Arctic & Earth SIGNs

Permafrost Thaw

GLOBE Frost Tube protocol and learning activities

GLOBE Pedosphere protocols and learning activities

Melting Permafrost | PBS LearningMediaLearn about the changes happening to permafrost in the Arctic landscape, in this video adapted from the International Institute for Sustainable Development. Alaska Native peoples and Western scientists discuss both the causes of melting and its impact on the ecosystem. The video shows the consequences of erosion, including mudslides and inland lakes being drained of water. An Inuit expresses his uncertainty about the ultimate effect this will have on his community and culture.

Losing Permafrost in Alaska | PBS LearningMediaThis video adapted from Spanner Films describes the effects of changes to permafrost, the frozen layer of soil and ice that underlies much of Alaska, caused by a warming climate. Permafrost, some of which has persisted since the last ice age, more than 10,000 years ago, is melting rapidly. In affected areas, this has led to building and road damage, shrinking lakes, rapidly eroding river banks, and the disappearance of some wildlife, including fish. Scientists such as Gunter Weller, who is featured in the video, suggest that these changes will continue to worsen unless society reduces its use of fossil fuels.

Permafrost | PBS LearningMediaLearn how thawing permafrost is affecting buildings in Alaska in this video from NOVA's Making Stuff Colder. Accompany host David Pogue as he visits Fairbanks, Alaska, and talks to residents about the changes they have experienced. See what permafrost looks like up close at a permafrost tunnel research facility. To view the Background Essay and Teaching Tips for this video, go to Support Materials below. This resource was developed through WGBH’s Bringing the Universe to America’s Classrooms project, in collaboration with NASA. Click here for the full collection of resources.

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