Permafrost Research and Monitoring

The net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 is measured at the Eight Mile Lake site using an eddy covariance tower. NEE is the balance between plants taking up CO2 and plants plus soil microbes releasing CO2; these processes are operating simultaneously but not at the same rate.

NPS Photo

While the thawing permafrost is a dire situation, many members of the scientific community are seeking solutions and working with a group of people who have not lost hope, land managers. Research is being conducted to understand what factors are negatively impacting the frozen ground. The goal is that this research will aid in helping land managers know how to minimize impacts caused by degrading permafrost.

Learn More:

• Permafrost Thaw and Carbon Balance
• Permafrost - Central Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network
• What We Monitor - Central Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network
• Integrated Monitoring of Physical Environment, Plant, and Bird Communities in Denali
• Climate-related Vegetation Changes in the Subarctic
• Landslide Risks Along Park Roads Increase in a Warming Climate
• The Rippling Effects of a Warming Climate and Wildfire on Lakes in Northern Alaska