Permafrost ground ice modulating soil carbon emissions

<p>Permafrost ground ice, encompassing all ice forms within permafrost, serves as a crucial solid water reservoir in cryospheric regions. Its rapid melting is intensifying with profound consequences for the carbon cycling. Thawing of permafrost ground ice triggers substantial geomorphic shifts, stimulate the growth and metabolism of microbes, and accelerate carbon cycling—processes that will shape carbon dynamics in the coming decades. Herein, we emphasise the urgency of studying permafrost ground ice to understand the mechanisms of carbon storage and release. Our findings aim to clarify the balance between carbon sources and sinks in permafrost regions, offering critical insights for predicting climate feedbacks during ongoing and future climate warming.</p>