Oil drilling in Alaska's wilderness threatens one of the most fragile and prestine ecosystems in the world, the tundra. The permafrost in the most severely threatened area of the tundra. The permafrost is permanently frozen ground which is the basis for all artic life, which allows animals to travel quickly and efficiently. The permafrost is also a surface for the mosses and grasses to grow, providing the base of the artic food web. The buildings and vehicles used to construct the facilites used in the extraction of the oil put forth a tremendous amount of heat, damaging the permafrost. What Happens when the Permafrost Thaws? The permafrost is extremely fragile due to it being completely frozen and can be easily destroyed by heat. Once the permafrost is thawed it is destroyed for decades. The permafrost turns to mud which affects many of the herding animals that live in the tundra. Once the permafrost turns to mud, the mosses and grasses die, killing the food source for many of the animals, including the caribou and the musk oxen.

Back to Home Page

How is the Land Affected?

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws