspectives form the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Region. This is one of three pilot study regions included in the AACA project. AACA is the first AMAP assessment dealing with adaptation actions and how...
Streambed scour evaluations and conditions at selected bridge sites in Alaska, 2013–15
Robin A. Beebee, Karenth L. Dworsky, Schyler J. Knopp
2017, Scientific Investigations Report 2017-5149
Streambed scour potential was evaluated at 52 river- and stream-spanning bridges in Alaska that lack a quantitative scour analysis or have unknown foundation details. All sites were evaluated for stream stability and long-term scour potential. Contraction scour and abutment scour were calculated for 52 bridges, and pier scour was calculated...
Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Cretaceous Nanushuk and Torok Formations, Alaska North Slope, and summary of resource potential of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, 2017
David W. Houseknecht, Richard O. Lease, Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, William A. Rouse, Palma J. Botterell, Katherine J. Whidden, Christopher P. Garrity, Kristen A. Lewis, Samuel J. Heller, William H. Craddock, Timothy R. Klett, Phuong A. Le, Rebecca A. Smith, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Cheryl A. Woodall, Michael E. Brownfield, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Thomas M. Finn
2017, Fact Sheet 2017-3088
The U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered, technically recoverable resources of 8.7 billion barrels of oil and 25 trillion cubic feet of natural gas (associated and nonassociated) in conventional accumulations in the Cretaceous Nanushuk and Torok Formations in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, adjacent State and Native lands, and...
Geology and assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources of the Yukon Flats Basin Province, 2008
Kenneth J. Bird, Richard G. Stanley
Thomas E. Moore, Donald L. Gautier, editor(s)
2017, Professional Paper 1824-F
The hydrocarbon potential of the Yukon Flats Basin Province in Central Alaska was assessed in 2004 as part of an update to the National Oil and Gas Assessment. Three assessment units (AUs) were identified and assessed using a methodology somewhat different than that of the 2008 Circum-Arctic Resource Appraisal (CARA)....
The 2014 eruptions of Pavlof Volcano, Alaska
Christopher F. Waythomas, Matthew M. Haney, Kristi L. Wallace, Cheryl E. Cameron, David J. Schneider
2017, Scientific Investigations Report 2017-5129
Pavlof Volcano is one of the most frequently active volcanoes in the Aleutian Island arc, having erupted more than 40 times since observations were first recorded in the early 1800s . The volcano is located on the Alaska Peninsula (lat 55.4173° N, long 161.8937° W), near Izembek National Wildlife Refuge....
Alaska and Yukon magnetic compilation, residual total magnetic field
W. Miles, Richard W. Saltus, Nathan Hayward, D. Oneschuk
2017, Open File 7862
This map is a compilation of aeromagnetic surveys over Yukon and eastern Alaska. Aeromagnetic surveys measure the total intensity of the earth's magnetic field. The field was measured by a magnetometer aboard an aircraft flown in parallel lines spaced at 200 m to 10000 m across the map area. The...
Lithium
Dwight Bradley, Lisa L. Stillings, Brian W. Jaskula, LeeAnn Munk, Andrew D. McCauley
Klaus J. Schulz, DeYoung Jr., Robert R. Seal, II, Dwight Bradley, editor(s)
2017, Professional Paper 1802-K
Lithium, the lightest of all metals, is used in air treatment, batteries, ceramics, glass, metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, and polymers. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are particularly important in efforts to reduce global warming because they make it possible to power cars and trucks from renewable sources of energy (for example, hydroelectric, solar, or...
Antimony
Robert R. Seal II, Klaus J. Schulz, John H. DeYoung, Jr., David M. Sutphin, Lawrence J. Drew, James F. Carlin Jr., Byron R. Berger
Klaus J. Schulz, DeYoung Jr., Robert R. Seal, II, Dwight Bradley, editor(s)
2017, Professional Paper 1802-C
Antimony is an important mineral commodity used widely in modern industrialized societies. The element imparts strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance to alloys that are used in many areas of industry, including in lead-acid storage batteries. Antimony’s leading use is as a fire retardant in safety equipment and in household goods,...
Fluorine
Timothy S. Hayes, M. Michael Miller, Greta J. Orris, Nadine M. Piatak
Klaus J. Schulz, DeYoung Jr., Robert R. Seal, II, Dwight Bradley, editor(s)
2017, Professional Paper 1802-G
Fluorine compounds are essential in numerous chemical and manufacturing processes. Fluorspar is the commercial name for fluorite (isometric CaF2), which is the only fluorine mineral that is mined on a large scale. Fluorspar is used directly as a fluxing material and as an additive in different manufacturing processes. It is...
Zirconium and hafnium
James V. Jones III, Nadine M. Piatak, George M. Bedinger
Klaus J. Schulz, DeYoung Jr., Robert R. Seal II, Dwight Bradley, editor(s)
2017, Professional Paper 1802-V
Zirconium and hafnium are corrosion-resistant metals that are widely used in the chemical and nuclear industries. Most zirconium is consumed in the form of the main ore mineral zircon (ZrSiO4, or as zirconium oxide or other zirconium chemicals. Zirconium and hafnium are both refractory lithophile elements that have nearly identical...
