Posts by Heather McFarland
Alaska’s Changing Environment publication
The Alaska’s Changing Environment is a newly released publication that compiles observations of physical and biological change in and around Alaska. The publication, which is intended for a general audience, focuses on the time period 2014 – August 2019, but often provides information from earlier decades for historical context. Using mostly visualizations and photos, Alaska’s…
IARC researchers contribute to Anchorage Climate Action Plan
On May 21 the Anchorage Assembly adopted the Anchorage Climate Action Plan, a long sought-after strategic framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for the impacts of climate change. The plan was developed in collaboration between the University of Alaska and the Municipality of Anchorage. Several International Arctic Research Center scientists were involved including…
Position opening: Science communicator
The UAF International Arctic Research Center (IARC) seeks a Science Communicator to interpret and share UAF research with audiences in Alaska and beyond. Join research projects to communicate important results and implications that can inform policymakers and help people adapt to a changing climate. In this position, you will: Support the science communication work of…
From wet to dry, a question to improve global climate models
Arctic researchers traveled to western Alaska last month to gather snow depth data, which they believe may be a missing link needed to improve how global climate models predict changing Arctic conditions. Rapid warming is transforming the Arctic, triggering a cascade of changes across entire ecosystems. Scientists are grappling with how to incorporate degrading permafrost,…
Newsletter introduces Ikaaġvik Sikukun—ice bridges—project in Kotzebue Sound
The Ikaaġvik Sikukun project is excited to share their spring 2019 newsletter. Ikaaġvik Sikukun —Iñupiaq for ice bridges— is a research effort in Kotzebue, Alaska that connects the community with scientists to understand sea ice change in Kotzebue Sound. The newsletter was distributed to mailbox holders in Kotzebue! Read the Spring 2019 newsletter to learn…
Fresh Eyes on Ice monitors lake and river ice across Alaska
A new lake and river ice-monitoring project led by the University of Alaska Fairbanks gets kids involved in science while promoting ice safety and a better understanding of changing winter conditions. Fresh Eyes on Ice is an observing network that explores the curious and fascinating aspects of frozen water and its role in the environment…
Southern Ocean acidification puts marine organisms at risk
New research indicates that acidification of the Southern Ocean will cause a layer of water to form below the surface that corrodes the shells of some sea snails, an outcome that could disrupt marine food webs. University of Colorado Boulder and University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers collaborated on the study, which was published today in…
Arctic change is impacting lower latitudes
A new, short article written for the public compiles evidence that the footprint of Arctic change is expanding. “People in other places may not have a full understanding that as the Arctic becomes disrupted the number of social and environmental systems in lower latitudes that are affected is growing,” said co-author Amy Lovecraft from the…
Translating weather for Alaska’s Iditarod sled dog race
Image courtesy of Krista Heeringa An Iditarod sled dog team travels along a frozen river. The man who interprets weather data for Alaska will provide daily forecasts for the 2019 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Rick Thoman, a climate specialist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is slated to share current weather updates and historic…
Data manager/analyst position opening
The UAF International Arctic Research Center (IARC) and the Scenarios Network for Alaska + Arctic Planning (SNAP) seek a Data Manager/Analyst to help develop an Arctic Data Collaborative to highlight and apply high impact datasets to solve real world issues. You will contribute to projects aimed at helping the nation and the world understand and…