Melting permafrost in Alaska could really screw the planet
- 7 years ago
ALASKA — Scientists say that Alaskan permafrost thawing and think this may lead to a further rise in global warming.
According to the New York Times, researchers withdrew water and sediment samples from permafrost cores and installed temperature probes in the ground. Their aim is to better understand how permafrost interacts with the environment.
In a northern Alaska region, permafrost 65 feet deep is said to have warmed from minus 8 to minus 3 degrees Celsius over the past decades.
Globally, permafrost is believed to hold approximately double the amount carbon currently in the atmosphere. When it defrosts, the carbon is back sent into the atmosphere.
Scientists believe this could warm the planet over the coming centuries.
According to the New York Times, researchers withdrew water and sediment samples from permafrost cores and installed temperature probes in the ground. Their aim is to better understand how permafrost interacts with the environment.
In a northern Alaska region, permafrost 65 feet deep is said to have warmed from minus 8 to minus 3 degrees Celsius over the past decades.
Globally, permafrost is believed to hold approximately double the amount carbon currently in the atmosphere. When it defrosts, the carbon is back sent into the atmosphere.
Scientists believe this could warm the planet over the coming centuries.