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Arctic rivers
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- 1Arctic thaw is turning Alaska's rivers orange, study finds●As the Arctic warms and tundra thaws, minerals long trapped in frozen soil are leaching into rivers, turning them orange
Scientists in northern Alaska report that thawing permafrost is releasing minerals once locked in frozen soil into rivers, turning the water orange and acidic. The study found these 'rusting' waters are more metallic and more acidic than drainage from metal mines, raising concerns about impacts on aquatic ecosystems as the Arctic continues to warm.
- 2Alaska's rivers turning bright orange as permafrost thaws▼Alaska's rivers are turning bright orange - and we know why
Rivers across Alaska are turning a striking bright orange, and scientists say they now understand the cause. Thawing permafrost is releasing minerals such as iron into waterways, rusting streams across the state's remote wilderness. The discoloration is raising concern about impacts on fish and ecosystems.
- 3Melting Permafrost Sends Toxic Metals Into Rivers at 70 Times Normal Levels●As Permafrost Melts, Toxic Metals Are Poisoning Rivers With Levels 70 Times Higher Than Normal https://www. sciencealert
New reporting from ScienceAlert says thawing permafrost is releasing toxic metals into rivers, with contamination measured at up to 70 times higher than normal levels. Scientists link the spike to Arctic ground that frozen for millennia now defrosting as the climate warms, releasing naturally stored metals such as iron and other elements into waterways. The findings raise concerns for ecosystems and communities that depend on these rivers, and are drawing attention as another example of climate change feedback effects.