The Physical Environment

Landscapes and Ecosystems

Is the permafrost thawing

Yes, it is. In places with great areas of permafrost, such as Alaska, the permafrost has warmed to the highest level in 10,000 years. During the last 50 years, the Arctic regions have been warming to record high temperatures. During this time, Alaska’s average temperature has warmed an average of 3.3 degrees above normal.