As global temperatures increase due to anthropogenic climate change, a myriad of impacts result for people and the planet. In this podcast, we share the ramifications of cryosphere change (melting/thawing water from solid ice) as the planet warms.

In the first episode of season two, we introduce the topic of permafrost thaw, which will be explored throughout this season. In northern latitudes and at colder reaches of Earth, deep soil layers historically remained frozen year-round. Now warmer temperatures are causing this soil to thaw, and the repercussions are significant on local and global levels.

Permafrost Pathways helps us dig into the topic and science of permafrost. Artist Nikki Lindt introduces us to her work which captures sounds of thawing.

topics and purpose: an introduction to permafrost, which is actively thawing in northern latitudes – Nikki Lindt shares her related audio recordings and experiences; local and global impacts of permafrost thaw

terms defined: cryosphere, permafrost; continuous and discontinuous permafrost, thermokarst slump, positive feedback loop

notes: We recommend using over-the-ear headphones or speakers when listening to this episode due to some subtle, low frequency field audio shared. More of Nikki Lindt’s work with the Underground Sound Project can be found here. Learn more about the Permafrost Pathways Program, part of the Woodwell Climate Research Center, here.

In the last episode of the season, we dissect Robert Frost's 1920 poem, Fire and Ice, over a tent poetry session. This involves grappling with climate anxiety, and recognizing the role of personal behaviors in perpetuating the climate crisis.

Please fill out our survey to share your thoughts or ideas for next season.

In the last full episode of the season, we travel to the Greenland ice sheet and hear from a researcher who collects data at the face of tidewater glaciers, studying the turbulent zone where freshwater meets and mixes with seawater. This episode emphasizes the transition of solid ice into liquid freshwater, occurring globally, due to increasing temps, and shares why loss of the frozen reservoir matters.

topics and purpose: scene-setting in Greenland, transition and movement of water molecules globally as part of the interconnected hydrological cycle, increasing temperatures and glacier melt events due to anthropogenic climate change, research methods on ice and at the glacier-ocean interface, the global significance and utility of glaciers, balance, wrapping up the season

terms defined: freshwater reservoir, seismology, sonification, geophones, icequakes

notes: Learn more about the Glacioburst/sonification project by Mertl Research