Beware the Pink Snow

Chlamydomonas nivalis   (Public Domain)

In addition to the many words that Arctic natives have for frigid wet particles, a new one is now being highlighted:  pink snow.

Although pink snow may seem “aesthetically pleasing,” it is not necessarily an environmental plus.  The rosy hues are not indicative of optimism, but rather of tough times ahead for humans and polar bears.

This “blood or watermelon snow” (caused by growth of the red algae Chlamydomonas nivalis) melts more quickly than white varieties.  Red retains more heat than white does.  Pretty pink snow may therefore intensify global-warming effects.

Resources

https://www.yahoo.com/news/pink-snow-a-pretty-but-troubling-sign-of-melting-arctic-163803214.html?nhp=1

Copyright June 30, 2016 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved