Alaska’s Arctic rivers turn rusty orange as permafrost thaws

By Liz Kimbrough Dozens of once-pristine rivers and streams in Alaska’s Brooks Range are turning an alarming shade of orange. The discoloration, according to a new study published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment, is likely caused by the thawing of permafrost, which is exposing previously frozen minerals that are now leaching into the waterways. The research team, led by ecologist Jon O’Donnell from the U.S. National Park … Continue reading Alaska’s Arctic rivers turn rusty orange as permafrost thaws