Near the Academician Vernadsky Antarctic Station, raspberry snow fell
Snow near the Ukrainian Antarctic station “Academician Vernadsky” turned crimson due to microscopic snow algae.
“For several weeks now, the Ukrainian Antarctic station Akademik Vernadsky has been surrounded ... with raspberry snow! Microscopic snow algae give an interesting color to the snow.” This is reported by the National Antarctic Science Center on Facebook.
It is noted that scientists under a microscope identified these algae as Chlamydomonas nivalis chlamydomonas. They reproduce by spores that are not afraid of extreme temperatures and are stored in snow throughout the winter. When the weather conditions become favorable (summer is now in Antarctica), the spores begin to sprout.
“Since besides the green pigment of chlorophyll, their cells also contain a red carotene layer, red spots appear on the snow, like from raspberry jam,” the scientists explain.
However, according to them, the "flowering" of snow contributes to climate change. Indeed, through the red-raspberry color, the snow reflects less sunlight and melts faster, as a result - more and more bright algae are formed in it.
However, with the onset of cold weather, chlamydomonas prepares for winter dormancy, and the "flowering" of snow stops, scientists say.
As noted, such a phenomenon, in addition to Antarctica, can be observed in the Arctic, as well as in the Alps and other alpine ecosystems.
“For several weeks now, the Ukrainian Antarctic station Akademik Vernadsky has been surrounded ... with raspberry snow! Microscopic snow algae give an interesting color to the snow.” This is reported by the National Antarctic Science Center on Facebook.
It is noted that scientists under a microscope identified these algae as Chlamydomonas nivalis chlamydomonas. They reproduce by spores that are not afraid of extreme temperatures and are stored in snow throughout the winter. When the weather conditions become favorable (summer is now in Antarctica), the spores begin to sprout.
“Since besides the green pigment of chlorophyll, their cells also contain a red carotene layer, red spots appear on the snow, like from raspberry jam,” the scientists explain.
However, according to them, the "flowering" of snow contributes to climate change. Indeed, through the red-raspberry color, the snow reflects less sunlight and melts faster, as a result - more and more bright algae are formed in it.
However, with the onset of cold weather, chlamydomonas prepares for winter dormancy, and the "flowering" of snow stops, scientists say.
As noted, such a phenomenon, in addition to Antarctica, can be observed in the Arctic, as well as in the Alps and other alpine ecosystems.
Photo © ukrinform.ru
Photo © ukrinform.ru
