page_title: Permafrost
hierarchical_section_title: Permafrost
caption_attribution_description: English: Digging in permafrost.
context_page_description: In geology, permafrost is soil that stays at or below 0 °C for two or more years. It is also called cryotic soil. Most permafrost is on land close to the North and South poles. Other permafrost is found in high mountain areas. When permafrost melts, carbon dioxide is released which can be bad for the environment.
context_section_description: In geology, permafrost is soil that stays at or below 0 °C (32 °F) for two or more years. It is also called cryotic soil.  Most permafrost is on land close to the North and South poles.  Other permafrost is found in high mountain areas.  When permafrost melts, carbon dioxide is released which can be bad for the environment.
caption: Two men dig in Alaska to study soil. A jackhammer is used to break the hard permafrost
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