Most of us picture snow as a pure white blanket covering winter landscapes. However, snow can take on surprising colors like green, red, and orange due to the presence of microscopic algae. Scientists are delving into this fascinating natural phenomenon, trying to understand the complexities of algae snow colors and why these colorful patches occur.
Encountering Colorful Snow Algae
In Montana's Glacier National Park, researchers have observed the transformation of snow from white to a spectrum of colors. Snow algae, particularly prevalent in the Western United States, often turns snow pink, earning it the nickname "watermelon snow." Trinity Hamilton, a biologist at the University of Minnesota, explains that encountering such snow is akin to seeing a red Gatorade or Kool-Aid spill on the snow's surface.
Researching the Mystery
Researchers from Hamilton's lab, during their Rocky Mountain explorations, stumbled upon a rare sight: snow patches displaying three distinct colors—pink, orange, and green—all in one location. Pablo Almela, a researcher involved in the study, found this discovery particularly intriguing, as it marked the first time they had observed such diversity in one setting after three years of sampling.
The unique opportunity allowed the team to collect samples from the trio of algae snow colors and analyze their characteristics. They were able to measure the impact of each color on light absorption and snow melting. Almela initially speculated that the varying colors might represent different stages of a single species' life cycle. Yet, the study revealed that each color was linked to distinct species and communities of snow algae.
The Impact of Algae on Snow
Almela's research found that red snow algae significantly influenced snow melting compared to the green and orange varieties. This rapid melting capability likely explains why red snow is more commonly observed. Algae cells, requiring liquid water to survive, benefit from increased melt water provided by the snow's conversion.
These findings were published in the journal New Phytologist, drawing praise from other scientists like Roman Dial from Alaska Pacific University. Dial has been captivated by snow algae since first encountering red snow and appreciates how these organisms have optimized their color to generate liquid water efficiently in frozen environments.
Climate Change and Snow Algae
The relationship between algae and snow color is gaining attention due to potential climate change impacts. Robin Kodner from Western Washington University highlights numerous fundamental questions about how algae inhabit specific snow areas and how they might reappear annually.
To further study these questions, Kodner initiated the Living Snow Project, wherein volunteers collect data on snow algae while skiing or hiking. This project has already amassed over a thousand samples, contributing valuable insights into the persistence and variability of snow algae.
These efforts to unravel the mystery of snow algae are crucial as we face a changing climate. By understanding how algae affects snow color and melting, scientists hope to predict and possibly mitigate some impacts on glacier dynamics. As research progresses, every sample could bring us closer to deciphering the colorful enigma of snow algae.
