PERMAFROST

Current Context : Scientists in Siberia discovered a 44,000-year-old preserved wolf in permafrost.

About Permafrost

• Definition: Ground that remains frozen (≤0°C) for at least 2 years
• Locations: Polar regions (Arctic, Antarctic), high mountains, and ocean floors.
• Extent: Covers ~25% of Northern Hemisphere land area.
• Age: Some permafrost has been frozen for 650,000 years.

Structure

• Composition: Soil, rocks, sand, and ice.
• Layers:
  • Active Layer: Top layer thaws in summer and refreezes in winter.
  • Lower Layers: Permanently frozen.

Environmental Impact

• Thawing releases methane and carbon dioxide, intensifying climate change.
• Causes ground instability, damaging roads, pipelines, buildings.
• Exposes long-preserved organic matter and ancient species.