A Review of Recent Advances in Arctic Hydrology

Lead author Josh Koch, U.S. Geological Survey, measures discharge on the Noatak River.

NPS/Jon O'Donnell

This review, led by scientists from the National Park Service and the U.S. Geological Survey, summarizes new advances in science related to the hydrology of Arctic streams. It examines long-term trends in river flow and water quality, and the emergence of new water sources, including increased groundwater discharge due to permafrost thaw. This shift in groundwater contribution has resulting in changing patterns of overflow ice (aufeis) and river chemistry (for example, the rusting of Arctic rivers). The recent advances in monitoring Arctic watersheds has important implications for biogeochemical cycling, water quality, and fisheries.

Observing Northern High-latitude River Systems to Understand Changes in a Warming Arctic

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Streams and rivers are undergoing rapid change as the Arctic warms and thaws. We review recent observations in Arctic stream systems to identify ubiquitous changes and the most useful tools for observing change and exploring the underlying processes.

Recent Findings

Recent literature indicates increasingly significant trends in river hydrology and chemistry due to persistent warming in the Arctic and longer observational records for analysis. However, regional differences in the magnitude and direction of these trends persist. We also observe thresholds in ground thaw and surface–groundwater interactions that can impact river hydrology and chemistry.

Summary

Warming and thaw are occurring rapidly at high latitudes, resulting in increasing, yet variable responses in stream systems across regions and scales. These differences highlight the need for long-term records and an interdisciplinary approach to explain trends and predict future states. Stream systems respond to multiple landscape changes related to hydrology (changing precipitation and subsurface flow), geology (ground thaw dynamics), and ecology (vegetation change).

Koch, J. C. and J. A. O'Donnell. 2025. Observing northern high-latitude river systems to understand changes in a warming Arctic. Current Climate Change Reports 11: 5.