Three studies provide insights into the microbial lineages involved in carbon processing in thawing permafrost, the role of viruses in soil carbon cycling, and the pattern, extent and scientific implications of sampling bias in environmental field research across the Arctic.

Soil viruses are highly abundant and have important roles in the regulation of host dynamics and soil ecology. Climate change is resulting in unprecedented changes to soil ecosystems and the life forms that reside there, including viruses. In this Review, we explore our current understanding of soil viral diversity and ecology, and we discuss how climate change (such as extended and extreme drought events or more flooding and altered precipitation patterns) is influencing soil viruses. Finally, we provide our perspective on future research needs to better understand how climate change will impact soil viral ecology.