permafrost

[ pur-muh-frawst, -frost ]

noun

1. (in Arctic or subarctic regions) perennially frozen subsoil.

permafrost

/ ˈpɜːməˌfrɒst /

noun

1. ground that is permanently frozen, often to great depths, the surface sometimes thawing in the summer

permafrost

/ pûr′mə-frôst′ /

1. A layer of soil or bedrock that has been continuously frozen for at least two years and as long as tens of thousands of years. Permafrost can reach depths of up to 1,524 m (4,999 ft). It is found throughout most of the polar regions and underlies about one fifth of the Earth's land surface.

Word History and Origins

Origin of permafrost¹

First recorded in 1943; perma(nent) + frost

Word History and Origins

Origin of permafrost¹

C20: from perma ( nent ) + frost

Example Sentences

I recall a trip to Siberia, where climate change has been melting the permafrost, exposing skeletons, and releasing harmful bacteria and gases.

From BBC

Arctic permafrost — or soil that was once permanently frozen — is also thawing amid record-high global temperatures and releasing carbon and methane into the atmosphere.

From Los Angeles Times

As Earth warms, the Arctic Ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is waning due to melting permafrost and worsening coastal erosion, according to new research.

From Los Angeles Times

As such, taking decisive action today is all the more important if our goal is to preserve as much permafrost as possible.

From Science Daily

As the planet has warmed, scientists have long been concerned about the potential for harmful greenhouse gasses to seep out of thawing Arctic permafrost.

From Science Daily