What We Monitor

The Southeast Alaska Network uses long-term ecological monitoring to understand the current condition and future changes of important park resources, called "vital signs."

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  Environmental Contaminants

  The Southeast Alaska Network monitors three kinds of environmental contaminants: airborne, freshwater, and marine.

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  Glacial Dynamics

  Sensitive to seasonal variation in temperature and precipitation, glaciers are excellent indicators of regional and global climate.

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  Intertidal Communities

  Intertidal communities are particularly important because of their close ecological linkage with the nearshore marine ecosystem.

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  Kittlitz's Murrelets

  The Kittlitz’s Murrelet is a rare seabird endemic to Alaska and eastern Russia; they are often associated with tidewater glaciers.

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  Landcover and Landform

  Landscape spatial structure resulting from natural processes underlies the diversity and integrity of ecosysystems.

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  Marine Predators

  Marine predators are important components of Southeast Alaska ecosystems. We currently monitor sea otters, but intend to expand over time.

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  Oceanography

  Understanding the oceanographic factors that control marine productivity is critical to wise stewardship.

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  Sea Otters

  Sea otters can dramatically affect the structure and complexity of their environment.

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  Streamflow and Water Quality

  Southeast Alaska is a rainforest landscape dominated by a wet and maritime climate. Streamflow and water quality indicate ecosystem health.

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  Weather and Climate

  Weather and climate are key physical drivers of ecosystem structure and function.