Disappearing lakes and AI are helping scientists map Arctic permafrost thaw in near-real time

The abrupt disappearance of a lake is one clear sign that the ice below is melting, and a clue to wider permafrost changes.

By: Anna Liljedahl, University of Alaska Anchorage and Ingmar Nitze, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: August 26, 2026

Words: 988

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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By Anna Liljedahl, University of Alaska Anchorage and Ingmar Nitze, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research

Florida gets a lot of attention for its sinkholes, especially when they swallow cars and entire houses. But its sinkhole risk has nothing on Alaska’s.

Much of Alaska’s soil is permafrost – ground that remains below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) for at least two consecutive years. It is often rich with …

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