Continuous Permafrost

Continuous permafrost refers to a vast layer of permanently frozen ground that covers a large region, remaining below 0°C (32°F) year-round. This widespread frozen zone typically exists in polar and subpolar areas, such as northernCanada, Siberia, and Alaska. It is called "continuous" because it forms a nearly unbroken ice sheet, influencing ecosystems, landscape stability, and infrastructure. Permafrost contains significant amounts of organic material, which can release greenhouse gases like methane when thawing occurs. Its stability depends on cold temperatures, but with climate warming, continuous permafrost is increasingly at risk of thawing, impacting ecosystems and human activities.