Why is a river in a remote part of Alaska turning orange? 🤔

Thawing permafrost appears to be the culprit, and scientists are working to pinpoint the exact causes.

Thawing permafrost may be exposing sulfide-rich minerals, which can release sulfuric acid into the water. Another factor may be iron released by bacteria that are digesting plant and animal matter in thawing permafrost soils. As that iron reaches flowing streams, it can become oxygenated, or “rust,” and turn the water orange.

As permafrost—the year-round frozen ground prevalent across the Arctic—thaws, it releases the potent greenhouse gas methane, thereby feeding more warming and thawing, while also destabilizing the ground and potentially letting loose dormant pathogens.

#Alaska #Permafrost #EarthFromSpace #NASA

Image Description:
1: A satellite image showing green mountains and tan valleys, with no visible human presence: no roads, no settlements. A small river near the center of the image is a bright orange color
2: Image of the same area as the first image. The area is labeled Kobuk Valley National Park. A small river near the center of the image is a bright orange color. There is a white box around the river, and an enlarged view of it at the lower right corner of the image. The orange river is labeled Tukpahlearik Creek, and in the enlarged view the creek is seen as several small channels, like a braided stream.