Researchers from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources have identified a significant time lag between rising air temperatures and permafrost degradation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The study reveals a thermal memory effect, where subsurface warming continues for 8 to 15 years after atmospheric temperature changes occur. This lag complicates predictions for carbon feedback loops, as thawing permafrost releases stored organic carbon that can further accelerate global warming. The findings emphasize that subsurface degradation may persist even if surface warming rates slow down, impacting regional ecosystems and infrastructure safety.
