Remote Alaska village slowly sinks as frozen ground thaws, releasing ancient carbon

A remote village on Alaska’s North Slope is facing a growing threat from beneath its feet. In Point Lay, also known as Kali, thawing ice-rich ground is causing the land to sink unevenly, damaging buildings and essential infrastructure. Researchers studying the community have documented widespread ground subsidence and found that large quantities of ice are frozen within the soil beneath the village. As that ice melts, the ground can lose volume and stability, leaving foundations and utility systems vulnerable. But the problem extends far beyond the village itself. The frozen soil also contains ancient organic material that has remained trapped for thousands of years. As the ground thaws, microbes can break down that material and release carbon dioxide and methane, adding to concerns about climate change.Why this remote Alaska village is slowly sinkingPoint Lay is a small Iñupiat community on Alaska’s North Slope, where much of the ground remains frozen for most or all of the year. The frozen soil contains large amounts of ground ice, including ice wedges that formed over long periods. As temperatures rise, that ice can melt and leave empty spaces underground. The surrounding soil t...