Studies in the Permafrost
Permafrost is a frozen layer underneath the ground, usually soil, gravel, and sand bound by ice. The scientists in the CRREL have been studying the permafrost, but what have they found?
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They have been testing the ice by removing parts of it through the tunnel walls. They then take these samples to a lab where they are contained and melted. Once melted, the water is tested for diseases, viruses, and any signs of life that may live in the water.
Where Else is the Permafrost?
Alaska isn’t the only place where permafrost is found, and humans aren’t the only ones who are using it!
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Canada, Russia, and Greenland are also countries which have Permafrost. Although the studies have found something alarming, the permafrost makes a good home for certain animals and plants as it makes the ground waterproof.
Signs of Life in the Ice
The permafrost covers 85% of Alaska, so it’s not surprising to discover it isn’t just icy soil. In fact, there are fossils and bones found within.
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It isn’t just fossils. After a few days of research, scientists found it holds viruses and bacteria that could be thousands of years old. These viruses could have never even affected the human race as they have been trapped in the ice.
Microbes Thousands of Years Old
Microbes in the ice have been carrying these bacteria. Even the Spanish influenza, an epidemic from 1918, has been found in the permafrost.
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Many old viruses have been found in the permafrost, including Pandoravirus, Cedratvirus, Megavirus, and Pacmanvirus. It is possible that the viruses could infect humans. Even viruses we already have been affected by have been found, such as Orthopoxvirus, which is also known as smallpox, cowpox, and others.
Anthrax Found in the Ice
Anthrax, Bacillus anthracis, is a bacteria that has been found in the ice. It affects animals, mainly livestock and wild, but humans can get sick if they come in contact with an infected animal or even contaminated animal products.
Source: J.H. Carr, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Wikimedia Commons
Although it mainly affects animals, anthrax can be a dangerous disease in the hands of humans. It spreads incredibly fast and was weaponized during the Soviet Union in a biowarfare program, started in 1885.
Outbreaks From the Permafrost
The reason scientists are worried about the permafrost melting and releasing these microbes is because the diseases have already been seen in some animals.
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In Russia, scientists have contained an outbreak of Anthrax from the melting ice. The disease affected 2,000 reindeer and even one boy before they were able to control the spread. The permafrost will only release more diseases as it melts, which is another reason why the human race needs to control climate control.
Not as Dangerous as It Might Seem
Although all this information may seem scary, other scientists believe it won’t be as bad as it seems.
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These scientists believe the diseases realized won’t be harmful towards humans. They believe the risk is small and getting diseases such as Anthrax is unlikely as there is already much around. So it won’t increase anyone’s risk much.
Permafrost Could Increase Climate Change
Other than all the issues surrounding the outbreak of diseases and viruses being released from the ice, the melting permafrost can also worsen climate change.
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It has been known for decades that permafrost soaks and traps cardamom dioxide. As the ice melts, it’s possible that the permafrost may release more CO2 than it has initially taken in. This would increase climate change, therefore escalating the melting, creating a vicious cycle.
Alaska's Effect on the Environment
Alaska is well known for protecting their environment and animals, however, this positive may be overshadowed as the permafrost melts causing worsened climate change.
Source: NPS Climate Change Response/Wikipedia
With the globe warming and no sign it will be greatly slowing, despite the 2015 Paris Agreement, the permafrost could start melting even faster. Additionally, it is also worrying how uncertain the scientists are about how fast or how bad this could all happen.
How Alaska is Already Hurting
The residents of Alaska are already suffering from climate change. Massive wildfires, crazy weather, and rising sea levels are all consequences of global warming.
Source: National Interagency Fire Center/Wikipedia
Even though the citizens of Alaska live with the permafrost, they have learned to build around it. However, as it melts, it affects the ground around it. This causes houses to fall and infrastructure to fail. Roads, houses, and even cemeteries have fallen in as it melts.
The Solution
It is difficult for scientists to come up with a solution, as the timings and amount of destruction aren’t known.
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Although, there are no solutions right now, tests are still ongoing. The researchers are continuing to go into the tunnels and are testing the permafrost so they can figure out how the melting could play out. These tests can also help researchers be prepared for diseases and viruses that may appear.