Alaskan Permafrost

Alaskan permafrost is a permanently frozen layer of soil found in the northern regions of Alaska and other Arctic areas. It forms when the ground stays at or below freezing temperatures for at least two consecutive years. Permafrost can contain ice, organic matter, and gases trapped for millennia. As the climate warms, permafrost thaws, releasing carbon dioxide and methane, potent greenhouse gases. This melting can destabilize the ground, affecting infrastructure and ecosystems. Understanding permafrost is crucial as it plays a significant role in the Earth's climate system and the impacts of climate change.