What's Next For Earth

Permafrost in areas of Siberia is melting rapidly as a result of warming temperatures and causing methane to be released from underground reserves. The released methane gases explode and leave behind gaping sinkholes. In addition to showing dozens of sinkholes, this image reveals numerous oxbows or remnants of rivers meandering across the landscape over time. Russian settlements in the Arctic are classified as at particularly high risk for damages to infrastructure and livelihood from The loss of permafrost requiring significant resiliency planning to maintain strong communities.