Permafrost is frozen soil or rock that has been frozen for at least 2 years in a row. Permafrost degradation refers to thawing permafrost, which is frozen soil that is thawing or getting warmer. With the temperature increasing, the amount and depth of permafrost can decline. Certain areas of permafrost contain more ice than others. When the ice in the soil (for example, ice wedges) melts, the soil becomes wet and may slump down. Frozen soil is hard – when it thaws it turns soft. Infrastructure in Nunavut relies on the permafrost for stability. When the permafrost degrades, the load-bearing capacity of the permafrost decreases and the soil can become unstable (buckling, sinking, etc.) and cause damage to houses, roads, airports and other facilities.