Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 08/24/2013 - 13:10
Forums
Arctic Sunlight and Microbial Interactions

Hi Mr. Taterka! I recently read your journal entries “Wildlife on the Lower Sag” and “Fairbanks and Denali” and I was curious about how the thawing of permafrost will not only affect the climate in Alaska, but the wildlife as well. Once the permafrost thaws and carbon dioxide is released, will it have an immediate effect on the animals and plant life in Alaska or will it be more of a gradual process? Also, how will this release of carbon dioxide affect the wildlife physically? I was also curious about how this will affect the people living in Alaska. Finally, I wanted to know what was your favorite animal that you saw while you were there?

Thanks! Meghan Fischer

Tue, 08/27/2013 - 05:21

Anonymous

Meghan -
Good questions! Any changes resulting from thawing permafrost will be relatively gradual, except for when thermokarst landslides and sinkholes occur. Those go fast. Effects on wildlife and people will mostly be from more extreme weather and the gradual warming of climate and shifting of habitat. We'll talk a lot about that this year.
My favorite animal that I saw is a hard question to answer. Watching grizzly bears play was amazing, but sea otters and whales are really cool, especially when you're watching them from a kayak. There were lots of interesting birds, too, especially the puffins and eagles. I'll have to think about this . . .
- Mr. T