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Area of Alaskan permafrost that’s size of Greece thawing
Researchers found thawing is increasing runoff and dissolved organic carbon, with up to 25% more runoff projected over the next 80 years.
- Researchers found an expanse of Alaskan permafrost roughly the size of Greece is thawing, according to a study published in Global Biogeochemical Cycles, with accelerated thawing potentially altering global climate patterns.
- Geoscientist Professor Michael Rawlins analyzed 44 years of data, explaining that the 'active layer'—the section of permafrost thawing annually—has been deepening due to climate warming, driving increased groundwater into Arctic rivers.
- As the active layer deepens, more Dissolved Organic Carbon flows into the Arctic Ocean; over 275 million tons of this carbon is released annually as planet-warming carbon dioxide, potentially triggering a destructive warming feedback loop.
- Projections show the region will experience up to 25% more runoff and 30% more subsurface runoff over the next 80 years, shifts that could significantly impact Arctic food webs as freeze-thaw timing changes.
- Rawlins noted that north-west Alaska shows the most significant increases in Dissolved Organic Carbon export due to flatter terrain, adding that the scientific community needs more land-to-ocean connection studies to grapple with coastal ecosystem effects.
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Area of Alaskan permafrost that’s size of Greece thawing
Will this permafrost be perma-lost?
Ancient Carbon Is Flooding Arctic Rivers As Permafrost Melts Faster
Thawing Arctic ground is unleashing ancient carbon—and speeding up climate change. Scientists have taken a detailed new look at what happens when Arctic permafrost begins to thaw, revealing major changes to water flow and carbon movement across northern Alaska. The research, led by geoscientist Michael Rawlins at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, provides one of [...]
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Total News Sources13
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Center
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources are Center
62% Center
13%
C 62%
R 25%
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