Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 09/05/2013 - 17:52

Hey Mr Taterka, Hope you had a great trip, everything seems very interesting. I was wondering if the UV rays and Sunlight are the key components in transforming the organic soil carbon to carbon dioxide, then if/how is it possible to to stop the exposure of the carbon from the permafrost? Also would the bacteria still be able to feed on the carbon if no sunlight was present? Thankyou, Jack Purdy

Anonymous

Jack -
Great question. Sunlight is not the only factor - the type of bacteria present, availability of water, temperature, and other factors play a role. Preventing exposure to sunlight is pretty much impossible on a large scale. Some bacteria can work in the dark, but not as effectively as ones that work in the light.
- Mr. T