Nature's Extreme Acidity Discovered in Canadian Arctic

Researchers in Calgary have identified natural water in the Northwest Territories that is among the most acidic globally. This extreme acidity is a direct consequence of climate change, which is causing permafrost to thaw and lead to land slumping near the Smoking Hills Formation.

This process exposes previously buried pyrite, or "fool's gold," to oxygen. Formed 85 million years ago during intense volcanic activity, this pyrite absorbs toxic metals. Its exposure now releases these metals and creates highly acidic, hot solutions that contaminate rivers and potentially the Arctic Ocean.

During visits in 2017 and 2023, scientists observed dramatic landscape changes and water so acidic and black that it resembled oil. pH meters recorded negative values, indicating an acidity beyond their measurement capacity. The ground temperature was also exceptionally high, with evidence of past rock melting.

The thawing permafrost exacerbates this geogenic contamination, a new consequence of climate change being studied by scientists. Concerns are rising about the impact on aquatic life, as metal precipitates can harm habitats for insects and fish. Some metals, like cadmium, were found at levels thousands of times above safe drinking guidelines.