Yukon’s rusty rivers linked to permafrost thaw
Researchers in central Yukon have discovered rivers turning orange due to rust, a phenomenon linked to permafrost thaw. The study indicates that the loss of permafrost is causing toxic minerals to leach into streams, resulting in significant changes to water quality. This has implications for local ecosystems and communities that rely on these water sources.
- ▪Rivers in central Yukon are turning orange due to rust caused by permafrost thaw.
- ▪The loss of permafrost is leading to the leaching of toxic minerals into streams.
- ▪Changes in water quality have been observed within two to three years, exceeding initial expectations.
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Open this photo in gallery:Professor Matt Lindsay samples metal precipitates below acidic seepages that discolour stream water in central Yukon, Canada.Elliott Skierszkan/SuppliedShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountIn days gone by, fortune seekers were lured to central Yukon by stories of rivers that ran with gold.Now researchers exploring the same region have come across a new and different phenomenon: rivers that run brilliant orange with rust.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Globe and Mail.
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