Why Melting Permafrost is a Big Deal
Exploring Permafrost and Climate
Change
SCIENCE Sultan Al Harthi Ali Al Nuammi Rashid Al Hammadi INPS
CLIMATE CHANGE
. Climate change is already affecting the whole world in the form of extreme weather
. events, some of which have made headlines in recent times.
. In addition to the threats in the form of heat waves, torrential rains or hurricanes, there is
. another, more serious and less talked about threat that lurks beneath the surface:
. the melting of the permafrost.
. In August 2016, in the Siberian tundra, a 12-year-old boy died and dozens of people were
. hospitalised due to an outbreak of anthrax released by the thawing of a layer of
. permafrost on which a reindeer carcass was lying. Scientists have found
. microbes that are over 400,000 years old in permafrost, so many of the viruses that have
. plagued humanity throughout its history — such as bubonic plague and smallpox — are
. believed to lie dormant in this frozen stratum
WHAT IS
PERMAFROST
• Definition: Permafrost is frozen
ground that stays solid all year.
• Where It’s Found: Mostly in cold
places like the Arctic, Alaska, and
Siberia.
• Fun Fact: Some permafrost has
been frozen for thousands of years!
HOW DOES
PERMAFROST
STAY FROZEN
• Cold Temperatures: It stays frozen
because these places are super cold.
• Layers of Ice and Soil: Permafrost
is like a frozen layer under the soil.
• Protects Carbon: It traps carbon,
which helps keep Earth cool.
WHY IS
PERMAFROST
IMPORTANT
• Stores Carbon: Keeps
greenhouse gases trapped.
• Protects Old Things: Holds
ancient plants, animals, and even
bacteria.
• Stable Ground: Helps keep the
ground solid for buildings and trees.
HOW CLIMATE
CHANGE AFFECT
PERMAFROST
• Global Warming: As the Earth warms,
permafrost starts to melt.
• Thawing: Thawing means permafrost
isn’t frozen anymore.
• Big Problem: Thawing can release
gases that warm the planet even more.
WHAT HAPPENS
WHEN PERMAFROST
THAWS
• Releases Greenhouse Gases: Like
methane and carbon dioxide.
• Releases Old Germs: Can bring back
ancient viruses and bacteria.
• Soil Changes: Ground can sink or
collapse, damaging buildings and roads.
THE GAS
PROBLEM
• Methane and Carbon Dioxide: These
gases trap heat and make the Earth
warmer.
• Why It’s Bad: More warming makes
more permafrost thaw, creating a
dangerous cycle.
• Invisible Danger: We can’t see these
gases, but they affect our climate.
REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:
ANTHRAX
OUTBREAK
• Where: Siberia in 2016.
• What Happened: Melting
permafrost released anthrax from
a frozen reindeer.
• Impact: A 12-year-old boy
died, and many people and
animals got sick.
CONSEQUENCES
OF PERMAFROST
DEGRADATION
• Buildings and Roads: Can sink or
crack when the ground isn’t solid.
• Animal Habitats: Melting can
change habitats, affecting animals
like reindeer.
• Weather Impact: More
greenhouse gases make storms and
heatwaves worse.
CLIMATE CHANGE
AND US
• Our Role: Humans are warming the
planet through pollution and waste.
• Small Actions Add Up: Saving
energy and recycling can help slow
down climate change.
• Big Goal: Protecting permafrost
helps keep our climate stable.
HOW CAN WE HELP
TO PROTECT
PERMAFROST
• Reduce Pollution: Use less energy
and choose cleaner options.
• Spread the Word: Tell others about
why permafrost matters.
• Support Conservation: Help protect
cold regions by supporting eco-friendly
efforts.
FUN FACTS
ABOUT
PERMAFROST
• Old Secrets: Permafrost holds
plants and animals that are
thousands of years old.
• Earth’s Freezer: It’s like the Earth’s
natural freezer!
• Bubbling Lakes: Sometimes,
thawing permafrost makes lakes
bubble because of gases.
OUR REFLECTION
• Cool Discoveries: We learned how
something frozen can affect the whole
world.
• Challenges We Faced: It was hard
to understand how gases trap heat,
but now We know!
• Hope for the Future: We believe we
can help by taking care of the planet.
GAME TIME!! LET’S SEE YOUR
KNOWLEDGE ON PERMAFROST
[Link] IS PERMAFROST MOSTLY FOUND
. A:in warm places
. B:in the Arctic and cold regions
. C:Near the equator
[Link] HAPPENS WHEN PERMAFROST
THAWS
. A:it releases greenhouse gases
. B:nothing
. C:it turns to ice
[Link] IS PERMAFROST IMPORTANT
. A:it helps keep the ground stable and traps carbon
. B:it’s nice place to swim
. C:it only affects animals
GAME TIME ANSWERS
. 1:B
. 2:A
. 3:A
THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING. ANY
QUESTIONS??