In your July 6th journal entry you talk about an important discovery. (If I understand correctly) due to thermokarst activity and general melting new layers of permafrost are being exposed to the sun. Because these layers have not been exposed before they melt at a 40% faster rate. Doesn't this relate to the plants that live on the “active layer” of the permafrost? The plants help absorb the light from the sun, the problem is the general heat which is causing thermokarst activity which removes the sheltering layer of plants. Plants roots systems are good at stopping landslide and movement of loose dirt. Could the loss of permafrost be slowed by replanting plants in areas effected by thermokarst activity? Also is the 40% increase rate related to the fact that there are no plants on the layer? Finally, could a more robust, bigger plant (bigger root system) be put in an effected area to reduce soil movement and absorb the carbon dioxide released? That would only work in the summer though, when the plants are able to grow. But that is also the hottest part of the year when I assume most of the melting is taking place.
I know that was a dense question and you do not have to answer it all now, but we can talk about it in school.
Thanks, Jack Doyle