'It is happening faster than anyone predicted,' said one of the researchers in a new report.
Rapidly thawing permafrost in the Arctic could double the warming effect produced by greenhouse gases that are being released from the ground, potentially exacerbating climate change. That's according to researchers.
“As the temperature of the ground rises above freezing, microorganisms break down organic matter in the soil,” the authors wrote in the article. “Greenhouse gases—including carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide—are released into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.” However, this kind of research, which looks at gradual processes, ignores what is perhaps an even more troubling problem—rapid permafrost collapse. This is when several meters of permafrost soil—which essentially holds the ground together—becomes destabilized within days or weeks, rather than a few inches per year.
In contrast to gradual thawing, abrupt permafrost collapse destabilizes deeper carbon stores in a shorter time span and also releases more methane—a gas which has a much stronger greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide. "We work in areas where permafrost contains a lot of ice, and our field sites are being destroyed by the abrupt collapse of this ice, not gradually over decades, but very quickly over months to years,” Turetsky said.
Even though the scale of the threat posed by Arctic permafrost thaw is significant, Turetsky remains optimistic for the future.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Hulu achieves rapid growth, hits 26.8 million paid subscribersHulu on Wednesday said it has reached 26.8 million paid subscribers, a milestone...
Weiterlesen »
How Can Freight Forwarding Move Forward?Technology is driving the rapid evolution of business and global trade. It’s time for freight forwarding to change, too.
Weiterlesen »
Cramer's lightning round: A medical device company should acquire thisJim Cramer takes calls from viewers and lets them know his thoughts about their stock picks in rapid speed.
Weiterlesen »
Trump fires off dozens of retweets over firefighters union supporting BidenEarly Wednesday, the president retweeted 59 people in rapid succession who replied to a tweet from conservative media personality Dan Bongino.
Weiterlesen »
ESPN will no longer regularly print its magazine after September's 'Body' issueCiting rapid evolution in consumer habits, ESPN said it will cease publishing its magazine -- for the most part -- in September and instead publish the content online only. The last regular printing will be the 'Body' issue, ESPN said in a statement.
Weiterlesen »
The Trump Administration Is Going To Start DNA Testing Families At The BorderThe rapid DNA testing pilot program is expected to launch next week at two locations along the US-Mexico border.
Weiterlesen »
FDA strengthens warning about sleeping pill dangersCertain commonly used sleeping pills will now contain a new boxed warning, the FDA announced Tuesday. The agency identified 66 reports of patients who died or were injured after taking these drugs.
Weiterlesen »
Untreatable form of Lyme disease could hit 2 million Americans by 2020, scientists warnUntreatable form of Lyme disease could hit two million Americans by 2020, scientists warn
Weiterlesen »