Thawing permafrost is turning Arctic rivers orange, with researchers finding waters more acidic and metallic than mine drainage
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/california-researchers-orange-rivers-22449221.php
Thawing permafrost is turning Arctic rivers orange, with researchers finding waters more acidic and metallic than mine drainage
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/california-researchers-orange-rivers-22449221.php
6 Comments
Not what I would’ve expected. Worked a lot with acid mine drainage and remediation for it. Easily some of the nastiest contamination byproduct out there that will destroy waterways and ecosystems. This being more acidic and more metallic is extremely worrisome
What is the acidification process in permafrost? Could it have been anticipated? Does it vary by rock or soil type?
Thawing permafrost is one of the irreversible tipping points, because huge amounts of carbon will be released.
I fear this could poison critical water – rivers, found water – not to speak of sensitive plants and wildlife. Particularly among aboriginal groups.
The clathrate gun is going off
I imagine in places like Alaska those waterways are part of salmon runs. That’s extremely unfortunate