News in Brief Climate

Wetter permafrost clings to carbon better

In 12-year lab study, moist soil samples released less greenhouse gas as they warmed

CARBON ON ICE  In a 12-year lab study, thawing permafrost saturated with water lost less  carbon than dry permafrost did (soil sample from Greenland shown).

B. Elberling

By Erin Wayman

- More than 2 years ago

Frozen soil saturated with water hung on to more carbon while thawing than drier permafrost did in a long-term lab study.