thawing permafrost

Thawing permafrost occurs when the previously frozen ground in cold regions begins to melt due to rising global temperatures. This process releases stored organic material and greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which can further accelerate climate change. As permafrost thaws, it also causes land to become unstable, leading to shifts in ecosystems, infrastructure damage, and changes in water flow. Understanding this process is crucial because it has significant implications for climate change, environmental stability, and the safety of communities living in these regions.