Links
Below is a list of websites that may be useful for information on arctic science.
North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management. To see information on local studies on the North Slope, visit our Studies and Research Projects.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) Education and Outreach – This website provides resources and information for students, teachers, hunters, anglers and more, including the Salmon in the Classroom, the Alaska Wildlife Notebook Series, Furs of Alaska’s Mammals guide, Skulls of Alaska’s Mammals guide, Seal Hunting and Safety guide, and more.
Alaska Native Health Consortium – Tribal health organization that manages Alaska Native health services.
- Center for Climate and Health – Raising Awareness about climate change and public health in the circumpolar north.
- Climate and Health E-News – Archived Newsletters.
Alaska Native Science Commission – The Alaska Native Science Commission (ANSC) was established in 1994 to bring together research and science in partnership with the Native community. It serves as a clearinghouse for proposed research, an information base for ongoing and past research and an archive for significant research involving the Native community. ANSC provides information, referral and networking services for researchers seeking active partners in the Native community and communities seeking research partners.
Alaska Science Center – Biological Science Office Information on biological research of the USGS in Alaska.
Alaska Science Consortium – The Alaska Science Consortium (ASC) is a coalition of teachers, districts, and the Alaska Dept of Education and Early Development (EED) working together to improve the teaching of science.
Alaska Web Cams – Webcams provide the Internet user with an up-to-date picture or video of remote locations. Webcams can be very handy in Alaska. The FAA has recognized the benefits of having webcams at sites of interest to pilots. They can be helpful to other outdoor user groups as well. Snowmobilers, for example, can see the latest snow conditions in areas before they leave town. This list focuses on webcams with views of the terrain and weather conditions. If you would like to suggest additions to this list, please contact the webmaster@akmining.com with the site address. These are separate sites, so AMDS is not responsible for their content. Some go off-line fairly often, so check back later if a particular view is not working. Be prepared for slow download times.
Arctic Bay Atlas – The Arctic Bay Atlas is a Spoken Map where you can hear more than 300 traditional place names in Arctic Bay, Nunavut, Canada.
Arctic Climate Connections Curriculum – The Arctic Climate Connections curriculum was developed for high school audience but is easily adaptable for middle school or lower college level. The curriculum is classroom-tested, modular in design, data-rich, incorporates Google Earth and Excel as key tools, is based on authentic scientific data, uses active learning techniques, and includes hands-on activities. It is complete with assessments, answer keys, and a grading rubric. Classroom implementation showed that students were very engaged. Download the curriculum. Also available is a recording of a presentation from the scientist who collected the data the curriculum is built on. Everything, including the presentation, is classroom-ready.
Arctic Climate Impact Assessment – “Impacts of a Warming Arctic: Highlights” is a 20-page summary of the scientific report prepared by the Arctic Council and presented during the ACIA International Scientific Symposium in 2004. The entire scientific report can be downloaded from the website.
Arctic Council – The Arctic Biodiversity Assessment produced by the Arctic Council’s Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna working group presents the status and trends in arctic biodiversity and includes a synthesis, a report specifically for policymakers, and the full-length report. The Arctic Ocean Acidification Assessment produced by the Arctic Council’s Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) looks at the potential impacts of acidification of the Arctic Ocean. The report includes a summary for policymakers and a key findings document, both available under the ‘Publications online’ link at the AMAP website. The Arctic Resilience Interim Report 2013, led by the Stockholm Environment Institute and the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University, considers how changes in climate, ecosystems, economics, and society interact. In addition to the full report, a summary for policymakers is available.
Arctic Data – Here you will find access to data collected and developed through the activities of the Conservation of Arctic Flora & Fauna (CAFF) and Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) Working Groups of the Arctic Council. The aim of this service is to make available data generated through the activities of CAFF and PAME. The site is under development and data will be added as it becomes available.
Arctic in Rapid Transition (ART) – The Arctic in Rapid Transition (ART) Initiative is an integrative, international, interdisciplinary, pan‐Arctic network to study the spatial and temporal changes in sea ice cover, ocean circulation and associated physical drivers over multiple timescales to better understand and forecast the impact of these changes on the ecosystems and biogeochemistry of the Arctic Ocean. See the website for more information about ART.
Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS) – A non-profit corporation formed to serve as a forum for coordinating, facilitating, and implementing studies of the arctic. Based in Fairbanks, AK.
Arctic Research Plan FY2013-2017 – The Administration’s National Science and Technology Council released a five-year Arctic Research Plan that outlines key areas of study the Federal government will undertake to better understand and predict environmental changes in the Arctic. The Plan was developed by a team of experts representing 14 Federal agencies, based on input from collaborators including the Alaska Governor’s Office, indigenous arctic communities, local organizations, and universities. Seven research areas are highlighted in the Plan as both important to the development of national policies and well-poised to benefit from interagency collaboration, including among them: regional climate models, human health studies, and adaptation tools for communities.
