Ice-rich permafrost

Ice-rich permafrost is permanently frozen ground containing a high concentration of ice within its soil or rock layers. Found mostly in cold regions like the Arctic, this permafrost holds significant amounts of trapped ice, which can be meters thick. When climate warming causes it to thaw, the ice melts, leading to ground instability, erosion, and potential release of stored greenhouse gases like methane. This process impacts local ecosystems and can contribute to global climate change, making ice-rich permafrost a crucial area of study in understanding environmental changes in cold regions.