Glaciologist S.N. Remya is involved in research of permafrost layers to assess potential climate change catastrophes in the future at the Himadri research station in Norway.
Himadri Research Station
- The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean hosts the International Arctic Research base in Ny-Ålesund.
- India’s Arctic Research Station Himadri is situated here.
- Himadri was Established in 2008.
- India’s Arctic programme aims to contribute to the development, consolidation and dissemination of the current understanding of climate change, its impacts and adaptations in the Norwegian Arctic, Svalbard. India’s Arctic research includes atmospheric, biological, marine and earth sciences and glaciological studies.
- Scientific research in the Arctic region is governed by international legal instruments like the Svalbard Treaty of 1920 (It recognises the sovereignty of Norway over the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, The signatories were given equal rights to engage in commercial activities (mainly coal mining) on the islands.
- India is a signatory to the treaty.
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- Presence of Permafrost: Permafrost exists in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas.
- Lack of Data: Limited information on Himalayan permafrost hinders accurate impact predictions.
- Research Efforts: Researchers like Remya are studying permafrost conditions in the Himalayas.
- Focus on rock glaciers and the effects of thawing permafrost
- Focus Area: To identify the probability of disasters due to permafrost collapse and help provide early warnings to local communities
What is Permafrost?
- Permafrost refers to soil or rock that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years.
- It is primarily found in polar regions and high mountain areas where the ground stays below 0°C, trapping ice within the soil.
- While permafrost itself doesn’t have to contain ice, it often does, and this ice plays a critical role in maintaining the ground’s stability.
- Global Distribution: Although permafrost is typically associated with the Arctic, it is also present in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas.
Impacts of Thawing Permafrost
- Ground Instability and Infrastructure Damage: As permafrost thaws, soil loses its integrity, leading to ground instability, landslides, and infrastructure failure.
- Regions like Canada and Alaska have already experienced damage to roads, buildings, and pipelines.
- Communities in these areas are witnessing increased subsidence (ground sinking due to melting ice).
- Risk to Mountainous Regions:In mountain areas, melting permafrost can trigger landslides or glacial lake outbursts, posing serious risks to local populations.
- One such example is the recent South Lhonak glacial lake flood in Sikkim, which could be linked to permafrost thaw.
- Release of Greenhouse Gases: Arctic permafrost contains an estimated 1,700 billion metric tons of carbon (methane and CO₂).
- This is 51 times the amount of carbon released globally from fossil fuel emissions in 2019.
- Health Risks from Dormant Viruses: Thawing permafrost could unleash thousands of dormant viruses and bacteria.
- Some may be ancient or previously eradicated diseases like smallpox or Bubonic plague, to which humans may lack immunity or cures.
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Significance of studying Permafrost
- Identify at-risk areas: Pinpoint regions susceptible to permafrost collapse.
- Develop early warning systems: Implement systems to alert communities of potential hazards.
- Improve disaster preparedness: Enhance local communities’ ability to respond to permafrost-related disasters.
- Inform infrastructure planning: Guide long-term development decisions in the region.
September 30, 2024
