Disappearing lakes, old photos and AI are helping scientists map Arctic permafrost thaw in near-real time
The abrupt disappearance of a lake is one clear sign that the ice below is melting, and a clue to wider permafrost changes.
Thermokarst ponds, resembling Florida's sinkholes, form when permafrost melts and can drain rapidly. Alaska experiences more sinkhole risk due to its permafrost-rich soil. As temperatures rise, permafrost thaws, causing property damage similar to Florida's. An interactive website tracks permafrost thaw in near-real time using these ponds as indicators.
When big lakes disappear quickly, it signifies thawed ice-rich permafrost. Past aerial photos and satellite imagery from the 1940s to the 1970s helped map the Arctic's permafrost lakes. Using AI, scientists can analyze new images for changes, such as new ponds or disappearing old ones, to monitor permafrost across vast areas.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
