Rusting Rivers: Assessing the Causes and Consequences in Alaska and Across the Arctic
O'Donnell JA, Carey MP, Koch JC, Baughman C, Hill K, Evinger T, Pruitt A, Thompson C, Graham E, Poulin BA. 2025. Rusting Rivers: Assessing the Causes and Consequences in Alaska and Across the Arctic. NOAA technical report OAR ARC; 25-14 (Arctic Report Card). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA Arctic Report Card 2025. https://doi.org/10.25923/f3tr-5759
In Arctic Alaska, surface waters have changed from clear to orange in over 200 watersheds, with most changes occurring within the past decade. Evidence suggests this "rusting" is an emerging issue due to iron release from thawing permafrost soils. Rusting rivers have degraded water quality and habitat, with increased acidity and toxic trace metal concentrations contributing to a loss of aquatic biodiversity in headwater streams. Ongoing research aims to understand the causes and consequences of rusting rivers, particularly regarding impacts to drinking water supplies for rural communities and subsistence fisheries.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- O'Donnell, Jonathan; Carey, Michael; Koch, Joshua; Baughman, Carson; Hill, Kenneth; Evinger, Taylor; Pruitt, Abagael; Thompson, Claire; Graham, Emily; Poulin, Brett
- Date of Issue
- 2025-12
- Publisher
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- DOI
- 10.25923/f3tr-5759