Thawing permafrost alters the seafloor and wrecks Arctic roads and buildings

In 10 seconds? Researchers have recently discovered what impact the thawing permafrost submerged at the edge of the Arctic ocean is having on the seafloor… and infrastructure. Their fascinating discovery helps explain the instability that people are observing on land.

Why is this study important? Permafrost is frozen ground that is found anywhere, both on land and underwater, where the mean annual temperature is 0 ºC or less. Numerous studies have looked at the effects that thawing underwaterpermafrost has on the land but this is the first study to demonstrate the significant impact that this thaw is having on the seafloor.