Permafrost and Climate Change Quiz

What percentage of the Northern Hemisphere is underlain by permafrost?

• 25%

• 20%

• 15%

• 10%

How much more potent is methane compared to CO2 over its first 20 years in the atmosphere?

• 100 times

• 65 times

• 50 times

• 85 times

What is a Thermokarst Lake?

• A lake formed by tectonic shifts

• A lake formed by permafrost thawing

• A lake formed by volcanic activity

• A lake formed by glacial melt

What is the process called when microbes break down organic matter in thawing permafrost?

• Carbon fixation

• Soil respiration

• Photosynthesis

• Nitrogen cycling

What is the expected global warming amplification from permafrost thawing?

• 5%

• 10%

• 15%

• 20%

Where is the Yedoma region primarily located?

• Central America

• Southern Africa

• Eastern Siberia and far east Russia

• Western Europe

What is the main concern with the thawing of Yedoma permafrost?

• It will cause sea levels to rise significantly.

• It will release a large amount of carbon quickly.

• It will lead to widespread flooding.

• It will cause massive earthquakes.

What is the potential increase in atmospheric CO2 from Yedoma permafrost collapse?

• 80 parts per million

• 60 parts per million

• 40 parts per million

• 20 parts per million

What is the term used to describe the self-sustaining thaw of permafrost?

• Thermal runaway

• Compost bomb instability

• Greenhouse effect

• Permafrost feedback loop

What is the safe level of atmospheric CO2 considered to be?

• 400 parts per million

• 350 parts per million

• 300 parts per million

• 450 parts per million