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Permafrost Disappearing: What Are the Implications for Alaska?

permaforest

A small bought tries to navigate the icebergs in Kenai Fjords

Introduction: What is Permafrost and Why is it Disappearing?

Permafrost is frozen ground that is too cold for plants or trees to grow. It covers about two-thirds of the Earth’s land surface.

Permafrost is a significant source of carbon and methane, which are greenhouse gases. It also helps to regulate the climate by storing carbon in the soil and in plants aboveground. Permafrost has been melting since 2002, but scientists aren’t sure why it’s melting.

Arctic tundra is a vast area of land that has permafrost covering more than half its surface area in some parts of the Arctic region. Tundra includes plant life like shrubs and mosses, but not trees because permafrost prevents them from growing there.

Why Alaska’s Changing Climate is troublesome?

Alaska has been experiencing a changing climate for decades. Alaska is one of the fastest-warming places on Earth, as it’s been warming at twice the global rate. Alaska’s average temperature in June was -3.6 degrees Celsius (28.3 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than it was in 1900, according to data from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

How does Permafrost Displacement in the Arctic Impacts Alaska?

Permafrost is a frozen soil that is found in the Arctic regions. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of those regions and helps to sustain life. However, the permafrost has been melting due to climate change and this has a lot of consequences for Alaska.

Permafrost displacement in the Arctic means that permafrost is no longer present on certain areas of land. In Alaska, it is mostly found on coastal areas and islands where it was once present. This leads to both environmental issues such as erosion and biodiversity loss as well as economic issues such as tourism loss and property damage.

The main issue with permafrost displacement in the Arctic is how it impacts Alaska’s economy, environment, and society at large.

Small icebergs fill the bay in front of Aialik Glacier at Kenai Fjords National Park Alaska

What are the Effects of Permafrost Displacement in Alaska?

The effects of permafrost displacement in Alaska are varied, from melting glaciers to sea-level rise.

Permafrost is a layer of soil that remains at a temperature below freezing for at least two years. This means that the ground stays frozen year-round and doesn’t thaw in the summer as other landforms do.

The Arctic’s ice is melting, which causes the ocean levels to rise. This is because ice melts faster than water can be added to it, and it also melts faster than water can be removed from it.

What is the Potential Economic Impact of Permafrost Disappearance in Alaska?

Permafrost is a layer of soil or rock that remains permanently frozen. It is important for the earth’s climate because it prevents heat from escaping into space, and it stores carbon. However, as global warming continues, permafrost is expected to disappear.

The potential economic impact of permafrost disappearance in Alaska could be significant as it could result in an increase in wildfires and a decline in the availability of food sources like berries and salmon.

Conclusion: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint by Going Green in Your Everyday Life

You may be wondering how you can reduce your carbon footprint. You might be thinking that it is impossible to live a green lifestyle. But, it’s not as difficult as you think. You just need to start small.

Here are some ways:

– Ditch the car and use public transportation.

– Use reusable water bottles for drinks and for washing dishes.

– Buy second-hand clothes and shoes.

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