Impact of Climate Change in Alaska's National Parks

Scientific American recently published an article detailing phenomena in Alaska's national parks that one could reasonably attribute to climate change. One of the parks mentioned was Kenai Fjords, which is shown in the photograph.

The most notable observation in the article was the impact of thawing permafrost on the state's northern regions. (The Scientific American piece calls the phenomenon "thermafrost" for reasons that elude me.) Though not noted in the story, a similar permafrost situation is taking place in Siberia. The thawing of permafrost is a big deal, and impacts everyone throughout the world.

A useful, reasonably accessible introduction to permafrost is available from the International Permafrost Association. Its small photo gallery is quite interesting. The organization also holds occasional meetings, some of which have been held in the following sexy destinations:

West Lafayette, Indiana (home to Purdue University)

Yellowknife, Canada

Fairbanks, Alaska

Yakutsk, Siberia