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Scientists drilled permafrost cores in 13 locations across Alaska and measured the mercury contained in them. Based on those measurements, they estimate that 1.7 million tons of mercury are trapped in permafrost soils across the Northern Hemisphere-more than what's found in all other soils, the atmosphere, and the ocean combined. The mercury is there naturally, a result of plants not fully decomposing in harsh northern climates.[Source: Science/AAAS News]
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