Permafrost is a layer of soil that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. It covers about a quarter of the land in the Northern Hemisphere, including large parts of Alaska, Canada, and Russia. Permafrost plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate by storing vast amounts of carbon in the form of frozen organic matter. However, as the climate warms, permafrost is thawing at an alarming rate, releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, which can further accelerate global warming.
To understand the impact of permafrost thaw on the climate, scientists need to monitor and map the changes in the permafrost and the emissions of greenhouse gases.