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Arctic thaw is turning Alaska's rivers orange, study finds

Original: As the Arctic warms and tundra thaws, minerals long trapped in frozen soil are leaching into rivers, turning them orange

Scientists in northern Alaska report that thawing permafrost is releasing minerals once locked in frozen soil into rivers, turning the water orange and acidic. The study found these 'rusting' waters are more metallic and more acidic than drainage from metal mines, raising concerns about impacts on aquatic ecosystems as the Arctic continues to warm.

Why now: New research shows climate-driven permafrost thaw is degrading Arctic rivers more severely than industrial mining pollution.

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• As the Arctic warms and tundra thaws, minerals long trapped in frozen soil are leaching into rivers, turning them orange and acidic. A study from northern Alaska found “rusting” waters to be more metallic and acidic than drainage from metal mines. Read more on E360 → https://… · gclef@vivaldi.net · 25

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