A video that introduces permafrost and its distribution on Earth. The video also describes the changing nature of permafrost across several regions due to higher surface temperatures and the possible impact of permafrost thawing on Earth’s climate.
Students will learn about the characteristics of permafrost, its distribution across the globe and, how permafrost is used to study soil conditions for periods dating back to several thousands of years by extracting ice cores for analyses. They will also learn that the thawing of permafrost has led to the release of greenhouse gases such as methane to the atmosphere which can in turn, impact the Earth’s climate.
Use this tool to help students find answers to:
What is permafrost? Where is it found?
Why is methane, a greenhouse gas, released into the atmosphere when permafrost thaws?
About the Tool
Tool Name
Thawing Permafrost
Discipline
Geography, Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in Discipline
Permafrost, Methane, Thawing of Permafrost, Global Warming, Methanogens, Greenhouse Gases, Emissions, Active Layer of Soil
Climate Topic
Climate and the Cryosphere, The Greenhouse Effect
Type of Tool
Video
Grade Level
High school, Undergraduate
Location
New England, USA
Language
English
Translation
Developed by
NBC Learn, a part of Changing Planet Series, in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF)
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