Calgary scientists have uncovered some of the most acidic natural water in the world in the Northwest Territories. The thawing of permafrost and land erosion from the Smoking Hills Formation, driven by climate change, is causing toxic metals and highly acidic solutions to seep into rivers, bays, and potentially the Arctic Ocean.
During visits to the site in 2017 and 2023, Geological Survey of Canada researcher Stephen Grasby was struck by the scale of toxicity and acidity in the ponds surrounding the Smoking Hills. The toxic metals responsible for this phenomenon were locked in iron sulfide minerals called pyrite, or “fool’s gold,” 85 million years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity in Arctic Canada. The exposure of pyrite to oxygen due to slumping has led to the release of extreme heat and large quantities of metals into the water bodies.
Grasby noted a significant transformation in the landscape between his visits, with the ponds turning black and resembling oil rather than water. The extreme acidity made it challenging for the team’s equipment to measure the pH accurately. Additionally, evidence suggested that temperatures exceeding 1,200 degrees Celsius were present just below the surface layer, resembling lava formations.
The ongoing thawing of permafrost due to climate change is exacerbating the situation. Carleton University’s Elliott Skierszkan emphasized the emerging issue of permafrost thaw impacting water quality and the need for further research to understand and manage the effects on water and aquatic ecosystems in the North.
Concerns exist about the potential environmental impacts as metals leak into other water bodies, with reports of rivers turning orange in Alaska and northern Canada. The elevated pH levels downstream can harm river ecosystems, affecting aquatic life and habitats. While some metals like iron can be beneficial in moderate quantities, others, such as cadmium, were found at levels significantly exceeding safe guidelines.
Grasby and Skierszkan advocate for more research to comprehend the complexities of the Smoking Hills and the repercussions of climate change on this unique environment. Understanding these processes is crucial for safeguarding the pristine Arctic surroundings.