Smoking Hills
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The Smoking Hills are located on the east coast of Cape Bathurst[1] in Canada's Northwest Territories, next to the Arctic Ocean and a small group of lakes. The cliffs, named by explorer John Franklin,[2] contain strata of hydrocarbons (oil shales), who have been burning for centuries without cessation (original inflammation by lightning). The clouds of smoke have given the region its name and have acidified the lakes during the years down to a pH lower than 2. Although the soil of the region contains much limestone, the buffer effect has completely disappeared.[3]
The nearest community, Paulatuk, which is about 105 km (65 mi) east, is named in recognition of the coal found in the area, traditionally spelt "Paulatuuq" or "place of coal".[4]
[edit] Acidification
The bituminous coal has burnt for centuries causing acidification in the ponds in vicinity.
[edit] References
- ^ B. Freedman; V. Zobens; T. C. Hutchinson; W. I. Gizyn: Intense, Natural Pollution Affects Arctic Tundra Vegetation at the Smoking Hills, Canada
Ecology, Vol. 71, No. 2. (Apr., 1990), pp. 492-503. JSTOR - ^ The Smoking Hills
- ^ Prof. Hubert van den Bergh: "Atmosphère et climat", Lausanne, 2005
- ^ Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre - official names
[edit] External links
- dustysensor.ca - a picture of the hills
- nature.com - Magda Havas & Thomas C. Hutchinson: "The Smoking Hills: natural acidification of an aquatic ecosystem"
- Smoking Hills at the Atlas of Canada
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