Question 1

What is permafrost?

Accepted Answer

Permafrost is ground that stays frozen for a really long time, like two years or more. It's made of ice, rocks, and soil.

Question 2

Where do you find permafrost?

Accepted Answer

You can find permafrost in really cold places like the Arctic, in parts of countries like Russia, Canada, and Alaska.

Question 3

Why is permafrost important?

Accepted Answer

Permafrost is important because it holds a lot of carbon. When it stays frozen, it keeps all that carbon locked away.

Question 4

What happens if permafrost melts?

Accepted Answer

If permafrost melts, it releases carbon into the air as a gas called carbon dioxide, which can make the Earth warmer.

Question 5

How does permafrost melting affect animals?

Accepted Answer

Melting permafrost can change the landscape and make it hard for animals who live there to find food and make homes.

Question 6

How does permafrost affect climate change?

Accepted Answer

Permafrost affects climate change because when it melts, it lets out gases that make the Earth's climate warmer, speeding up climate change.

Question 7

What is carbon dioxide?

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide is a gas in the air that plants need to breathe. Too much carbon dioxide, though, can make the Earth's climate warmer.

Question 8

Can people see permafrost?

Accepted Answer

People can't really see permafrost because it's underground, but scientists can study it by digging into the ground.

Question 9

What is happening to permafrost right now?

Accepted Answer

Right now, some permafrost is starting to melt because the Earth is getting warmer. Scientists are watching this closely.

Question 10

Why is melting permafrost a problem?

Accepted Answer

Melting permafrost is a problem because it releases gases that contribute to climate change, making everything warmer.

Question 11

How can melting permafrost affect people?

Accepted Answer

Melting permafrost can damage roads and buildings built on frozen ground and can release gases that affect our climate.

Question 12

What can we do to help permafrost stay frozen?

Accepted Answer

We can help by using less energy, like turning off lights we don't need, and using cleaner energy like solar and wind power.

Question 13

Why does Earth getting warmer matter to permafrost?

Accepted Answer

Earth getting warmer matters because it causes the permafrost to melt, which adds more carbon gases to the air and makes it warmer.

Question 14

What else can melting permafrost release besides carbon dioxide?

Accepted Answer

Besides carbon dioxide, melting permafrost can also release methane, another gas that can make the Earth warmer faster.

Question 15

Can permafrost ever freeze again after it melts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, permafrost can freeze again if the temperatures become cold enough, but it can take a very long time.

Question 16

Why do scientists study permafrost?

Accepted Answer

Scientists study permafrost to understand how it affects our climate and to learn what might happen if it keeps melting.

Question 17

What is methane?

Accepted Answer

Methane is a gas that can trap heat in Earth's atmosphere. It's stronger than carbon dioxide at warming the Earth.

Question 18

How does permafrost melting affect plants?

Accepted Answer

Melting permafrost can change the soil and make it harder for some plants to grow while others may find it easier.

Question 19

Can we stop permafrost from melting?

Accepted Answer

We can't stop it completely, but we can slow it down by reducing pollution and using cleaner energy sources.

Question 20

Why is it important to talk about permafrost with kids?

Accepted Answer

It's important because kids will grow up and can help protect the planet in the future, and knowing about permafrost helps them understand climate change.

The Role of Permafrost in Climate Change - 20 FAQs Explained Simply