Series: Alaska Park Science: Volume 8, Issue 2: Park Science in the Arctic

This symposium, the third in a series focused on science and scholarship in and around Alaska’s national parks, is a joint effort with the Beringia Days International Conference. Our theme “Park Science in the Arctic – the Natural and Cultural Heritage of Greater Beringia” is focused on very special places deliberately set aside by nations to preserve their exceptional, natural, cultural, historic, and inspirational significance.

• Article 1: Beringia from a Cretaceous Perspective

  

  This article explores fossils and rocks found in the Beringia region and what can be learned from these discoveries. The content and makeup of these rocks and fossils are discussed, which leads to drawing conclusions on the ecosystem in Beringia. Read more

• Denali National Park & Preserve

  Article 2: Late Cretaceous Flora in an Ancient Fluvial Environment

  

  The Lower Cantwell Formation is a late Cretaceous fluvial deposit that contains dinosaur footprints and plant fossils. Read more

• Article 3: Contrasting Patterns of Plant Distribution in Beringia

  

  This article explores the Bering Land Bridge's effect on plant migration. Whether the bridge facilitated or inhibited this migration is covered. Read more

• Article 4: Recent Notable Floristic Records from Northwestern Alaska

  

  This article explores discoveries in the species of plants found in Beringia. Botanical surveys conducted in Northwest Alaska show several new types of flora in the region. Read more

• Article 5: Genetic Studies Point to Beringia as a Biodiversity Hotspot for High-latitude Fungi

  

  This article explores studies conducted in Beringia regarding the genetic makeup of fungal species. Read more

• Article 6: Cultural Vulnerability and Resilience in the Arctic: Preliminary Report on Archeological Fieldwork at Cape Krusenstern, Northwest Alaska

  

  This article explores how extensively humans interacted with the environment in the past. Archaeology and mapping technologies are used to discover how much past humans interfered in Alaska's ecosystems. Read more

• Article 7: 2006-2008 Investigation of the Old Eskimo Settlement Kivak, Providenskiy District, Chukotka Autonomous Region, Russia

  

  This article explores an archaeological team's findings in a Native Alaskan settlement in the Chukotka Autonomous Region in Russia. Discussed are the items they found including hunting and fishing tools, household items, harpoon points, and ivory. Read more

• Article 8: Pathways: An Archeological Predictive Model Using Geographic Information Systems

  

  This article discusses the difficulty in conducting archaeological surveys in the backcountry and explains how Geographic Information Systems can be used to make the process easier. Read more