Believe it or not, some fires are able to smolder for months underneath snow, even when their flames have been extinguished above ground.

Researchers and forest rangers have been aware of the existence of these zombie fires in the Arctic Circle for many years now. But a study published in Nature magazine on May 19th revealed the full extent of the issue. It turns out the threat they pose to boreal forests and the climate as a whole is greater than we previously knew.

How can a fire resist cold and ice? Is global warming making it worse? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here :

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

In partnership with upday UK.

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