Researchers from the National Park Service and the U.S. Geological Survey have documented the problem at 75 locations in Alaska’s Brooks Range. These “rusty rivers” can even be seen from space.
Guilty? Permafrost is thawing. When permafrost melts due to climate change, it opens the air and water to minerals that were previously locked away. This causes a chemical reaction that causes acidic runoff containing metals such as iron to turn rivers orange. An acidic environment further reduces the quality of water by dissolving metals such as iron, zinc and copper.
The consequences of these “rusty rivers” are disastrous. Acidic water harms fish populations and disrupts spawning grounds. Populations that depend on these rivers for drinking water may eventually require purification systems.
The research team, now in the second year of a three-year study, is trying to understand the full scope of the problem. Their aim is to predict future impact areas and assess impacts on wildlife and humans.
Source: Ferra
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