Analyze which statement best captures how thawing permafrost changes Earth’s physical geography.

Question

Responses

Thawing permafrost leads to the creation of lakes and swamps where there were none.
Thawing permafrost leads to the creation of lakes and swamps where there were none. - no response given

Thawing permafrost is leading to an increase in mammal populations.
Thawing permafrost is leading to an increase in mammal populations. - no response given

Thawing permafrost leads to fewer beaver ponds.
Thawing permafrost leads to fewer beaver ponds. - no response given

Thawing permafrost leads to grasses and lichens pushing out shrub species.

Answer 1

The statement that best captures how thawing permafrost changes Earth’s physical geography is:

Thawing permafrost leads to the creation of lakes and swamps where there were none.

This statement highlights a significant physical change in the landscape resulting from the thawing of permafrost. As permafrost melts, it alters the hydrology of the affected areas, often resulting in the formation of new bodies of water such as lakes and swamps due to the destabilization of the ground and changes in drainage patterns. This transformation can have widespread ecological impacts, influencing local ecosystems, flora, and fauna.

The other options relate more to biological changes or species dynamics rather than direct changes in physical geography. While they are important considerations in the broader context of how ecosystems respond to climate change, the creation of new water bodies is a direct impact of thawing permafrost on physical geography itself.