The thawing area began forming after the fuel storage was put operational
MOSCOW, December 10. /TASS/. Scientists found a spot of thawing permafrost under the power plant in Norilsk, where fuel spilled in May, Director of the Melnikov Permafrost Institute (the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences) Mikhail Zheleznyak said during a presentation of the Great Norilsk Expedition’s results on Thursday.
“During the survey, we received proofs of a deep thawing area or of a complete absence of perennially frozen soils near tank number 5,” he said. “Besides, the experts have identified changes in the soil’s physical characteristics and their lower stability.”