Why does the arctic SOC/SOM* have the potential to exert large positive feedbacks on the global climate system? The Positive Feedback Effects of the Arctic Soil Carbon and Soil Organic Matter on the Global Climate System

The Positive Feedback Effects of the Arctic Soil Carbon and Soil Organic Matter on the Global Climate System

The Arctic Soil Carbon (SOC) and Soil Organic Matter (SOM) have the potential to exert large positive feedbacks on the global climate system. As the Arctic’s permafrost is thawing, due to rising temperatures, this is causing the SOC and SOM to be released into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) (Zimov, 2018). These greenhouse gases are then contributing to a further increase in temperatures leading to a positive feedback loop. According to research by Natali et al. (2015), this “Arctic amplification” is causing the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane, which are then causing further warming of the planet, resulting in a positive feedback loop. The impact of this positive feedback loop is being felt worldwide. As the Arctic warms, permafrost thawing is releasing large amounts of carbon and methane that are then being transported to other regions of the world and causing further warming (Natali et al., 2015). This Arctic amplification is leading to further Arctic warming and the potential for more carbon and methane to be released, creating a… Cont…