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TREC Virtual Base Camp _ Ask the Teacher (Charla) or the Scientists (Laura or John) _ Soil and permafrost

Posted by: Papee Jul 28 2006, 09:49 PM

Just wanted to know how long it takes for decomposition of material to make new soil given the permafrost.
Are we talking decades or what? See you on the 4th.

Posted by: Charla_Jordan Jul 29 2006, 06:16 AM

Hi Papee,

That is an excellent question that scientist have been trying to answer for years. There are research plot here at Toolik that had the soil remove 10-15 years ago that still look the same today. It definitely takes several decades for decomposition to take place. That is way it is so important to protect the tundra because the damage done today will take years to heal.

Thanks for the great question, please keep reading my journal

Charla