NASA-led team maps Arctic near-freezing soil phase with AI

NASA-led researchers reported the first detailed maps of Arctic zero-curtain conditions using GeoCryoAI, which combines satellite observations and model outputs with field measurements dating to 1891. The study found that spring thaw generally produces longer near-freezing periods than autumn freeze-up, and that wetter regions have longer periods. Such conditions keep soil microbes active longer, releasing carbon dioxide and methane. The team designed the framework to work with U.S.-India NISAR mission data and to improve forecasts of greenhouse-gas emissions.