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Changing Rivers in Alaska
Context
Rivers and streams in Alaska are undergoing a noticeable change in color, shifting from a clear blue to a rusty orange hue. This transformation has occurred over the past five to 10 years, raising concerns about the health of these water bodies.
Causes of Discoloration:
- Thawing permafrost is releasing toxic metals such as iron, zinc, copper, nickel, and lead into the waterways.
- These metals, harmful to river and stream ecosystems, were previously locked away underground for thousands of years.
- Impact of Thawing Permafrost:
- Arctic soils, including permafrost, naturally contain organic carbon, nutrients, and metals like mercury.
- As permafrost melts due to rising temperatures, these minerals and metals are exposed and leach into nearby water sources.
- Climate Change Factor: The Arctic is warming at a rate four times faster than the global average, exacerbating permafrost thawing and its associated impacts on water quality.
- Similar Case in Colorado: Colorado's Rocky Mountains are also experiencing a similar phenomenon, attributed to a warming climate and other environmental factors.
Fact Box: Alaska’s river systems
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