As the Arctic warms and heatwaves become more frequent, vegetation changes may alter the ecosystem. We investigated how warmer temperatures modulate Arctic shrub responses to heat wave and drought. A...

We welcome applications from passionate measurement scientists to join our team to develop and deploy a new instrument measuring oxidative reactivity which will contribute to improved knowledge of the...

New UC Irvine research reveals how extreme heat events can make everyday greenery a hidden contributor to air pollution.

Project details

Permafrost is a crucial part of the Earth’s cryosphere. These millennia-old frozen soils not only are significant carbon reservoirs but also store a variety of chemicals. Accelerated permafrost thaw due to global warming leads to profound consequences such as infrastructure damage, hydrological changes, and, notably, environmental concerns from the release of various chemicals. In this perspective, we metaphorically term long-preserved substances as “dormant chemicals” that experience an “awakening” during permafrost thaw. We begin by providing a comprehensive overview and categorization of these chemicals and their potential transformations, utilizing a combination of field observations, laboratory studies, and modeling approaches to assess their environmental impacts. Following this, we put forward several perspectives on how to enhance the scientific understanding of their ensuing environmental impacts in the context of climate change. Ultimately, we advocate for broader research engagement in permafrost exploration and emphasize the need for extensive environmental chemical studies. This will significantly enhance our understanding of the consequences of permafrost thaw and its broader impact on other ecosystems under rapid climate warming.

Professor Brett Walker studies the marine carbon cycle and marine biogeochemistry.

Biogenic isoprene emissions from herbaceous plants are generally lower than those from trees. However, our study finds widespread isoprene emission...