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Monday, November 9, 2009

Photo: Thawing Permafrost Could Supercharge Warming, Study Says


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An aerial view of permafrost during a seasonal thaw in Alaska.

Scientists say that permafrost—the layer of frozen soil in polar regions—is much richer in carbon than had been thought.

If the permafrost continues to melt due to global warming, its carbon could be released into the atmosphere, fueling further temperature rises, the researchers say.

Photograph courtesy U.S. Geological Survey