Permafrost is widespread in the north of Canada, Alaska, Europe, Asia, in Antarctica, and on the islands of the Arctic Ocean. It occupies almost two-thirds of the territory of Russia and is found even in Africa. So how do people live in conditions of permafrost, and what dangers does its thawing pose?
«Permafrost» - What Is It?
Permafrost — is any type of soil whose temperature does not rise above 0 degrees for a period of from two to hundreds of thousands of years. Permafrost formed during the ice age, when, due to the harsh climate, the ground began to freeze. Today the thickness of permafrost can reach several hundred meters, and its area amounts to about 25 percent of all the land on the planet.
How Do People Live with Permafrost?
It would seem that if the soil does not thaw, then permafrost is an ideal foundation for construction. In reality, however, building houses directly on the ground is truly dangerous. Instead, buildings are placed on reinforced-concrete piles. During the use of buildings the temperature regime of the permafrost is disrupted. This is done so that the houses do not heat the ground and the foundation does not settle. In addition, building houses on piles promotes ventilation of the space between the building and the ground. All utilities, heating mains, and pipes also run above the ground and become part of the local landscape.
Yakutsk, for example, is characterized by houses with a special flavor. This feature is in fact typical of most northern cities of Russia. Some houses are specially painted in bright colors to make it easier for people to find their way in conditions of icy fog.
During severe frosts, residents mainly use public transport; few dare to drive cars. In some cities, special warm bus stops are set up for people. These are heated rooms in which those waiting for transport can charge a phone, watch television, or rest. Cars, meanwhile, are usually frozen up until spring arrives.
What Will Happen If the Permafrost Thaws?
Recently, people accustomed to permafrost have begun to encounter its thawing. As the planet warms, the thawing soil collapses and causes landslides. Such climatic changes also contribute to the alteration of landscapes and the destruction of animal habitats. For example, in 2015 a school was closed in the town of Yukon (Canada) for the safety of students and staff. The building's foundation became unstable due to the thawing of the upper layer of soil, and the school was able to reopen only in September.
Furthermore, the thawing of permafrost threatens human health and safety and contributes to the release of dangerous microorganisms. Thus, in 2016 an outbreak of anthrax occurred in Yamal, and in 2019 on Svalbard (an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean), due to thawing, coffins began to rise to the surface. Moreover, some of the people buried there had died of the Spanish flu.
Scientists are trying to do everything possible to prevent the complete thawing of permafrost. In 2015 the Paris Agreement was even concluded, under which all participants agreed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. However, according to forecasts, even if all carbon dioxide emissions were completely stopped now, a catastrophe would hardly be possible to avoid.
