Earth's memory is slowly melting away as thawing Arctic permafrost erases hundreds of thousands of years of natural history

Arctic permafrost preserves ancient landscapes and extinct life for thousands of years. Rising global temperatures are causing this vital natural archive to melt. Scientists are studying ancient DNA found in permafrost to understand past ecosystems. This thawing permafrost releases greenhouse gases, accelerating climate change effects. Researchers are racing to preserve permafrost samples before they degrade.

Earth's memory is slowly melting away as thawing Arctic permafrost erases hundreds of thousands of years of natural history
Arctic permafrost preserves ancient landscapes and extinct life for thousands of years. Rising global temperatures are causing this vital natural archive to melt. Scientists are studying ancient DNA found in permafrost to understand past ecosystems. This thawing permafrost releases greenhouse gases, accelerating climate change effects. Researchers are racing to preserve permafrost samples before they degrade.