Santosh Panda

Geophysical Institute

skpanda@alaska.edu

Fairbanks , Alaska 99775

My research is primarily focused on improving the understanding of rapidly evolving permafrost dynamics in Alaska with an ultimate goal of predicting the response of permafrost to climate change and its effect on the Arctic systems. I use a variety of techniques to study the complex permafrost dynamics which range from detailed ground observation to modeling using satellite image processing. My research is vital to address some of the urgent climate change issues affecting Alaskan land, water and people through changes in permafrost such as dramatic changes in surface hydrology, vegetation, forest fires, and wildlife habitats. These changes are not only affecting Arctic ecosystems and environment but also the subsistence resources and subsistence lifestyle of Alaskan.