Calgary scientists have identified what they believe to be some of the most acidic natural water in the world in the Northwest Territories. The impact of climate change is causing the thawing of permafrost and slumping, leading to the release of toxic metals and highly acidic solutions into rivers, bays, and potentially the Arctic Ocean from the Smoking Hills Formation.
During visits in 2017 and 2023, Geological Survey of Canada researcher Stephen Grasby was struck by the extent of toxicity and acidity in the ponds surrounding the Smoking Hills. Grasby expressed awe at nature’s ability to produce extremely toxic acidic waters, surpassing what can be found at industrial sites.
The underlying cause of this phenomenon lies in trapped toxic metals within iron sulfide minerals, also known as pyrite or “fool’s gold,” deposited underground around 85 million years ago during volcanic activity in Arctic Canada. The recent exposure of pyrite to oxygen due to land erosion has led to the release of substantial amounts of metals into the water bodies near the Smoking Hills.
Grasby observed a significant transformation in the landscape between his visits, with the ponds turning black and resembling oil more than water, making it challenging for equipment to accurately measure their high acidity levels. The ground temperature was too hot to measure, indicating temperatures exceeding 1,200°C just beneath the surface layer.
The ongoing thawing of permafrost due to climate change exacerbates the situation. Elliott Skierszkan from Carleton University emphasized the need to study the emerging consequences of permafrost thaw on water quality to manage aquatic ecosystems effectively.
The potential environmental impacts of the Smoking Hills formation remain largely unknown, raising concerns about the leakage of metals into other bodies of water. The Inuvialuit people residing nearby have reported instances of rivers turning orange, signaling the spread of toxic metals downstream that can harm river ecosystems.
Grasby and Skierszkan advocate for further research to deepen understanding of the Smoking Hills and the repercussions of climate change on this unique environment. Their aim is to generate insights that will benefit local communities and drive additional scientific exploration in the Arctic region.