Permafrost

Permafrost is any ground that remains complete frozen -32° F (0° C) or colder for at least two years straight.

These permanently frozen grounds are most common in regions with high mountains an Earth’s higher latitudes- near the north and south poles. Permafrost covers large regions of Earth.

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Can the melting of permafrost be stopped?

Implications and solutions, ultimately the only was to halt/stop permafrost thaw/melting is for the world to rapidly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Ice melting due to global warming

Since the industrial revolution, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions have raised temperatures, even higher in the poles, and as a result, glaciers and permafrost are rapidly melting, calving off into the sea and retreating on land.

What areas in Canada have permafrost?

Permafrost is present where the climate is cold, but the surface is not covered by glaciers. It is found across the North and high elevations in mountains areas such as the Rocky Mountains in western Canada.

Why is permafrost important?

Permafrost plays an important role in the Arctic ecosystem by making the ground watertight and maintaining the vast network of wetlands and lakes across the Arctic tundra that provide habitant for animals and plants.

What happens if permafrost melts?

As permafrost melts, microbes begin decomposing this material. This process release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane to the atmosphere. When permafrost melts, so do ancient bacteria and viruses in the ice and soil. These newly unfrozen microbes could make humans and animals very sick.

The Active layers

The active layers is that portion of the soil above the permafrost that melts and freezes seasonally. It plays an important role in cold regions because soil forming takes place within it.

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