A study published in Nature suggests that thawing permafrost may have an unexpected effect on the carbon cycle. While melting frozen ground is widely known for releasing greenhouse gases, researchers found that it can also strengthen a natural process that removes carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
The research was conducted by scientists from Umeå University in Sweden and East China Normal University in China.
Thawing Permafrost Can Increase CO2 Removal
As global temperatures rise, permafrost is thawing across many regions, exposing long-frozen organic matter. Microbes break down this ancient carbon and release greenhouse gases, leading many scientists to view thawing permafrost primarily as a growing source of emissions.
However, the new study points to another process taking place at the same time. As frozen ground degrades, previously buried minerals become exposed and water interacts more extensively with rock surfaces. These changes accelerate chemical weathering, a process that can consume atmospheric CO2.
