Thawing permafrost accelerates coastal erosion because frozen ground that previously resisted wave action becomes loose soil that is more easily washed away.
November 22, 2025
high
process
Explanation of how permafrost thaw increases susceptibility of coastlines to erosion.
Climate change is associated with more intense storms, shorter periods of ice cover that reduce protection from coastal erosion, and melting permafrost that undermines village infrastructure.
November 07, 2025
high
temporal
Mechanisms by which a warming climate increases vulnerability of Arctic and sub-Arctic coastal communities.
Coastal erosion and thawing permafrost present threats to numerous rural Alaskan communities and often necessitate significant infrastructure updates or, in some cases, community relocation.
October 20, 2025
high
environmental
Summarizes climate-related hazard processes affecting infrastructure and settlement stability in rural Alaska.
Thawing permafrost and associated land subsidence, combined with sea-level rise, increase coastal flooding and erosion risk in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
October 18, 2025
high
temporal
Permafrost degradation lowers ground elevation and weakens coastal margins while rising seas raise baseline water levels, amplifying flood and erosion exposure.
Thawing permafrost increases coastal erosion because thawed, unconsolidated soil is more easily washed away by waves and storm surge.
high
process
Explanation of how permafrost degradation contributes to accelerated coastline loss.