A new synthesis published in Nature suggests that thawing Arctic permafrost will release greenhouse gases gradually, rather than in a sudden "bomb". The gradual rate of these natural emissions may give society more time to adapt to their effects, but they remain a challenge for climate mitigation.
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Jul 30, 2013Physical Climate
The United States will be a much hotter place, precipitation patterns will shift, and climate extremes will increase by the end of the 21st century, according to reports released in January 2013 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in support of the National Climate Assessment (NCA).
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Jun 1, 2012Physical Climate
The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of Barrow, Alaska, reached 400 parts per million (ppm) this spring, according to NOAA measurements, the first time a monthly average measurement for the greenhouse gas attained the 400 ppm mark in a remote location.
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May 2, 2012Ecosystems & Biodiversity
Data collected from long distance swims by polar bears suggest that they do not stop to rest during their journey.
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Mar 27, 2012Carbon Cycle
A new study by USGS scientists and university researchers reveals that a substantial amount of organic carbon on Alaskan glaciers comes from atmospheric deposition of fossil fuel emissions.
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Feb 3, 2012Observations
Last week, the Interior Department's US Geological Survey (USGS) released details about a landmark airborne survey of permafrost in the Yukon Flats of Alaska that yielded some of the most detailed, data-rich maps of permafrost ever generated.
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Sep 23, 2010Adaptation
On September 23, 2010, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the locations selected for the Department of the Interior's Southeast and Northwest regional Climate Science Centers (CSC) and the finalization of a cooperative agreement for the Alaska Climate Science Center, which opened on Sept. 1 in Anchorage.