WSU Research Tracks Deep Soil Warming and Permafrost Thaw in Alaska
What happened
New research from Washington State University tracked soil temperatures in Alaska from 1997 to 2023. The study found that soils are warming quickly and at considerable depth across Alaska, with the fastest warming occurring in the permafrost region. This warming trend could undermine the stability of roads, buildings, and other infrastructure built on the frozen ground.
From enn.com
Why it matters
When the permafrost thaws, it releases carbon dioxide and methane, which accelerates warming. Alaska's air temperatures are rising at twice the pace of the Lower 48, a sign of polar amplification. This environmental shift poses risks to regional infrastructure and resource management.
Permafrost thaw is causing ground subsidence.
From enn.com
Who's involved
- Washington State UniversityConducted research tracking soil temperatures and permafrost thaw.
- AlaskaThe state where the soil warming and permafrost thaw are being monitored.
- ConocoPhillipsConducts oil and gas operations in Alaska.
- Alaska Department of Environmental ConservationA government organization in Alaska concerned with environmental protection.
- Alaska Department of Natural ResourcesAn agency of the state of Alaska managing natural resources.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- ConocoPhillipsSpeculative
ConocoPhillips might face increased operational costs due to thawing permafrost threatening pipelines and drilling infrastructure.
How it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.- Frontiers study details soil warming in Alaska using data from local weather stations.Sub-event
- Wildfires are deepening permafrost thaw across Alaska.Sub-event
WSU research tracks soil temperatures to monitor permafrost thaw in Alaska.1 source
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The entities involved
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Washington State University
public university in Pullman, Washington, USA
Nothing else this week.
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Alaska
state of the United States of America