Permafrost, an increasingly important problem due to climate change, is causing Alaska's frozen lands to wear away faster than they can regenerate themselves.
The effects are harmful not only to the physical landscape, but also to the balance of the Earth's atmosphere. As soil erodes, it releases trapped carbon, fueling the warming of our environment.
The decisive role of permafrost
A significant part of the surface of the Northern Hemisphere is dominated by permafrost - permanently frozen soil, which is found primarily in arctic regions. This cold natural resource is more than just frozen ground; it is an integral part of our global environment. (Rodielon Putol, more at earth.com)