E

Permafrost, a cornerstone of the cryosphere, is undergoing rapid and unprecedented changes, which poses great challenges on regional water supply, ecosystem health and infrastructure stability. This session delves into the multifaceted dynamics of this transition, exploring the interconnected processes that drive such changes, consequences, and critical feedbacks to climate system and our society. We invite contributions that investigate the causes of permafrost degradation, from atmospheric warming, changing snow cover to extreme events including wildfire and extreme rainfall events, and their impacts on ground thermal regime. We also seek studies on the diverse impacts of permafrost thaw, including geomorphic and hydrological changes, infrastructure damage, and transformations in Arctic and Alpine ecosystems. Interdisciplinary studies that integrate in-situ monitoring, modeling and remote sensing to advance our ability of characterizing above processes across spatial and temporal scales and feedbacks are particularly encouraged. The ultimate goal is to form a holistic view of the future fate of permafrost and its role in a warming world.