Parts of Antarctica are turning green, literally, and scientists are trying to find out why.
According to a study from the University of Cambridge and the British Antarctic Survey, this “green snow” is caused by rising temperatures.
(ALSO READ: Heatwave melts 20% of Antarctica’s island snow)
Climate change has caused algae to grow across the continent. The scientists said that this will continue as temperatures rise since it will create more of the slushy conditions the algae needs to thrive.
The researchers also created the first-ever large-scale map of microscopic algae as they bloom across the surface of the snow. Although these algae are microscopic, it turns vivid green as the continue to populate the continent.
(ALSO READ: The Sun is currently “asleep,” but here’s why we don’t have to worry)
The researchers also pointed out that these algae influenced by the excrement of marine birds and mammals since it acts as a natural fertilizer. This green snow was also found in “warmer” areas of the Antarctic Peninsula.
What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at story.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad! Join our Viber group to be updated with the latest news!
