ABSTRACT
To determine the trends in permafrost dynamics, the two most direct indicators of change are monitored, namely the thickness of the active layer and ground temperatures. Permafrost dynamics in both Polar Regions are affected by the ongoing climate change. Assessing the response of permafrost to climate warming is difficult as there are many different factors in addition to climate that affect permafrost dynamics. Movement of permafrost boundaries has been detected in the northern Polar Region. The impacts of changing permafrost dynamics on infrastructures are a much bigger concern in the northern Polar Region compared to the southern Polar Region. Continuous monitoring of permafrost dynamics is required in both Polar Regions to provide information needed for adaptation to changes in permafrost dynamics. The distribution of permafrost is usually defined in four zones based on the percentage of land surface that is underlain by permafrost: continuous permafrost, discontinuous permafrost, sporadic permafrost and isolated patches of permafrost.
