Why the Arctic’s rivers are rusting

Why the Arctic’s rivers are rusting

  New study explains what’s behind the toxic shift Scientists have identified the two biggest reasons that once-pristine rivers across the Arctic are growing cloudy with toxic orange iron particles that smother insects and suffocate fish.  A new study published in Communications Earth & Environment builds on earlier research documenting widespread contamination in Alaska’s Brooks Range. As the climate warms, a […]

Arctic Ocean food chain disrupted as key tipping point passed

Arctic Ocean food chain disrupted as key tipping point passed

  An irreversible shift in the chemical make-up of the Arctic Ocean driven by climate change is disrupting the region’s food chain, a study suggests. Widespread loss of Arctic sea ice has led to a sharp fall in levels of a key nutrient, affecting populations of plankton, fish, seabirds and marine mammals, researchers say. Their […]

Alaska climate report: April brought sharp weather swings

Alaska climate report: April brought sharp weather swings

  April was a month of meteorological change in Alaska, as expected each year. What stood out this time, however, was the wide range of conditions during those changes. April featured several storms that brought unsettled weather and strong temperature swings, particularly in the state’s northern and interior regions, according to the monthly summary from […]