The Startling Phenomenon: Dozens of Rivers in Alaska Turning Yellow
In the vast and rugged expanse of Alaska's pristine wilderness, a troubling transformation is underway. Recent years have witnessed a surreal and alarming sight: dozens of rivers and streams tinted a vivid shade of orange, a spectacle visible even from space. But this striking phenomenon is more than just a curious spectacle—it's a dire indicator of ecological distress, signaling the ominous consequences of climate change. A recent study, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, sheds light on this unsettling occurrence. Researchers, led by Jon O'Donnell, an ecologist with the National Park Service's Arctic Inventory and Monitoring Network, conducted extensive surveys across Alaska's Brooks mountain range. What they discovered was both astonishing and deeply concerning. Hovering above in helicopters, the researchers identified over 75 rivers and streams tainted with a distinct orange hue, stretching across an area comparable to the size o...
