Permafrost disappearing from northern Quebec; moves 130 km in 50 years

[Newsjock]

Source: Nunatsiaq News

KANGIQSUJUAQ — The southernmost permafrost limit has retreated 130 kilometres over the past 50 years ago in Quebec’s James Bay region, say researchers from Laval University.

If that trend continues, permafrost in that region will completely disappear in the near future, said biologist Serge Payette, while the permafrost’s southern limit moves father into Nunavik’s territory.

... Climate change is the most likely explanation for the receding palsas, Payette said, noting the average annual temperature of the northern sites he has studied for over 20 years has increased by 2 degrees Celsius.

“If this trend keeps up, what is left of the palsas in the James Bay bogs will disappear altogether in the near future,” he said, “and it is likely that the permafrost will suffer the same fate.”

Read more: http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/stories/article/89767_permafrost_disappearing_from_northern_quebec/

[aquart]

1. Land speculation already started in that region?

[madrchsod]

2. i guess the planet better start evolving to tolerate more methane....

[DefenseLawyer]

3. Shut up. It snowed in NYC last night. A bunch.

:sarcasm:

[applegrove]

4. The conservatives MP from Quebec, Maxine Bernier just announced

that he doesn't believe in global warming. People say he is trying to set himself up as heir to Stephen Harper's rule if Harper steps down in the future. He's playing to the neocon base of the conservatives. What an asshole.