Researchers Study the Permafrost
Permafrost is a collection of layers of gravel, sand, and soil bound together and frozen underneath the surface of the ground. Scientists working at the CRREL research center studied Alaskan permafrost when they came across the discovery.
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Researchers took samples of the ice from the tunnel walls. They proceed to melt the ice samples in a laboratory to test for viruses, diseases, and any other form of life in the water.
Permafrost Study Around the World
Alaska is just one of many places around the world where deep layers of permafrost are found.
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Researchers in nations such as Canada, Russia, and Greenland, all of which have a significant amount of permanent ice, have carried out studies. Most of the studies have one thing in common: They have all encountered shocking discoveries in the ice.
Life in the Ice
A staggering 85% of Alaska’s landmass is made up of permafrost. As researchers continue to test the ice, they have encountered more than just iced sand and soil. In fact, many have discovered bones, fossils, and signs of life.
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Researchers working at the CRREL center discovered numerous ancient strains of bacteria and even viruses were present in the ice. After further investigation, scientists came to the conclusion that some of the viruses have never affected humans.
Thousands of Years Old Microbes
One test sample revealed the Alaskan permafrost contained the same bacteria that led to the Spanish influenza, an epidemic that spread throughout Spain in 1918
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Numerous other dangerous viruses, such as cedratvirus, Pandoravirus, megavirus, and Pacmanvirus, have been identified in the ice. Some of these could pose potential threats to humans in the future.
Scientists Discover Anthrax in the Ice
Researchers were also shocked to discover the presence of Anthrax in the ice. Also known as Bacillus anthracis, it is a bacteria that affects animals. However, humans can become sick if they come in contact with an infected animal or even contaminated animal remains.
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While it generally affects animals, it can certainly lead to humans, especially if it is weaponized. Toward the end of the 19th century, the Soviet Union attempted to turn the deadly virus into a weapon.
Possibility of Outbreaks From the Permafrost
Scientists are growing increasingly worried about a potential outbreak as permafrost continues to melt around the world.
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Evidence of this has already been witnessed in animals. Several years ago, Russian scientists claimed around 2,000 reindeer and one human boy were infected with Anthrax, which came from melting permafrost.
Melting Permafrost is a Worry, Says Scientists
While the idea of ancient viruses spreading through the melting of permafrost, many scientists suggest there is nothing to worry about.
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Some researchers have even suggested that much of the bacteria and viruses embedded in the ice will pose little risk to humans. As Anthrax is already present around the world, the melting ice likely won’t increase anyone’s chance of contracting the disease.
The Effect of Melting Permafrost on the World
While many researchers suggest the melting permafrost could increase the potential for an outbreak of viruses and diseases, others are more concerned with the effect it could have on climate change.
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Scientists have known that permafrost plays a significant role in trapping carbon dioxide in the ice. However, as this melts, it begins to release a significant amount into the atmosphere, further accelerating the effects of climate change.
The Effect Alaska Has on the Environment
Alaska provides a sustainable habitat for the many plants and animals that call the region home. However, these positive effects could soon be outnumbered by the relentless level at which the permafrost is melting.
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The world is warming at an unprecedented rate and no sign it will slow down at any point in the near future. Even with the 2015 Paris Agreement, the permafrost may continue to melt, leaving scientists to wonder what the future consequences could be.
How Alaska is Already Suffering
Alaskan residents are already experiencing the consequences of climate change. Extensive wildfires are tearing through the wilderness, and unpredictable weather and rising sea levels have all affected the state in recent years.
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While Alaskans have come to live in harmony with the permafrost and icy conditions, as the permafrost continues to melt, it affects the ground beneath it, affecting the infrastructure of homes and roads.
Scientists Continue to Work on a Solution
Scientists have struggled to devise a solution to the various problems at hand. While some suggest there’s nothing to worry about as far as viruses and bacteria in the ice are concerned, the melting permafrost is a worrisome problem.
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Although, there are no solutions to the problems as of yet, researchers will continue conducting tests on the ice. As scientists continue to work in the tunnels and test the permafrost, they may be able to gain a better understanding of how the melting will affect the world in the long run.