Rivers in Alaska are turning orange. The reason surprised even scientists

Rivers and streams in Alaska are changing colour – from a clean, clear blue to a rusty orange – because of the toxic metals released by thawing permafrost, according to a new study.

The discolouration and cloudiness are being caused by metals such as iron, zinc, copper, nickel and lead, the researchers found – some of which are toxic to the river and stream ecosystems – as permafrost thaws and exposes the waterways to minerals locked away underground for thousands of years. “But it’s very startling to see it when you’re on some of the most remote wilderness and you’re far from a mine source.”

“At several of the locations it happened, the most drastic increases were between 2017 and 2018 and they coincided with the warmest years on record at that point,” said Prof Poulin. An aerial view of the Kutuk River in Alaska's Gates of the Arctic National Park that looks like orange paint spilling into the clear blue water. PHOTO: KEN HILL/NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Researchers found a reduced streamflow accounted for half of the increase, while the other half, they say, is from the thawing of frozen ground that allows for minerals to leach out of the bedrock.

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