Hi, Jean Thie and others,
Am I right to assume that there is no way to prove permafrost melting occurs other than bij comparisson to earlier aerial photgraphs?

I am not a scientist, rather an artist who wants to convey the feeling of urgency of global warming issues using Google Earth as a source of inspiration (check my weblog http://googleearthart.blogspot.com )
The first painting I made in this Google Earth series was of a part of the Russian Tundra. I found a strong image I could use as inspiration, but I have no idea if there is any evidence of permafrost melting on that location. Are there maybe teltale signs (like a large number of small lakes which could all go anaerobic)? If I'm to make a statement of some sorts with my paintings, I would should at least know a little bit of what I'm talking about.....

I've included the KMZ file of the location. The painting is on my weblog.

I'd be gratefull for any wise words on the issue.
Keep up the good work!

Evert Schut