Figure 11 and Figure 12 show information about the active layer and ground temperature in Svalbard, which is within the Arctic Circle. Figure 13 provides further information about the island of Svalbard.
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13 All buildings in the Svalbard settlements are built on piles driven into the permafrost, and roads, bridges, airports and other infrastructure are also constructed on permafrost. In addition, the permafrost is essential for stabilising steep mountainsides. There are also ramifications for natural vegetation. The most important consequence of the warming and thawing of the permafrost is, that large volumes of greenhouse gases, like CO2 (carbon dioxide) and CH4 (methane), may be released if ever deeper layers of the permafrost thaw. These gases have been kept out of the atmosphere because the organic carbon has been frozen in the ground. |
Using Figure 11, Figure 12, Figure 13 and your own knowledge, assess the potential impact of these data upon this area.
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