Arctic Report Card (NOAA) – Source for current environmental information on the state of the Arctic, since 2006.
Arctic Science and Technology Information System (ASTIS) Online Database – Canada’s national northern database, the Arctic Science and Technology Information System (ASTIS), now describes 77,000 publications and research projects. ASTIS includes all subjects and covers the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, the northern parts of seven provinces, and Canada’s arctic waters. The publications cited in the database include both peer-reviewed and grey literature. Major new additions to the database during the past year include 760 Canadian IPY 2007-2008 publications, 450 ArcticNet publications, 190 Northern Contaminants Program publications, and 250 publications about the environmental impacts, socio-economic effects, and regulation of oil and gas exploration, development, and transportation in northern Canada.
ARMAP Arctic Research Mapping Application – ARMAP is a suite of online, interactive maps and services that support Arctic science.
- Learn more about research projects in your region of interest or scientific discipline.
- Explore available data or possible collaborations.
- Use the online mapping tools to meet your own project’s specific goals.
Arctic Stories – This site is the result of an NSF-funded project highlighting stories of the Arctic by children’s author Peter Lourie. The site includes video interviews of arctic scientists, Inupiat hunters, and local residents.
- Ecological Atlas of Alaska’s Western Arctic.
- Arctic Marine Synthesis: Atlas of the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas.
BAID Barrow Area Information Database – Information on research conducted, past and present, on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) and other areas on the North Slope of Alaska. This database is designed to support collaboration and information availability to enhance decision making on UIC lands.
Balthazar – Check out this website documenting a family from Quebec, Canada, that has been traveling in their sailboat around the world since 1999. During the summers of 2012 and 2013 they navigate the Northwest Passage from Quebec to Alaska. Click here for the English version.
Common Birds on the North Slope – This NSB-DWM webpage contains descriptions and pictures of some of the common birds found on the North Slope.
Common Fish on the North Slope – This NSB-DWM webpage contains descriptions and pictures of some of the common fish found on the North Slope.
Common Invertebrates on the North Slope – This NSB-DWM webpage contains descriptions and pictures of some of the more common plants found on the North Slope.
Common Mammals on the North Slope – This NSB-DWM webpage contains descriptions and pictures of some of the common mammals found on the North Slope.
Common Plants on the North Slope – This NSB-DWM webpage contains descriptions and pictures of some of the more common plants found on the North Slope.
Conducting Arctic Research – The Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee (IARPC), chaired by the National Science Foundation (NSF), has revised the Principles for Conducting Research in the Arctic.
Ecosystems of Northern Alaska Poster – Produced by Torre Jorgenson, ABR, Inc., Fairbanks, AK, and Michael Heiner, The Nature Conservancy, Seattle, WA.
EnviroWild Learning – Resources for educators from Environment Yukon, including information on animals, habitat, hunting, fishing, and much more.
Flora of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago – An electronic database identifying about 350 species of plants found in the Canadian arctic, including pictures. Authors: S.G. Aiken, M.J. Dallwitz, L.L. Consaul, C.L. McJannet, L.J. Gillespie, R.L. Boles, G.W. Argus, J.M. Gillett, P.J. Scott, R. Elven, M.C. LeBlanc, A.K. Brysting and H. Solstad.
Future Alaskans in Fisheries and Marine Science – Website sponsored by UAF to help rural Alaskans and Alaska Natives pursue education towards careers in fisheries and marine and ocean sciences.
Geophysical Institute – Snow, Ice, and Permafrost – The goal of cryospheric research at the Geophysical Institute is to understand the properties and processes which occur within snow, ice, and permafrost, their role in the shaping of the landscape, and their influence on climate and impact on the biosphere Studies include field investigations throughout the arctic, Antarctic, and and mountainous regions of our planet, with increasing participation in the exploration of Mars and Jovian satellites.
Global Offshore – Press “Submerge” and go to the “Alaska” bubble to see interviews of people in Alaska and on the North Slope. Producer/Interviewer: Debbie Dahl-Edwardson; cinematographer: Dustinn Craig; editor: Petra Valier; associate editor: Glen Richards.
International Arctic Research Center – Formed at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to serve as a focal point for international collaboration on arctic climate change research.
International Arctic Science Committee – The International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) is a non-governmental, international scientific organization. The IASC mission is to encourage and facilitate cooperation in all aspects of Arctic research, in all countries engaged in Arctic research and in all areas of the Arctic region. Overall, IASC promotes and supports leading-edge multi-disciplinary research in order to foster a greater scientific understanding of the Arctic region and its role in the Earth system.
