Metal mobilization from thawing permafrost to aquatic ecosystems is driving rusting of Arctic streams

Communications Earth & Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 5(1)

Published: May 20, 2024

Abstract Climate change in the Arctic is altering watershed hydrologic processes and biogeochemistry. Here, we present an emergent threat to watersheds based on observations from 75 streams Alaska’s Brooks Range that recently turned orange, reflecting increased loading of iron toxic metals. Using remote sensing, constrain timing stream discoloration last 10 years, a period rapid warming snowfall, suggesting impairment likely due permafrost thaw. Thawing can foster chemical weathering minerals, microbial reduction soil iron, groundwater transport metals streams. Compared clear reference streams, orange have lower pH, higher turbidity, sulfate, trace metal concentrations, supporting sulfide mineral as primary mobilization process. Stream was associated with dramatic declines macroinvertebrate diversity fish abundance. These findings considerable implications for drinking water supplies subsistence fisheries rural Alaska.

Language: Английский

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Increasing Nickel Concentrations in a Large River Network of South Tyrol, Eastern European Alps

ACS ES&T Water, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 16, 2025

Climate change and cryosphere degradation may enhance the concentrations of heavy metals in high-mountain rivers. However, downstream export these contaminants to lower elevations is still overlooked. In this study, we investigated spatial temporal patterns dissolved bioavailable nickel upper Etsch/Adige river basin (1590 km2; 54 sites) during period 2005–2023. Furthermore, same seasonally (2022–2023) along a tributary (Schnals/Senales River), from glacier origin down confluence with Etsch River (13 sites). Concentrations both forms increased past decade by up 4 times, yet only reaches draining acidic metamorphic Ötztal Unit. Sulfide oxidation, more intense at sites featuring larger glaciers, rock permafrost extent their catchment, enhanced concentrations. Along Schnals River, values were elevated proglacial waters (dissolved fraction 112 μg L–1), gradually decreased moving elevations, dropped (from 20 30 2–5 L–1) large reservoir. Currently, exceed EU environmental quality standards 40% sites, demonstrating sharp implications that be extended other similar geological cryospheric settings.

Language: Английский

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Reconstructing a pre-mining geochemical baseline using a proximal natural analog and geochemical modeling: Los Bronces and Yerba Loca, Central Chile

Journal of Hydrology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 660, P. 133390 - 133390

Published: April 28, 2025

Language: Английский

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Factors controlling the water quality of rock glacier springs in European and American mountain ranges

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 953, P. 175706 - 175706

Published: Aug. 27, 2024

Rock glaciers (RGs) provide significant water resources in mountain areas under climate change. Recent research has highlighted high concentrations of solutes including trace elements RG-fed waters, with negative implications on quality. Yet, sparse studies from a few locations hinder conclusions about the main drivers solute export RGs. Here, an unprecedented effort, we collected published and unpublished data rock glacier hydrochemistry around globe. We considered 201 RG springs ranges across Europe, North South America, using combination machine learning, multivariate univariate analyses, geochemical modeling. found that 35 % issuing intact RGs (containing internal ice) have quality below drinking standards, compared to 5 connected relict (without ice). The interaction ice bedrock lithology is responsible for springs. Indeed, higher sulfate sourcing originating RGs, mostly specific lithological settings. Enhanced sulfide oxidation elevated element concentrations. Challenges management may arise catchments rich where predisposing geology would make these hotspots. Our work represents first comprehensive attempt identify waters.

Language: Английский

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Water–Rock Interaction and Freeze–Thaw Cycles as Drivers of Acid Rock Drainage Generation by a Rock Glacier in the European Alps

ACS ES&T Water, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 4(12), P. 5264 - 5274

Published: Nov. 13, 2024

Little is known to date about the processes governing natural acid rock drainage (NARD) generated by glaciers. We used paragneiss samples from a catchment with NARD glacier in Italian Alps for long-term leaching experiments under conditions that are possible within The findings clearly suggest at low neutralization capacity of rock, dissolution sulfide minerals, even if they present trace amounts, may be most important process controls groundwater acidity 1 °C, typical temperature discharge acidic increase solubility and mobility aquifer lithology-specific elements, concentrations some heavy metals geogenic origin (e.g., Mn Ni) greatly exceed health standards after six month interaction water paragneisses. Diurnal freeze–thaw cycles were found 6–7 times more effective transformation coarse fragments fine-grained debris fresh, reactive mineral surfaces, compared temperatures above freezing. Cyclic freezing favors an enhanced formation amorphous silica, highly adsorbent metal ions, its redissolution unfrozen layers glaciers represent additional source elements.

Language: Английский

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On the hydrological significance of rock glaciers: A case study from Murtèl rock glacier (Engadine, eastern Swiss Alps) using below-ground energy-flux measurements, ground-ice melt observations and hydrological measurements

Published: April 18, 2024

Abstract. Intact rock glaciers, a permafrost landform common in high-mountain regions, are often conceptualized as (frozen) water reserves. In warming climate with slowly degrading permafrost, the large below-ground ice volumes might suggest buffering effect on summer streamflow that due to resiliency of glaciers only increases rapidly receding glaciers. this case study, we assess role and functioning active Murtèl glacier hydrological cycle its small (17 ha) periglacial unglacierized watershed located Upper Engadine (eastern Swiss Alps). Our unprecedentedly comprehensive hydro-meteorological measurements include heat flux 3–5 m thick coarse-blocky layer (AL), direct observations seasonal evolution ground-ice table, discharge isotopic signature outflow at rock-glacier front. The detailed active-layer energy water/ice balance quantifies precipitation, evaporation, snow melt, ground catchment surface outflow. stores releases over three different time scales varying magnitudes residence times: (1) Liquid storage short-term (sub-monthly) scale is permafrost-underlain coarse-debris catchment, shown by ‘flashy’ hydrograph during thaw season little sustained baseflow (<3 L min-1) dry months. (2) Seasonal accumulation melt AL substantial: Independent an budget suggests rates 1−4 mm w.e. day-1, amounting 150−300 season. comparatively cool–wet year 2021, represented ca. 13 % annual precipitation outflow, but 28 hot–dry 2022. superimposed sourced refreezing snowmelt spring (annually replenished), protracts into late (intermediate-term storage), cannot increase total yearly runoff. (3) Meltwater release from ‘old’ climate-induced degradation ≤50 yr-1 or ~ 5−10 times smaller than meltwater contribution order few overall fluxes (long-term storage). study hydrologically relevant turnover occurs addition released slow ice-rich permafrost. acts coupled thermal buffer some degree protects underlying core converting More should tell how generalisable our single-site findings are.

Language: Английский

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Sharing knowledge and research outcomes from within and around the Swiss National Park – the 2023 Research Symposium SNP+

eco mont (Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(1), P. 31 - 34

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

On 2 June 2023, the first Research Symposium SNP+ took place in Zernez, Switzerland, at headquarters of Swiss National Park (SNP). The symposium aimed to bring together active researchers from various scientific fields relevant work Park, Regional Nature Biosfera Val Müstair (BVM), and overarching UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Engiadina (UBEVM) – all represented here by SNP+. Addressing subjects bridging gap between strict nature preservation cultivated landscape areas, importance ongoing monitoring over extended periods, influence climate change on ecosystems natural processes, day unfolded as a profoundly captivating interdisciplinary experience. This text aims summarize key messages provides preview upcoming events.

Language: Английский

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Environmental compliance assessment for the desulfurization of sulfide mine waste tailings: A case study of Ok Tedi Mine, Papua New Guinea

Environmental Challenges, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15, P. 100875 - 100875

Published: Feb. 16, 2024

The effective management of sulfide mine waste tailings is a complex task because the potential for acid rock drainage to harm aquatic ecosystems. Although previous research has explored environmental consequences and advantages desulfurization techniques, there lack studies examining compliance efforts. To bridge this knowledge gap, study was conducted at Ok Ted Mine evaluate implemented techniques. Ninety samples tailings, desulfurized concentrate were collected analyzed geochemical physical properties. acid-generating capacities assessed using Sobek's static test, whereas particle size, pH, recovery evaluated overall performance process. These findings indicated that process significantly reduced capacity trace metal concentrations below regulatory threshold levels. Therefore, techniques employed comply with regulations. Further recommended impact on ecosystem predict full extent biodiversity beyond life.

