Scientists have long believed that rapid warming in the Arctic would cause river channels to move faster, but a new study has found the opposite may be true for large, winding rivers in the region.
The paper, published in the scientific journal Nature and Climate Change, details how an international team of researchers tested this theory by analyzing satellite imagery of rivers in Alaska, Yukon and the Northwest Territories over time.They found migration rates of these rivers, rather than increasing, decreased overall by about 20 per cent between 1972 and 2020.
Ielpi, an assistant professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences at the University of British Columbia-Okanagan, said it has been "almost a core belief" among the scientific community that rising temperatures and permafrost thaw would speed up the rate that rivers change position.
Scientists have theories about why migration of these rivers has instead slowed over the past five decades -- chiefly Arctic greening. The study focuses on 10 sinuous rivers wider than 100 metres in permafrost terrain, including the Mackenzie, Porcupine, and Yukon rivers. Its authors caution the findings may not apply to smaller streams in upland catchments, as they may respond differently to increasing temperatures.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Years after scientists fired from Winnipeg infectious disease lab, RCMP still investigatingYears after scientists fired, RCMP still investigating. Some question whether they are up to the task — or the government is committed.
Lire la suite »
Scientists have revived a 'zombie' virus that spent 48,500 years frozen in permafrostWarmer temperatures in the Arctic are thawing the region's permafrost — a frozen layer of soil beneath the ground — and potentially stirring viruses that, after lying dormant for tens of thousands of years, could endanger animal and human health.
Lire la suite »
Years after scientists fired from Winnipeg infectious disease lab, RCMP still investigatingYears after scientists fired, RCMP still investigating. Some question whether they are up to the task — or the government is committed.
Lire la suite »
Ontario maple syrup producers hit by climate change, some urge carbon reductionsIncreasingly unpredictable winter temperatures have Ontario maple syrup producers concerned about how climate change will affect the industry’s future, with…
Lire la suite »
To advance electrification and climate change action, Canada must advance reconciliationIn pursuing these opportunities, we must acknowledge and learn from our past, including the negative impacts the build-out of our legacy hydro projects had on Indigenous Peoples.
Lire la suite »
Rankin questions funding commitment, priorities for new Climate Change Fund | SaltWireIain Rankin says Nova Scotia’s energy efficiency programs are key to combatting climate change but the former Liberal premier says future program funding ...
Lire la suite »