Disappearing lakes, old photos and AI are helping scientists map Arctic permafrost thaw in near-real time

Thermokarst ponds, or trough ponds, typically form when the ice in permafrost melts. They can also drain quickly. Anna Liljedahl Florida gets a lot of attention for its sinkholes, especially when they swallow cars and entire houses. But its sinkhole risk has nothing on Alaska’s. Much of Alaska’s soil is permafrost – ground that remains below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) for at least two consecutive years. It is often rich with ice, but when that ice melts, the ground can…