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Arctic Permafrost Carbon: Buried, Not Burned?
4 Aug
Summary
- Most permafrost carbon remains buried in seafloor sediments.
- Microbes convert only about 10% of carbon into gases.
- Thawing permafrost impacts marine ecosystems beyond climate.
Warming Arctic temperatures are causing permafrost to thaw, releasing ancient organic carbon into coastal seas. Scientists have studied seafloor sediment cores off Canada's Herschel Island to understand what happens to this carbon. The research indicates that microbes, which convert organic matter into gases, primarily consume fresher marine materials.
As a result, only about 10% of the ancient carbon appears to be converted into gases that could enter the atmosphere. The majority of this carbon remains safely buried in the seabed, potentially mitigating a feared climate feedback loop.
Beyond climate concerns, thawing permafrost introduces sediment and organic matter into coastal waters. This can reduce sunlight penetration, affecting algae crucial for marine food webs and impacting fish, seals, and local communities.
Further research is planned as part of the international Arctic Pulse campaign in 2027 to better understand the full cycle of carbon from coast to ocean and refine climate models.
