All articles tagged with #permafrost thaw
A new NOAA report highlights that the Arctic continues to warm faster than the global average, causing phenomena like 'rusting rivers' from thawing permafrost, rapid glacier melt, and record low sea ice, with significant impacts on local ecosystems and global sea levels.
The Arctic tundra, traditionally a carbon sink, is now emitting more carbon dioxide than it absorbs due to increased wildfires and warming temperatures, according to NOAA's 2024 Arctic Report Card. The region is warming up to four times faster than the global average, leading to permafrost thaw and the release of trapped carbon. This shift exacerbates climate change impacts, with wildfires further accelerating permafrost thaw and carbon emissions. Scientists emphasize the need for comprehensive understanding to address this environmental crisis.
Dozens of rivers and streams in Alaska are turning rusty orange due to thawing permafrost, which releases minerals into the water and increases its acidity, dissolving metals like zinc, copper, cadmium, and iron. This phenomenon poses a risk to drinking water and fisheries in the Arctic, with observed impacts on aquatic health and local fish species. The researchers are working to understand the long-term implications and are collaborating with tribal liaisons to provide accurate information to local communities.
The thawing of permafrost, which holds double the amount of carbon currently in the atmosphere, is contributing to the climate crisis by releasing methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This poses serious issues for local communities and exacerbates global warming. Although permafrost cannot be directly observed from space, scientists use various satellite data, ground measurements, and modeling to understand its conditions.