Earth’s deep memory is thawing with the Arctic permafrost, degrading records of our ancient world

By: Duane Duane Froese, Hendrik Poinar, Scott Cocker, Tyler Murchie

Outlets: Alaska Beacon

Published: July 14, 2026

Words: 942

Last Updated: 1 week ago


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Permafrost usually hits the news as a hazard; a planetary risk. When this ice-rich ground thaws, it damages roads and building foundations. It drains lakes and tips trees into drunken forests. It releases greenhouse gases that have been locked in carbon-rich soils for thousands of years, amplifying warming, driving further thaw.

These are serious concerns, and we spend a good deal of time studying their causes. But another consequence of permafrost thaw receives …

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