(Un)frozen in Time

Abstract

Permafrost regions occupy nearly a quarter of Earth9s terrestrial surface. The extent of subarctic permafrost has been reduced significantly during the past century, leading to widespread subsidence and damage to roads and buildings. In his Perspective, Nelson reports from a recent meeting on permafrost and its roles in environmental change. He concludes that one of the greatest challenges in the field is to separate climate-induced impacts from local anthropogenic influences. This challenge can only be met with more detailed and extensive data records.