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Railway subsidence due to thawing permafrost |
The “permafrost” layer in the soil is turning into water, destroying roads and homes in Alaska and Russia, and the situation is worsening as the Earth continues to warm.
Researchers predict that up to 90% of the permafrost in the Northern Hemisphere could melt by the end of this century, leaving sinkholes in the ground and damaging buildings, roads, and railways in northern regions.
Currently, in northern areas, the phenomenon of thawing permafrost is already occurring. There have been reports of railway subsidence, destruction of infrastructure, and an increase in landslides due to melting.
Permafrost is land that remains frozen even during the summer. Even in areas where the surface thaws seasonally, a layer of permafrost still exists deep beneath and has solidified since the last Ice Age. This type of land covers about 25% of the land area in the Northern Hemisphere.
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Sinkholes caused by melting permafrost in Alaska |
According to calculations from the U.S. National Weather Service, the top 3 meters (or more) of this permafrost could lose 10% over the next few decades, altering ecosystems and causing destruction across Canada, Alaska, and Russia.
By 2050, the upper layer of permafrost could disappear over half its area, and 90% could completely melt by 2100.
The melting water will significantly increase the contribution to the oceans. Since the 1930s, the amount of water flowing into the Arctic has increased by about 7%. This figure could rise to 28% by the end of the century, depending on greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study is the first to predict changes in permafrost. Scientists also estimate that this permafrost holds up to 30% of the world’s carbon. If it melts, it could release additional greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, further “heating” the global warming process.
“If permafrost really melts, as our models predict, it could have a significant impact on the Earth’s climate,” said David Lawrence, the lead researcher.
