Prepare for permafrost degradation

Permafrost is frozen ground that stays frozen (below 0°C) for two or more years. The amount of ice within the frozen ground is an important property of permafrost. In some areas, permafrost can contain a lot of ice. Permafrost can be found in the Earth’s northern regions such as the Canadian Arctic, and at high elevations in mountains. Permafrost exists beneath about a quarter of the land area in the Northern Hemisphere and almost half of Canada’s land surface.

Permafrost thaw or degradation is a decrease in the thickness and/or the land area covered by permafrost. Warming and thawing of permafrost has been reported in northern Canada in the past decades. As permafrost thaws, any ice within it melts and this leads to loss of ground strength creating unstable terrain.

Why prepare for permafrost degradation

Much of Northern Canada’s infrastructure is built on and supported by permafrost. Degradation of permafrost, especially if it contains a lot of ice, can lead to ground shifting that can result in damage to existing structures including roads and buildings. Slopes can also become unstable as permafrost thaws, which can lead to landslides.

How to prepare for permafrost degradation

Learn what steps you can take to protect your home if it is built on permafrost.

Canada’s Changing Climate Report

Learn about changes in snow, ice, and permafrost in Canada.

Landslides – Get Prepared

Thawing permafrost may increase landslide risk.

Impact of Permafrost Thaw in Northern Indigenous Communities

Learn about how people from communities across the North describe the impacts of climate change.