Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Briefly define permafrost: Ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years.
• Mention the significance of permafrost in the global climate system.

2. Location of Permafrost Regions

• Identify and describe the major regions where permafrost is found across the world.
  • Arctic Region: Includes Siberia, Alaska, Greenland, and parts of Canada. Approximately 85% of Alaska is underlain by permafrost.
  • High-Altitude Regions: Include the Tibetan Plateau, the Himalayas, and the Rocky Mountains. These areas have permafrost due to high altitudes.
  • Southern Hemisphere: Found in the Andes mountains of South America, New Zealand’s Southern Alps, and beneath large areas of Antarctica.
  • Undersea Permafrost: Present on the floor of the Arctic Ocean.

3. How Thawing Permafrost Becomes a Major Threat

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Permafrost contains trapped carbon and methane. When thawed, these gases are released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
  • A study shows that a 1°C rise in global temperature could result in permafrost loss the size of India (approximately 4 million km²).
• Health Risks: Thawing permafrost releases ancient pathogens (e.g., viruses and bacteria). In 2016, an anthrax outbreak in Siberia was linked to thawing permafrost.
• Ecosystem Disruption: Thawing permafrost leads to land subsidence, changing landscapes and affecting local vegetation and wildlife. It can turn the tundra into a muddy terrain, disrupting the habitat.
• Impact on Water Systems: Thawing under water bodies can lead to disappearing lakes, causing droughts and damaging aquatic ecosystems.
• Geological Instability: The melting ice in permafrost holds the soil together, and when it thaws, it can trigger landslides and geological shifts. The Batagaika crater in Russia is an example of such damage.

4. Conclusion

• Emphasize the urgency of addressing the impact of thawing permafrost.
• Suggest that addressing this issue requires updated climate models and global cooperation to mitigate its adverse effects.

Relevant Facts:

1. Permafrost Locations:
   • Arctic: Siberia, Alaska, Greenland, Canada (85% of Alaska’s landmass is under permafrost).
   • High-Altitude Regions: Tibetan Plateau, Himalayas, Rocky Mountains.
   • Southern Hemisphere: Andes (South America), Southern Alps (New Zealand), Antarctica.
   • Undersea Permafrost: Found on the Arctic Ocean floor.
2. Climate Threats:
   • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The thawing of permafrost releases carbon and methane, which are potent greenhouse gases. This accelerates global warming .
   • Health Risks: Thawing permafrost has released ancient pathogens, like those that caused the 2016 anthrax outbreak in Siberia.
   • Ecosystem Damage: As the permafrost melts, the tundra is converted into a muddy landscape, affecting local flora and fauna.
   • Geological Risks: Thawing permafrost can trigger landslides and terrain subsidence.
3. Impact on Global Climate:
   • Global Warming Feedback Loop: Thawing permafrost contributes to the release of greenhouse gases, which accelerates climate change .
   • Future Loss Projections: A 2°C temperature rise could result in up to 40% global permafrost loss.

By following this roadmap, the answer will be clear, concise, and well-structured, covering both the locations of permafrost and its significant threats to the global climate and ecosystem.