Menu
Menu
Human-caused climate change is impacting the Arctic by reducing the snow cover period, but recent research led by Earth system scientists from the University of California, Irvine, reveals that some Arctic regions are experiencing deeper snowpack than usual. Interestingly, this deep snow is triggering the thawing of long-frozen permafrost carbon reserves, leading to heightened emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.
The study, published in AGU Advances, marks the first long-term experiment to directly measure the release of ancient carbon throughout the year, illustrating that deeper snow can rapidly mobilise carbon from deep within the soil. Claudia Czimczik, the lead author and a professor of Earth system science, noted that this unfortunately supports the prediction that permafrost carbon emissions will contribute to the escalating atmospheric levels of CO2.
The investigation took place at the International Tundra Experiment (ITEX) in Alaska’s Toolik Lake, initiated in 1994 to assess the impacts of deeper snow on Arctic tundra ecosystems. However, recent fieldwork at the site revealed that the tussock tundra ecosystem had become a consistent source of ancient carbon dioxide due to the thawing of permafrost beneath deep snow layers—three to four times thicker than the average since 1994.
Initially, the researchers didn’t anticipate that the deeper snow treatment would lead to such rapid permafrost thawing. This discovery suggests that the stability of permafrost in the Arctic, and potentially worldwide, can swiftly respond to changes in winter snow conditions.
The findings hold significant implications, indicating that even if global emissions ceased immediately, emissions from Arctic sources would continue. This insight challenges current climate models used by organisations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which do not currently account for permafrost emissions due to their complexity. However, the study’s sensors enabled direct measurement of permafrost carbon emissions, offering valuable data for understanding and modelling these emissions.
The researchers discovered that deeper snow, acting as insulation, causes permafrost to thaw. This enables microorganisms to break down previously frozen organic matter, releasing greenhouse gases in the process. This unexpected permafrost emission phenomenon indicates that emissions may commence earlier than anticipated.
Czimczik expressed hope that increased awareness of natural emission sources would encourage collective efforts to curb human-caused emissions. She emphasised the need for individuals, corporations, and governments to reduce emissions and invest in carbon capture solutions to meet greenhouse gas and temperature targets.
In essence, the study unveils an unforeseen consequence of deeper snow in the Arctic, exacerbating the release of ancient carbon from thawing permafrost. This reinforces the urgency of addressing human-caused emissions and highlights the intricate interplay between climate change and natural processes in shaping our planet’s future.
KBD News is English news portal with the aim of reaching millions of readers across the globe who are eager to stay in touch with political, crime, entertainment, health, education, environment, books, business, sports, laws and others news.
Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.
Copyright 2024 KBD News. All rights reserved.