Did you know there was an algae that lives in freezing weather and makes white snow look red? It seems like said algae is working overtime now.
According to reports, the snow around Ukraine¡¯s Vernadsky Research Base, which is located off the coast of Antarctica¡¯s northernmost peninsula, has started to turn red.?This effect which is caused by the algae is called 'watermelon snow'.?
However, it is not a wonder of nature because experts are concerned that this is the exact type of thing that could disrupt the balance of our environment, among many, many other things.
Their main concern is regarding how swiftly the glaciers are melting and eventually target sea-levels.
'Watermelon snow' was first recorded by the Greek philosopher Aristotle over 2,000 years ago. He had explained the existence of the reddish snow in 'History of Animals'.?
He wrote, 'By the way, living animals are found in substances that are usually supposed to be incapable of putrefaction; for instance, worms are found in long-lying snow; and snow of this description gets reddish in colour, and the grub that is engendered in it is red, as might have been expected, and it is also hairy.'
According to a report that was published in the New York Times, the algae that was found can thrive in extremely low temperatures and water in its liquid form. When exposed to the sun during summer, the usually-green algae turns pink, even red, to keep itself warm. It is sort of sunscreen for the algae during winter since it is lying dormant during that time.
The report claims that since the snow turns darker in colour, it starts absorbing more heat and hence keeps itself warm.?
According to the Alaska Pacific University, the algae benefits from the melting snow for its survival but it is?dangerous for the glaciers that are melting away at a quick pace.?
Global warming is happening and it's taking over the world. It is high time that we wake up and save ourselves.