Disappearing Lakes, Old Photos and AI Are Helping Scientists Map Arctic Permafrost Thaw in Near‑real Time

Disappearing lakes, old photos and AI are helping scientists map Arctic permafrost thaw in near‑real time

Florida gets a lot of attention for its sinkholes, especially when they swallow cars and entire houses. But its sinkhole risk has nothing on Alaska's.

Disappearing lakes, old photos and AI are helping scientists map Arctic permafrost thaw in near-real time

Thermokarst ponds, or trough ponds, typically form when the ice in permafrost melts. They can also drain quickly. Anna LiljedahlFlorida gets a lot of attention for its sinkholes, especially when they swallow cars and entire houses. But its sinkhole risk has nothing on Alaska’s. Much of Alaska’s soil is permafrost – ground that remains below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) for at least two consecutive years. It is often rich with ice, b…