Climate

Strange, catastrophic landslides are kicking off across the far north

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 30/10/2026, 09:00:23 UTC.

Briefings

Scientists identified two new permafrost detachment slides in Canada's Northwest Territories, moving 30 million cubic yards of earth since the 1995 wildfire. These events, occurring 30-40 years after initial permafrost degradation, represent a dramatic shift in landscape due to climate change. The slides are characterized by frozen soil blocks up to 650 feet long, and researchers warn these features may trigger further collapse and release additional greenhouse gases.

Key points

• Two distinct permafrost detachment slides were identified in the Northwest Territories, moving 30 million cubic yards of earth since the 1995 wildfire.
• The slides are characterized by frozen soil blocks up to 650 feet long, representing a new type of thermokarst not previously observed.

Context

Permafrost zones cover an area two and a half times the size of the continental United States. The disturbance began in 1995 when a wildfire burned off vegetation, removing the thermal shield that kept permafrost cool. This thermal signature eventually reached the base of the permafrost, causing it to degrade from below and collapse catastrophically.

Limitations

The evidence covers only the Northwest Territories in Canada. Researchers explicitly state they do not know how much additional greenhouse gas will be released from these slides, as they have not characterized or classified the new type of permafrost detachment slide.

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