The "Xing'an-Baikal" permafrost is distributed in the middle and high latitudes of Eurasia, exhibiting characteristics observed in both high-altitude and high-latitude permafrost. It's also highly sensitive to climate and environmental changes. 

A research team led by Prof. WU Qingbai from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources of the Chinese Academy of Sciences analyzed the features of the "Xing'an-Baikal" permafrost, discussed the reciprocal feedback among permafrost, climate, and environmental elements, and evaluated permafrost degradation and their consequences.

The results indicatedthat permafrost degradation has both adverse and beneficial environmental impacts, with the potential for mutual transformation between these effects.

By integrating the latest literature, researchers elaborated on the characteristics of the "Xing'an-Baikal" permafrost, including its distribution, taliks, ground ice, active layer thickness, ground temperature, permafrost thickness, and both zonality and non-zonality patterns.

This study revealed that permafrost degradation significantly drives environmental changes in cold regions. It releases stored water, contributes to the water-carbon cycle, and replenishes runoff. On the other hand, it increases flood risk in cold regions and ultimately leads to a decrease in water resources, shrinkage of lakes, and an increase in carbon emissions within a specific catchment area.

The growth and succession of vegetation in cold regions are also closely tied to changes in permafrost, according to the research. Permafrost degradation influences the expansion of the forest line and the greening of the area. However, vegetation mortality can occur when permafrost thawing water fails to drain promptly or due to landslides and subsidence.

Besides, during permafrost degradation, engineering diseases caused by thaw settlement significantly impact the operational status and service time of projects in cold regions.

The study was published in Earth-Science Reviews.