Permafrost: meaning, definitions and examples
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permafrost
[ˈpɜːrməfrɔːst ]
Definition
geology, climate
Permafrost is a layer of soil or rock that remains permanently frozen for two or more consecutive years, typically found in polar regions or high mountain areas. This phenomenon affects the local ecosystem, as it influences the types of vegetation and animal life that can thrive in such cold environments. Additionally, permafrost plays a significant role in the global climate system, as it contains large amounts of organic carbon. The thawing of permafrost due to climate change can release greenhouse gases, thus contributing to global warming. Understanding permafrost is crucial for climate science and environmental policy.
Synonyms
permanently frozen soil, perpetually frozen ground.
Examples of usage
- Permafrost acts as a natural insulator for the ground.
- Geologists study permafrost to understand climate change effects.
- The presence of permafrost can affect building foundations in cold regions.
- Permafrost thawing is releasing significant amounts of methane.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term combines 'perma-' meaning permanent and 'frost', emphasizing its long-lasting frozen state.
- The word was first used in academic literature in the mid-20th century to describe specific cold regions.
Geography
- Permafrost covers about 24% of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in regions like Alaska, Canada, and Siberia.
- There are two types: continuous permafrost, which is widespread and always frozen, and discontinuous permafrost, which has pockets of unfrozen ground.
Climate Change
- As global temperatures rise, permafrost is melting, which can release stored carbon dioxide and methane, contributing to further warming.
- The thawing of permafrost can cause ground instability, affecting ecosystems and human structures built on it.
Ecology
- Unique ecosystems exist above permafrost, including tundra, which is home to specialized plants and wildlife adapted to extreme conditions.
- When permafrost thaws, it can create wetlands, leading to changes in local biodiversity and habitats.
Human Impact
- Indigenous peoples of the Arctic have lived in harmony with permafrost regions for thousands of years, utilizing the landscape for hunting and nomadic lives.
- Infrastructure in Arctic areas must be designed carefully to account for the shifting ground as permafrost alters with temperature changes.
Translations
Translations of the word "permafrost" in other languages:
🇵🇹 permafrost
🇮🇳 स्थायी बर्फ
🇩🇪 Permafrost
🇮🇩 permafrost
🇺🇦 вічна мерзлота
🇵🇱 wieczna zmarzlina
🇯🇵 永久凍土
🇫🇷 pergélisol
🇪🇸 permafrost
🇹🇷 kalıcı don
🇰🇷 영구 동토
🇸🇦 التربة المتجمدة
🇨🇿 permafrost
🇸🇰 permafrost
🇨🇳 永冻层
🇸🇮 trajno zmrzovanje
🇮🇸 permafrost
🇰🇿 мәңгі тоң
🇬🇪 მუდმივი ყინული
🇦🇿 davamlı don
🇲🇽 permafrost