Language: Английский

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Comment on egusphere-2024-844

Published: May 14, 2024

Abstract. Intact rock glaciers, a permafrost landform common in high-mountain regions, are often conceptualized as (frozen) water reserves. In warming climate with slowly degrading permafrost, the large below-ground ice volumes might suggest buffering effect on summer streamflow that due to resiliency of glaciers only increases rapidly receding glaciers. this case study, we assess role and functioning active Murtèl glacier hydrological cycle its small (17 ha) periglacial unglacierized watershed located Upper Engadine (eastern Swiss Alps). Our unprecedentedly comprehensive hydro-meteorological measurements include heat flux 3–5 m thick coarse-blocky layer (AL), direct observations seasonal evolution ground-ice table, discharge isotopic signature outflow at rock-glacier front. The detailed active-layer energy water/ice balance quantifies precipitation, evaporation, snow melt, ground catchment surface outflow. stores releases over three different time scales varying magnitudes residence times: (1) Liquid storage short-term (sub-monthly) scale is permafrost-underlain coarse-debris catchment, shown by ‘flashy’ hydrograph during thaw season little sustained baseflow (<3 L min^-1) dry months. (2) Seasonal accumulation melt AL substantial: Independent an budget suggests rates 1−4 mm w.e. day^-1, amounting 150−300 season. comparatively cool–wet year 2021, represented ca. 13 % annual precipitation outflow, but 28 hot–dry 2022. superimposed sourced refreezing snowmelt spring (annually replenished), protracts into late (intermediate-term storage), cannot increase total yearly runoff. (3) Meltwater release from ‘old’ climate-induced degradation ≤50 yr^-1 or ~ 5−10 times smaller than meltwater contribution order few overall fluxes (long-term storage). study hydrologically relevant turnover occurs addition released slow ice-rich permafrost. acts coupled thermal buffer some degree protects underlying core converting More should tell how generalisable our single-site findings are.

Language: Английский

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Comment on egusphere-2024-844

Published: May 20, 2024

Abstract. Intact rock glaciers, a permafrost landform common in high-mountain regions, are often conceptualized as (frozen) water reserves. In warming climate with slowly degrading permafrost, the large below-ground ice volumes might suggest buffering effect on summer streamflow that due to resiliency of glaciers only increases rapidly receding glaciers. this case study, we assess role and functioning active Murtèl glacier hydrological cycle its small (17 ha) periglacial unglacierized watershed located Upper Engadine (eastern Swiss Alps). Our unprecedentedly comprehensive hydro-meteorological measurements include heat flux 3–5 m thick coarse-blocky layer (AL), direct observations seasonal evolution ground-ice table, discharge isotopic signature outflow at rock-glacier front. The detailed active-layer energy water/ice balance quantifies precipitation, evaporation, snow melt, ground catchment surface outflow. stores releases over three different time scales varying magnitudes residence times: (1) Liquid storage short-term (sub-monthly) scale is permafrost-underlain coarse-debris catchment, shown by ‘flashy’ hydrograph during thaw season little sustained baseflow (<3 L min^-1) dry months. (2) Seasonal accumulation melt AL substantial: Independent an budget suggests rates 1−4 mm w.e. day^-1, amounting 150−300 season. comparatively cool–wet year 2021, represented ca. 13 % annual precipitation outflow, but 28 hot–dry 2022. superimposed sourced refreezing snowmelt spring (annually replenished), protracts into late (intermediate-term storage), cannot increase total yearly runoff. (3) Meltwater release from ‘old’ climate-induced degradation ≤50 yr^-1 or ~ 5−10 times smaller than meltwater contribution order few overall fluxes (long-term storage). study hydrologically relevant turnover occurs addition released slow ice-rich permafrost. acts coupled thermal buffer some degree protects underlying core converting More should tell how generalisable our single-site findings are.

Language: Английский

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