'Unusual' Greenland wildfires linked to peat
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-40877099
Source: By Matt McGrath, BBC News Environment correspondent
For Investigation: 10.3
Excerpt: Fires are rare on an island where 80% of the land is covered by ice up to 3km thick in places. However, satellites have observed smoke and flames north-east of a town called Sisimiut since 31 July. Experts believe at least two fires are burning in peat that may have dried out as temperatures have risen. ...Prof McCarthy believes that melting permafrost is likely to have contributed to this outbreak. She referred to studies carried out in the region that showed degraded permafrost around the town of Sisimiut. Locals say that what they call "soil fires" have happened before, especially in the last 20-30 years.... See also Southern Greenland Wildfire Extinguished
Source: By Matt McGrath, BBC News Environment correspondent
For Investigation: 10.3
Excerpt: Fires are rare on an island where 80% of the land is covered by ice up to 3km thick in places. However, satellites have observed smoke and flames north-east of a town called Sisimiut since 31 July. Experts believe at least two fires are burning in peat that may have dried out as temperatures have risen. ...Prof McCarthy believes that melting permafrost is likely to have contributed to this outbreak. She referred to studies carried out in the region that showed degraded permafrost around the town of Sisimiut. Locals say that what they call "soil fires" have happened before, especially in the last 20-30 years.... See also Southern Greenland Wildfire Extinguished