The Ukrainian Antarctic station Akademik Vernadsky has reported a remarkable phenomenon – the snow surrounding the station has turned pink. Scientists at the National Antarctic Science Center have discovered that the color change is due to the presence of microscopic green single-celled algae.
According to the scientists, the algae go through three stages of color – green, orange, and purple or crimson. Over the winter months, the algae lie dormant under the snow in their green form. When the springtime warmth arrives, the plants turn red and start to multiply. This “blooming” of snow can have serious consequences for climate change.
Impact of Pink Snow on Climate Change
The scientists have noted that the pink snow reflects less sunlight than white snow and melts faster, due to the increased amount of algae in it. This, in turn, leads to even more brightly colored algae developing, causing even faster melting. The statement from the National Antarctic Science Center warned that this trend has significant implications for climate change.
Scientists Study Pink Snow Samples and Recordings
The Ukrainian biologists at the Akademik Vernadsky station have been collecting samples of the colored snow to study and better understand the chemical basis of the algae transformation. The scientists have also been using a drone to record the area of “blooming snow” to monitor general climate change trends. Understanding the impact of the algae bloom on the melting of snow is critical for developing effective strategies to mitigate the consequences of climate change.
Snow can come in various colors, not just pink. Watermelon snow, for example, is a common sight in high-altitude or polar regions, with a sweet scent reminiscent of its namesake fruit. This snow can appear green or red, and there are other colors as well. Algae can also color snow in hues of blue, yellow, or brown.
