VIDEO After 15,000 years, it's waking up

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After 15,000 years, it's waking up The YouTube video titled "After 15,000 years, it's waking up" by Physics Girl (Dianna Cowern) delves into the fascinating study of a unique permafrost tunnel in Alaska, which holds significant implications for climate science. This tunnel, dug out by the U.S. military during the Cold War for research purposes, is now a critical site for understanding the impact of climate change on frozen ecosystems.

Why Was the Tunnel Built?​

Originally excavated in 1963, the tunnel was part of a military project aimed at determining whether permafrost could serve as an insulator for military equipment. However, the military later found it unsuitable for that purpose. Subsequently, the tunnel transitioned into a research facility, revealing insights into permafrost, ancient microbes, and even mammoth remains preserved in ice.

What Makes This Tunnel Unique?​

This Alaskan tunnel is the only one of its kind globally and offers a pristine scientific setting where permafrost, which has remained frozen since the last Ice Age, can be studied. During her visit, Dianna highlights the tunnel's cold and often smelly environment, featuring ice walls and ground that have been untouched for thousands of years.

Permafrost Research and Its Importance​

Permafrost is defined as soil or rock that remains frozen for two or more consecutive years, occupying around one-fifth of the Northern Hemisphere's land. Research in this setting is crucial due to growing concerns about thawing permafrost and its potential to release stored carbon, thereby exacerbating climate change.

Key Findings Discussed in the Video:​

• Microbial Awakening: Surprisingly, the video reveals that ancient microbes—some dating back 40,000 years—are found alive in the permafrost. As the permafrost thaws due to rising temperatures, there's potential for these microbes to impact ecosystems and possibly public health.
• Historical Context: The research findings also extend beyond ancient life. Dianna shares a troubling account of a 2016 anthrax outbreak in Siberia, believed to have been triggered by thawing permafrost, which released pathogens from a long-frozen reindeer carcass.
• Infrastructure Threats: Thawing permafrost poses risks to infrastructure in Alaska and beyond. Dianna illustrates how homes and roads can be compromised as the ground shifts.
  

  The Future of Permafrost Research​

  With billion-dollar investments geared towards understanding permafrost, scientists are actively researching the impacts of climate change on these areas. They utilize advanced technology to map what's frozen and what's thawed, aiming to forecast future changes.
  

  Conclusion​

  The video emphasizes the urgency of permafrost research amid climate change. As Dianna notes, understanding these frozen landscapes can help predict future climate impacts on ecosystems and human life. The tunnel serves not only as a historical site but as a critical research hub that can inform global climate strategies. For users here, this topic underscores the intersection of technology, environmental science, and public health—an area ripe for discussion in our community. What are your thoughts on permafrost research and its implications? Have you followed any local impacts from climate change on infrastructure near you? Share your insights!