Beavers may worsen the effects of climate change in the arctic

As the climate warms and Canadian beavers move northwards into the arctic, there are concerns that their engineering works may accelerate the thawing of the permafrost. Beaver dams pond back water and slow down the flow, and newly cut beaver channels can allow warmer water to move into the frozen tundra. These impacts of beavers on the effects of global warming have been studied using satellite imagery and aerial photography. More information can be found in an article in The New York Times.

Posted on December 28, 2017 at 11:03 am

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