Current:Home > NewsWhat is watermelon snow? Phenomenon turns snow in Utah pink-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
What is watermelon snow? Phenomenon turns snow in Utah pink
View Date:2024-12-23 15:09:31
Patches of snow in Utah's mountains have turned pink. And while the so-called "watermelon snow" spotted on Tony Grove Lake may look pretty, it could indicate bad news for the environment.
Chlamydomonas nivalis, the scientific name for watermelon snow, occurs when a bacteria called psychrophilic begins to grow in cold environments, according to a study published by the National Library of Medicine. Algae is the source of the bacteria and that's what turns patches of snow a pink or red hue.
Because the albedo, or reflective surface, of the snow is decreased when this happens, the snow may melt quicker, speeding up the melting rate of glaciers, studies have found.
The watermelon snow phenomenon usually happens in the spring and summer and was seen on the Presena glacier in the Italian Alps in 2020.
Researchers with the Institute of Polar Sciences at Italy's National Research Council warned watermelon snow could intensify with climate change. "In fact, low snowfall during the winter and high spring/summer temperatures create the perfect environment for the development of these algae," wrote researcher Biagio Di Mauro.
Experts recommend you do not eat the watermelon snow, according to the Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit that focuses on environmental advocacy. The algae is green under a microscope but develops the pink or red color as a protective barrier – almost like a sunscreen against the sun's ultraviolet rays. This, however, causes the snow to absorb the sun's heat and therefore melt faster.
Studies have found that similar forms of bacteria, called Chlamydomonaceae, have contributed to the acceleration of melting snow on glaciers in other parts of the world.
In the Arctic, the pigmented snow algae can decrease the snow albedo by 13% in just one snow season, according to a study published in Nature in 2016 that looked at 40 red snow sites in 16 areas. The researchers say this "bio-albedo," which accelerates glacial melting ,should be included in future climate models.
- In:
- Climate Change
Caitlin O'Kane is a digital content producer covering trending stories for CBS News and its good news brand, The Uplift.
veryGood! (9346)
Related
- Kyle Richards Swears This Holiday Candle Is the Best Scent Ever and She Uses It All Year
- 'Scarface' actor Ángel Salazar dies at 68
- Ana Barbosu Breaks Silence After Her Appeal Leads Jordan Chiles to Lose Her Olympic Bronze Medal
- US surgeon general was warned by his mom to avoid politics, but he jumped into the fray anyway
- Man is 'not dead anymore' after long battle with IRS, which mistakenly labeled him deceased
- The Daily Money: Which airports have most delays?
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, At Last! Coffee!
- This Is the Only Underwear I Buy My Husband (and It's on Sale)
- Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked
- Georgia lawmaker accused of DUI after crash with bicyclist says he was not intoxicated or on drugs
Ranking
- Why Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams May Be Rejoining the George R.R. Martin Universe
- Colorado finalizes new deal with Deion Sanders’ manager for filming on campus
- Uncomfortable Conversations: How do you get your grown child to move out?
- Should postgame handshake be banned in kids' sports? No, it should be celebrated.
- Watch out, Temu: Amazon Haul, Amazon's new discount store, is coming for the holidays
- Solid state batteries for EVs: 600 miles of range in 9 minutes?
- King Charles III applauds people who stood against racism during recent unrest in the UK
- Jordan Chiles Stripped of Bronze Medal in 2024 Olympics Floor Exercise
Recommendation
-
Republican David Schweikert wins reelection in affluent Arizona congressional district
-
Police in Athens, Georgia shoot and kill suspect after report he was waving a gun
-
Robert Tucker, the head of a security firm, is named fire commissioner of New York City
-
Should postgame handshake be banned in kids' sports? No, it should be celebrated.
-
Veterans face challenges starting small businesses but there are plenty of resources to help
-
Winners and losers of the 2024 Olympics: Big upsets, failures and joyful moments
-
Best shooter ever: Steph Curry's spectacular finish secures Team USA another gold
-
Who won at the box office this weekend? The Reynolds-Lively household