Calgary scientists have identified some of the most acidic natural water in the world in the Northwest Territories. The impact of climate change on the permafrost in the Smoking Hills Formation is causing land erosion and releasing toxic metals and highly acidic substances into nearby water bodies and potentially the Arctic Ocean.
During visits to the area in 2017 and 2023, Geological Survey of Canada researcher Stephen Grasby was struck by the significant levels of toxicity and acidity in the ponds surrounding the Smoking Hills. Grasby expressed awe at the power of nature, stating that the acidic waters found there are more harmful than what humans typically produce in industrial settings.
The unique natural occurrence is attributed to toxic metals that were trapped in pyrite, also known as “fool’s gold,” buried underground around 85 million years ago during a period of volcanic activity in Arctic Canada. The exposure of pyrite to oxygen due to slumping has led to the release of large quantities of metals and extreme heat into the water bodies near the Smoking Hills, resulting in a landscape transformation noted by Grasby between his visits.
The heightened acidity of the ponds has made it challenging for equipment to measure the pH levels accurately, with readings reaching negative values beyond the capabilities of standard meters. Additionally, evidence of melted rocks and extremely high temperatures just beneath the surface has been observed, posing further environmental concerns.
The thawing of permafrost, exacerbated by climate change, is compounding the situation, affecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems in the region. Researchers emphasize the need for more comprehensive studies to understand the full extent of the impact of climate change on the Smoking Hills and its surrounding environment, stressing the importance of preserving the Arctic’s pristine conditions.