Permafrost Thaw Estimate Calculator
Estimate potential carbon release from permafrost thaw based on area, depth, carbon density, and release fraction.
Total Carbon in Thaw Zone
75.0 Gt C
Total Carbon in Thaw Zone vs Permafrost Area Thawing
Formule
## Permafrost Carbon and Climate Feedback Permafrost soils contain vast stores of organic carbon frozen for thousands of years. As temperatures rise, thawing releases this carbon as CO2 and methane. ### Formula **Total Carbon (Gt) = Area (km²) x 10^6 x Depth (m) x Carbon Density (kg/m³) / 10^12** **Released Carbon = Total Carbon x Release Fraction** **CO2 Released = Released Carbon x 3.67** (molecular weight ratio of CO2 to C) Arctic permafrost holds an estimated 1,500 Gt of carbon, roughly twice the amount currently in the atmosphere.
Exemple Résolu
One million km² of permafrost thaws to 3 m depth with 25 kg C/m³ density and 10% release.
- 01Total carbon = 1,000,000 x 1,000,000 x 3 x 25 / 10^12 = 75 Gt C
- 02Released = 75 x 10% = 7.5 Gt C
- 03As CO2 = 7.5 x 3.67 = 27.5 Gt CO2
Questions Fréquentes
What is permafrost?
Permafrost is ground that remains frozen (below 0°C) for at least two consecutive years. It underlies about 25% of the Northern Hemisphere land surface.
Is permafrost thaw a tipping point?
It can be. Once thawing begins, the released carbon causes further warming, which causes more thawing. This positive feedback loop is difficult to reverse.
Does permafrost release methane or CO2?
Both. Aerobic decomposition produces CO2, while anaerobic conditions (like waterlogged soils) produce methane, which has a much higher short-term warming effect.