Why Alaska Rivers Are Turning an Eerie Orange
Dozens of rivers in Alaska's Brooks Range turn orange due to Acid Rock Drainage from melting permafrost. This threatens wildlife, fish, and local communities, with cleanup deemed unfeasible. Researchers monitor global impact.
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Dozens of rivers in Alaska's Brooks Range have turned an eerie orange color due to the release of long-stored acids and metals like iron as permafrost melts. This phenomenon, known as Acid Rock Drainage (ARD), is a consequence of climate change accelerating permafrost thaw. The orange rivers, visible from space, pose a threat to both human health and aquatic ecosystems. The contaminated waters can be toxic to wildlife and fish, impacting local communities that rely on fisheries. While some rivers have self-regulated to revert to their natural state, the overall cleanup of all affected rivers is deemed unfeasible. Researchers are monitoring the situation to understand the trajectory of this environmental issue, which has been observed globally and is exacerbated by climate change. The consequences of ARD are far-reaching, affecting not only the visual appearance of the rivers but also the health of ecosystems and communities that depend on them.
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12 comments The reason for the change in color was as alarming as its hue: The waters are rusting. As permafrost melts, long-stored acids and metals—including iron—are released into rivers, where they interact with oxygen, turning the water from clear blue to a milky orange, according to new research in the journal Communications: Earth and Environment.
That cost goes deeper than the rivers’ orange, turbid surface. The contaminated waters aren’t healthy for fish and the aquatic insects they eat, which threatens fisheries that local communities and wildlife rely on.
Video of Beau Miles trying to raft down the river: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFFSFxjg-TY
I assumed it was iron run off, this happens in Maine too, lots of iron in both places.
Why Are Alaska's Rivers Turning Orange? https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38757610
Alaska’s Arctic Waterways Are Turning a Foreboding Orange https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34209889
Alaska's rusting waters: Pristine rivers and streams turning orange https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40432495
Alaska’s Arctic Waterways Are Turning a Foreboding Orange https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34268143
Why are Alaska's rivers turning orange? https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39123276 (5 months ago)
Alaska's Pristine Waterways Are Turning Orange https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40488187 (37 days ago)
Alaska Rivers Are Turning an Eerie Orange https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40829465 (4 days ago)
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