International Polar Year – The International Polar Year is a large scientific programme focused on the Arctic and the Antarctic from March 2007 to March 2009. See this website for information on the studies conducted during this project.
International Tundra Experiment – A collaborative effort of scientists from 11 countries who are monitoring plants of the tundra ecosystem and documenting their responses to environmental changes.
List of Names of Species on the North Slope – This list includes scientific names, common names and Iñupiat names of fish, birds, mammals, and other animals.
Managing for the Future in a Rapidly Changing Arctic: A Report to the President March 2013 – An interagency working group chaired by Interior Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes released this report that calls for an integrated management strategy for the rapidly changing Arctic. The report highlights the need for a coordinated approach that uses the best available science to integrate cultural, environmental and economic factors in decision-making about development and conservation. The report is based on input from a wide range of Alaska stakeholders. In addition to recommending integrated management, the report recommends continuing high-level attention on the Arctic, strengthening state and tribal partnerships, encouraging more stakeholder engagement, undertaking more organized and inclusive scenario planning, and coordinating and potentially consolidating environmental reviews that are now being prepared by multiple agencies. The report does not recommend new regulations or represent new policy decisions, but it does call for a review of the activities of over 20 federal agencies involved in the U.S. Arctic by the end of 2013 with an eye toward increased coordination and the elimination of duplication of efforts. Congress has entrusted the federal government with primary jurisdiction over nearly three quarters of the U.S. Arctic’s land mass. In addition, the federal government has a special relationship with Alaska natives, including Alaskan tribes and native corporations. The report to the President was led by the Interagency Working Group on Coordination of Domestic Energy Development and Permitting in Alaska, with active consultation and assistance from the National Ocean Council and the Arctic Research Commission.
National Climate Assessment Report Released & Teaching Resources – The U.S. National Climate Assessment report was released last week. For those of you dedicated to informing the U.S. public, media, and policymakers about climate change research and information, communicating the findings of this report is a great way to contextualize and personalize climate change for your community. Nat’l Cimate Assessment and Teaching Resources.
Native observations of change in the marine environment of the Bering Strait region – Essay written by Caleb Pungowiyi, from Kotzebue, who served as Special Advisor on Native Affairs for the Marine Mammal Commission.
NOAA Arctic Theme Page – The Arctic is a vast, ice-covered ocean, surrounded by tree-less, frozen ground, that teems with life, including organisms living in the ice, fish and marine mammals, birds, land animals and human societies. NOAA provides Arctic information and a set of reputable indicators that describe the present state of the Arctic ecosystem and climate.
NSB School District Inupiaq Education Materials – This site has some children’s books in pdf form that are written in English and Iñupiaq. Topics include: Finding Winter Water, Ptarmigan, and Traditional Trading.
North Slope Coastal Imagery Site – A collection of photos and videos of the Northern Alaskan coast. Part of Alaska ShoreZone Coastal Mapping and Imagery.
Polar Research Journal – Polar Research, an international peer-reviewed journal of the Norwegian Polar Institute, now offers free access to scientific articles on climate, biodiversity, polar history, and other topics in the polar regions.
The Poles: Comparing the Polar Regions – An educational link from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) comparing the Arctic to the Antarctic.
Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center – The Alaska office of the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center hosts projects in which Native peoples, scholars, and museum associates work together on a range of collaborative research and education programs.
Sounds of the Arctic Poster – This poster, with sound files, was put together by Catherine Berchok (National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA) and Kate Stafford (University of Washington, Applied Physics Lab) with support from BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) and the NSB. You can listen to the sounds of marine mammals and sea ice, sounds that were collected using hydrophones placed underwater in the Arctic Ocean.
SnowNet – SnowNet is research project focusing on determining the best way to measure winter precipitation in the Arctic. Because of low temperatures, high winds, and rigorous conditions, measuring winter precipitation has proven difficult. At SnowNet, we are employing multiple methods, and we will use the results to identify the best mix of methods.
Snowtweets Project – The Snowtweets Project provides a way for people interested in snow measurements to quickly broadcast their own snow depth measurements to the web. These data are then picked up by our database and mapped in near real time. We are especially interested in using web-based digital technologies to map snow data; currently, the project uses the micro-blogging site Twitter as its data broadcasting scheme.
Teshekpuk Lake Observatory – View Teshekpuk Lake, the largest lake in the Alaskan Arctic, on this web cam. This is a collaborative effort with USGS, BLM, NSF and several other partners.
UA Museum of the North: Interactive Carex Key – Useful for identification of sedge species on the North Slope.
Virtual Zooarchaeology of the Arctic (VZAP) – This site holds a virtual, interactive, osteological reference collection of Arctic animals, including birds, mammals and fish. You can view scanned images of skeletons in both 2D and 3D. The collection is the work of Herb Maschner of Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho.