Permafrost Monitoring in the Arctic Network of National Parklands

Swanson D. Permafrost Monitoring in the Arctic Network of National Parklands. 2010. National Park Service

Permafrost underlies most of the Arctic Network and affects nearly everything in the arctic ecosystem, from soils and vegetation to water and wildlife. Permafrost is ground that doesn’t thaw in the summer due to a cold climate. Permafrost perches water near the surface, making soils wet and runoff fast. The striking polygonal patterned ground so characteristic of the arctic is due to permafrost. Ice can build up in the ground and then thaw, producing pits, ponds, lakes, and landslides. Many scientists believe that our climate is warming and permafrost will thaw; some think that permafrost thaw has already started. Thaw of permafrost could have many consequences, such as drainage of lakes, creation of new ponds, soil erosion, slumps, siltation of streams and lakes, release of greenhouse gasses, and changes in soil wetness and nutrient supplies.

Type
Project
Authors
Swanson, Dave
Publisher
National Park Service
Units
ARCN , BELA , CAKR , GAAR , KOVA , NOAT
Keywords
Active Layer, Alaska, Ice, Permafrost, Soils
Subjects
Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Soil Quality | Soil Function and Dynamics

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