An orange tributary of the Kugororuk River is pictured in Alaska. Scientists are trying to find out why rivers and streams across Alaska's Arctic are turning a rusty orange color.

Rivers and streams in Alaska are changing color – from a clean, clear blue to a rusty orange – because of the toxic metals released by thawing permafrost, according to a new study.

At least 75 of Alaska's waterways are turning orange in the summer, with some so acidic they're comparable to lemon or orange juice, researchers say.

An orange tributary of Alaska's Kugororuk River Josh Koch, U.S. Geological Survey Some of the water samples had a pH of 2.3, compared to an average pH of 8 for rivers, which means the impacted ...

A new study shows that rusty discoloration in Alaska’s otherwise pristine streams and rivers is likely due to melting permafrost—and that’s a problem for Arctic animals and people.

Experts Reveal Why Alaska’s Rivers Are Turning Bright Orange and It’s More Serious Than ... At least 75 of the Alaskan rivers have transformed into rusty waterways in the Brooks mountain ...

Streams in Alaska are turning orange with iron and sulfuric acid. ... 21 min read. Why Are Alaska’s Rivers Turning Orange? ... it will fall out of the water as “rust” and turn the stream orange.

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 ...

Alaska's rusting waters: Pristine rivers and streams turning orange. ScienceDaily . Retrieved June 2, 2025 from www.sciencedaily.com / releases / 2024 / 05 / 240521204325.htm ...

Alaska's melting permafrost is dumping toxic metals into the state's rivers, turning them bright orange and making the water highly acidic. The contaminated rivers are so vibrant they can be seen ...

Rivers and streams in Alaska are changing color – from a clean, clear blue to a rusty orange – because of the toxic metals released by thawing permafrost, according to a new study.