permafrost
Meaning: Ground that remains frozen for two or more consecutive years, typically found in polar and high-altitude regions.
Permafrost underlies approximately a quarter of the Northern Hemisphere's land surface, including vast areas of Siberia, Canada, and Alaska. It is a major concern in climate science because thawing permafrost releases stored methane and carbon dioxide, potentially accelerating global warming. Thawing permafrost also destabilises buildings, roads, and pipelines built on frozen ground. The term combines 'permanent' and 'frost'.
Examples
- Scientists warn that thawing permafrost in the Arctic could release billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. 科学家警告说,北极永久冻土的融化可能向大气中释放数十亿吨温室气体。Los científicos advierten de que la descongelación del permafrost en el Ártico podría liberar miles de millones de toneladas de gases de efecto invernadero a la atmósfera.科学者たちは、北極の永久凍土の融解が数十億トンの温室効果ガスを大気中に放出する可能性があると警告しています。과학자들은 북극 영구동토층의 해빙이 수십억 톤의 온실가스를 대기 중에 방출할 수 있다고 경고하고 있습니다.
- Buildings in permafrost regions must be constructed on stilts to prevent their heat from melting the frozen ground beneath. 永久冻土地区的建筑物必须建在支柱上,以防止其热量融化下方的冻土。Los edificios en regiones de permafrost deben construirse sobre pilotes para evitar que su calor derrita el suelo congelado subyacente.永久凍土地域の建物は、その熱が下の凍土を融かさないよう、杭の上に建設されなければなりません。영구동토층 지역의 건물은 건물의 열이 아래의 동토를 녹이는 것을 방지하기 위해 기둥 위에 건설해야 합니다.
- The discovery of well-preserved mammoth remains in Siberian permafrost provided valuable DNA evidence for researchers. 在西伯利亚永久冻土中发现的保存完好的猛犸象遗骸为研究人员提供了宝贵的DNA证据。El hallazgo de restos de mamut bien conservados en el permafrost siberiano proporcionó valiosas pruebas de ADN a los investigadores.シベリアの永久凍土から発見された保存状態の良いマンモスの遺骸は、研究者に貴重なDNA証拠を提供しました。시베리아 영구동토층에서 발견된 보존 상태가 양호한 매머드 유해는 연구자들에게 귀중한 DNA 증거를 제공했습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
A compound of permanent and frost, coined in 1943 by the American geologist Siemon W. Muller. The concept was well understood before the term was introduced, with earlier descriptions referring to 'permanently frozen ground'.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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