Uncertainty On The Melting Of The Permafrost And Ice

• Some recent studies suggest that large amounts of methane hydrates stored in the permafrost will be released in the atmosphere as it melts, which will accelerate the rate of global warming.

• The melting of the permafrost will also add a significant amount of water to the oceans, which will contribute to global sea level rise.

• As the permafrost melts, soils become waterlogged and unstable. Entire towns built on these type of soils are at risk. There are also major structures worth billions of dollars installed on the permafrost, such as pipelines and electrical lines.

• Recent studies link increased pollution levels with ice melt. Soot or black carbon darkens the ice and makes it soak up more heat, accelerating melting rates compared to reflective snow and ice. Methane comes from sources including oil and gas and agriculture while ozone is formed from industrial pollutants

Source of Information : Climate Change: A Silent Threat by Sylvain Richer de Forges

Uncertainty On The Melting Of The Permafrost And Ice