Permafrost thaw

Permafrost thaw occurs when permanently frozen ground begins to melt due to rising global temperatures. This process releases stored greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, which can further accelerate climate change. Thawing permafrost can lead to ground instability, affecting ecosystems, infrastructure, and local communities. As the ice-rich soil melts, it can cause land to sink or become unstable, impacting buildings and roads. Understanding permafrost thaw is crucial because it plays a significant role in the Earth's climate system and can have wide-ranging environmental and societal effects.