Generalized hydrogeologic framework and groundwater budget for a groundwater availability study for the glacial aquifer system of the United States
Howard W. Reeves, Randall E. Bayless, Robert W. Dudley, Daniel T. Feinstein, Michael N. Fienen, Christopher J. Hoard, Glenn A. Hodgkins, Sharon L. Qi, Jason L. Roth, Jared J. Trost
2017, Scientific Investigations Report 2017-5015
The glacial aquifer system groundwater availability study seeks to quantify (1) the status of groundwater resources in the glacial aquifer system, (2) how these resources have changed over time, and (3) likely system response to future changes in anthropogenic and environmental conditions. The glacial aquifer system extends from Maine to...
Observations and first reports of saprolegniosis in Aanaakłiq, broad whitefish (Coregonus nasus), from the Colville River near Nuiqsut, Alaska
Todd L. Sformo, Billy Adams, John C. Seigle, Jayde A. Ferguson, Maureen K. Purcell, Raphaela Stimmelmayr, Joseph H. Welch, Leah M. Ellis, Jason C. Leppi, John C. George
2017, Polar Science (14) 78-82
We report the first confirmed cases (2013–2016) of saprolegniosis caused by water mold from the genus Saprolegnia in Aanaakłiq, broad whitefish (Coregonus nasus), from the Colville River near Nuiqsut, Alaska. While this mold is known to be worldwide, these instances represent the first cases in Nuiqsut and only the second instance on...
Evaluating methods to assess the body condition of female polar bears
Anthony M. Pagano, Karyn D. Rode, Stephen N. Atkinson
2017, Ursus (28) 171-181
An animal's body condition provides insight into its health, foraging success, and overall fitness. Measures of body composition including proportional fat content are useful indicators of condition. Isotopic dilution is a reliable non-destructive method for estimating the body composition of live mammals, but can require prolonged handling times. Alternatively, bioelectrical...
Tectonic evolution of the Central Andean Plateau and implications for the growth of plateaus
Carmala N. Garzione, Nadine McQuarrie, Nicholas D. Perez, Todd A. Ehlers, Susan L. Beck, Nandini Kar, Nathan Eichelberger, Alan D. Chapman, Kevin M. Ward, Mihai N. Ducea, Richard O. Lease, Christopher J. Poulsen, Lara S. Wagner, Joel E. Saylor, George Zandt, Brian K. Horton
2017, Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences (45) 529-559
Current end-member models for the geodynamic evolution of orogenic plateaus predict (a) slow and steady rise during crustal shortening and ablative subduction (i.e., continuous removal) of the lower lithosphere or (b) rapid surface uplift following shortening, which is associated with punctuated removal of dense lower lithosphere and/or lower crustal flow....
Geology of Kasatochi Volcano, Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Christopher J. Nye, William E. Scott, Owen K Neill, Christopher F. Waythomas, Cheryl E. Cameron, Andrew T. Calvert
2017, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Professional Report 123
Kasatochi is a small, isolated island volcano in the center of the Aleutian Island chain. It consists of a roughly circular cone ~3 km in diameter with a lake-filled central crater that is 1.2 km in diameter and extends from the highest point on the island to sea level. The...
How the solid earth works
Raymond A. Price
Thomas K. Bundtzen, Warren J. Nokleberg, Raymond A. Price, David W. Scholl, David B. Stone, editor(s)
2017, Book chapter, Dynamic geology of the Northern Cordillera (Alaska and western Canada) and adjacent marine areas: Tectonics, hazards, and resources
No abstract available....
Possible behavioural, energetic and demographic effects of displacement of red-throated divers
Volker Dierschke, Robert W. Furness, Carrie E. Gray, Ib Krag Petersen, Joel A. Schmutz, Ramunas Zydelis, Francis Daunt
2017, U.K. Joint Nature Conservation Committee Report 605
This report comprises the main points of discussion and agreement during a workshop, held in Edinburgh in May 2017, to discuss how displacement might affect individuals and the Red-throated diver population; with additional information added by the scientists following the workshop....
Attaching transmitters to waterbirds using one versus two subcutaneous anchors: Retention and survival trade-offs
Tyler Lewis, Daniel Esler, Brian D. Uher-Koch, Rian D. Dickson, Eric M. Anderson, Joseph R. Evenson, Jerry W. Hupp, Paul L. Flint
2017, Wildlife Society Bulletin (41) 691-700
A major challenge of wildlife telemetry is choosing an attachment technique that maximizes transmitter retention while minimizing negative side effects. For waterbirds, attachment of transmitters with subcutaneous anchors has been an effective and well-established technique, having been used on >40 species. This method was recently modified to include a second...
Genomics of Arctic cod
Robert E. Wilson, George K. Sage, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Megan C. Gravley, Damian M. Menning, Sandra L. Talbot
2017, OCS Study BOEM 2017-066
The Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) is an abundant marine fish that plays a vital role in the marine food web. To better understand the population genetic structure and the role of natural selection acting on the maternally-inherited mitochondrial genome (mitogenome), a molecule often associated with adaptations to temperature, we analyzed...
