Changing Planet: Thawing Permafrost and Methane

This video examines the thawing of permafrost due to changes in climate and shows examples of the impacts that warming temperatures have on permafrost in the Arctic, including the release of the greenhouse gas methane. Dramatic results are shown, including sink holes forming on the landscape and beneath buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, causing some communities to relocate.

Go To:

https://www.youtube.com/watch

NBC Learn

UCAR

Notes From Our Reviewers

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Teaching Tips

Use in a carbon cycle or climate change science unit.

Great for a middle school geography unit.

A related lesson plan is available: http://www.windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/permafrost_gas_leak.html

About the Science

The video reviews the impacts of warming temperatures on the thawing of permafrost in the Arctic with potential release of the greenhouse gas methane. In addition, thawing permafrost damages the infrastructure of communities and facilities at high latitudes.

Comments from expert scientist: A straightforward video that outlines main concepts and impacts on the Arctic. Lacks references.

About the Pedagogy

There is a lesson for grades 5-9 that accompanies the video.

This video is content-rich with excellent visuals.

Engaging video - things explode

Technical Details

Quality of video itself is good. There is slight graininess when viewed at full-screen.

The video can be embedded.

Ads are very distracting on edges of page - may want to consider this when displaying it to the class.