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Revision as of 11:37, 14 February 2021
Card #41: Permafrost
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Permafrost is permanently frozen ground.
Permafrost thawing leads to the decomposition of organic matter previously frozen underground, a phenomenon that releases methane and CO2 into the atmosphere.
Beyond +2°C, it is almost certain this phenomenon will accelerate and make the climate spiral out of control.
Explanation
Permafrost is a soil whose temperature remains below or equal to 0°C for at least two consecutive years[1].
Two cards were added after card 40: they are loops of potential violent feedback, "climate bombs", which if triggered, make us lose control over the climate for good.
Thermokarst are veritable bioreactors at the heart of the process of releasing frozen carbon: when the permafrost thaws, pieces of soil detach and fall into the water, bringing nutrients and carbon to the bacteria and plankton present in the sea, which degrade them into CO2 (in the water layers near the surface) and methane or CH4 (in the oxygen-deprived bottom)[2].
Facilitation tips
For online murals, you can show this video from the University of Alaska Fairbanks showing the flammable methane stored in the permafrost.
Other possible links
Causes
Energy budget If we want to stay within the same logic of energy conservation, the thawing of the permafrost should be linked to the energy budget.
To go further
Climate Action Network France: Thawing permafrost carbon will increase global warming, 2018 (French)
RT France documentary: The mystery of permafrost (French)