Climate Connections A once-sparkling Alaskan river has turned a sickly orange color
Jan 1, 2026
A once-clear Alaskan river has transformed into a sickly orange due to melting permafrost. This alarming change releases toxic metals into the water, posing a serious threat to local fish and other aquatic life. Scientists have detected dangerously high metal concentrations, raising concerns about the health of aquatic ecosystems. The podcast delves into the implications of these environmental shifts, emphasizing the urgent need to address climate change.
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Salmon River's Once-Sparkling Turned Orange
- Alaska's Salmon River, once known for clean sparkling water, has recently turned a sickly orange color.
- Scientists link this visible change directly to climate-driven permafrost thaw nearby.
Permafrost Thaw Drives Toxic Chemistry
- Melting permafrost lets water and oxygen mix with sulfide minerals to form sulfuric acid in soils.
- That acid dissolves rocks and releases metals like aluminum, cadmium, and iron into rivers.
Metals Make Rivers Toxic And Cloudy
- Released metals contaminate rivers, making water cloudy, discolored, and toxic to aquatic life.
- Aluminum and iron can clog fish gills while cadmium disrupts calcium, harming fish health.