The temperature difference is explained by the movement of warm and cold currents, as well as by the influence of the large Siberian rivers - the Ob, Yenisey and Lena

Researchers found out that the permafrost deposits’ warming in the Kara Sea's regions is highly inconsistent. The temperature difference is explained by the movement of warm and cold currents, as well as by the influence of the large Siberian rivers - the Ob, Yenisey and Lena. Their warm waters warm up the soil and contribute to the uneven melting of submarine permafrost.

This could lead to permafrost destabilization and methane emissions in the sea's western areas, said the press office of Skoltech.

The scientists discovered that the temperature of bottom sediments in the Arctic seas is uneven, especially in the Kara Sea - from plus 5 degrees Celsius in the west to minus 1.4 degrees Celsius in the east.

The scientists came to this conclusion after reviewing several studies on shelf zones in the Kara and East Siberian Seas, as well as in the Laptev Sea in 2019-2022. They also compiled the permafrost temperature map for that Arctic region based on the studied data.

The researchers say these seas account for about 80% of the Arctic's submarine permafrost deposits. Their melting could lead to huge methane emissions into the atmosphere.

Source: TASS

Also read the publication:
Seven Countries' Rubbish Found in the Arctic