Discontinuous Permafrost

Discontinuous permafrost refers to areas where underground ground remains frozen part of the year, but not all the way through; it exists in patches rather than continuous sheets. These patches can vary in size and are typically found in regions with moderate cold, often influenced by local conditions like vegetation or water bodies. During warmer seasons, the permafrost thaws more easily, causing changes in the landscape, such as ground sinking or shifting. Discontinuous permafrost is sensitive to climate change, and its thawing can impact ecosystems, infrastructure, and carbon release.