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A team of researchers have quantified how rapidly ancient permafrost decomposes upon thawing and how much carbon dioxide is produced in the process. If the permafrost is thawed by changing climate conditions, wildfire, or other disturbances, this massive carbon reservoir could decompose and be emitted as the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane, or be carried as dissolved organic carbon to streams and rivers. [Source: U.S. Geological Survey]
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