New knowledge on permafrost thaw and carbon release

New results recently published in Nature Climate Change highlights the importance of water on the future release of stored carbon from thawing permafrost. Researchers from University of Copenhagen, University of Svalbard, University of Florida and Aarhus University have conducted studies mainly at Zackenberg Research Station and document the importance of oxygen availability for release of old carbon which are made available for when the permafrost thaws. Oxygen availability is primarily controlled by water levels and hence both drying and drainage but also ice content of the thawing permafrost are very important for the carbon balance. The results can be used directly to improve current climate models.

Read the scientific article

See the press release from University of Copenhagen