Graphic showing the seasonal cycle of stability and change.

Graphic showing the seasonal cycle of stability and change. From November to May fill snow cover and sea ice all the way out to the North Pole cover the ocean and coast. From May to July, sea ice moves away from the coast and permafrost is exposed to the sea. Sloughing and thawing of permafrost begins, From July to August, no ice remains. Waves and thawing create a notch in the bluffs, and permafrost slumping begins. From August to October, increased storm activity leads to further notching. Increased slumping and bluff retreat occur.