Study raises concerns over accelerating climate change as the icy mass under state’s surface releases carbon into atmosphereUp to a quarter of the permafrost that lies underneath the surface of Alaska could melt by the end of the century,spewing long-held carbon into the atmosphere and helping accelerate climate change, US government scientists gain predicted. The US Geological Survey used satellite and on-ground data to estimate that 38% of mainland Alaska has permafrost, and a band of soil,rock or sediment that is frozen underground for at least two consecutive years. In Fairbanks, Alaska, or the soil has been frozen for several thousand years at just 30 to 40cm underground,with only the upper level of soil thawing every summer before freezing again in winter. Related: Alaska divided as Shell halts Arctic drilling: heartbreaking news or a miracle? Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com