Northern Tree Habitats - Geophysical Institute
6 days ago · Interior Alaskan forests have only six native tree species: white spruce, black spruce, quaking aspen, balsam poplar, larch (tamarack) and paper birch. Northern Canadian forests have all …
The majesty and mystery of Alaska yellow cedar | Geophysical Institute
Jul 23, 2021 · A tree near one of our campsites had a crack at its base through which we could pass the folded saw. Yet the tree was still alive, with just one rope of cambium — the outer bark that …
Tree Rings and History | Geophysical Institute
6 days ago · A tree's age can be easily determined by counting its growth rings, as any Boy or Girl Scout knows. Annually, the tree adds new layers of wood which thicken during the growing season and thin …
The largest black spruce in Alaska | Geophysical Institute
Aug 16, 2010 · The tree leans uphill, and its trunk is 45 inches around. When I hugged it, I could barely clasp my hands together. The largest black spruce in Alaska is a lucky tree, because its neighbors to …
The secret life of red squirrels | Geophysical Institute
Nov 27, 2024 · Stan Boutin has climbed more than 5,000 spruce trees in the last 30 years. He has often returned to the forest floor knowing if a ball of twigs and moss within the tree contained newborn red …
Trees as Earthquake Fault Indicators | Geophysical Institute
6 days ago · Then using tree ring dating methods, it may be possible to date earthquakes occurring before historical records were kept. The ability to identify and date very large earthquakes occurring …
The American robin returns on time | Geophysical Institute
May 22, 2025 · American robins have returned to northern Alaska. A male is now perched above me in a balsam poplar tree on this bench of well-drained land upon which sits the University of Alaska …
Witches' Broom | Geophysical Institute
6 days ago · Witches' broom on spruce trees is caused by a rust disease (a kind of fungus disease). The rust lives on the spruce tree throughout the year. Each spring, small yellow pustules appear on the …
More on Why Tree Trunks Spiral | Geophysical Institute
Nov 20, 2025 · I eventually found a tree with a spiral lightning mark and it followed the spiral grain exactly. One tree, of course, proves nothing. "But why should the tree spiral? More speculation here: …
Calling lost chickadees in far north poplars | Geophysical Institute
Aug 28, 2025 · Balsam poplar is the largest tree species on Alaska's North Slope. Photo by Sara Wilbur A gray-headed chickadee feeds along the Canning River in northern Alaska in 2015. Photo by Aaron …