Landscape Processes

  • A researcher maintains a weather station.
    Climate

    Weather and climate are key drivers in ecosystem structure and function; the high-latitude Arctic parklands are undergoing rapid change.

  • An eroding arctic coast.
    Coastal Shoreline Change

    The coastal zone is changing rapidly as the ice-free season lengthens, sea-level and ocean temperatures rise, and storms intensify.

  • A crew surveys a recent burn site.
    Fire Extent and Severity

    Wildland fire is one of the largest natural disturbance processes in the boreal and tundra ecosystems of Arctic parklands.

  • A researcher measures snow depth.
    Alaska Glaciers Status and Trends

    Glaciers in Alaska's parks are dynamic features that are vulnerable to climate change. We track changes in park glaciers.

  • An Arctic landscape with permafrost tundra, pingo, and lake.
    Landscape Patterns and Dynamics

    Landscape dynamics are the “big picture” of changes in the growing season, vegetation, and surface water.

Last updated: April 11, 2019