Arctic Permafrost Runoff Unveils Alarming Methane Emissions

Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation are causing increased streamflow in areas of high-latitude North America with permafrost coverage. A study analyzing 46 years of data found that all areas with permafrost experienced higher streamflows and minimum flows as the Arctic climate warms up. Areas with more than 50% permafrost coverage saw significant increases in mean streamflow, while all areas, including those with less coverage, saw increased minimum flows. The study suggests that permafrost is playing an increasingly important role in changing streamflow trends due to enhanced thawing caused by warmer temperatures and increased precipitation.