Figure 1: Watermelon glacier’s microscopic image of algaes with red pigments
Source Credit: New York Times (LINK)
Up high on the Alpine mountains, you will be surprised to see the new appearance of glaciers. With a slight tint of pink, it almost seems as if someone has spilled food coloring on the ice. In reality, however, the cause of this artificial-looking change in color is due to algae. When we think of this organism, we often associate it with algae blooms that turn water systems into green puddles. However, algae can actually be in any color: red, brown, and even blue depending on their types and habitats. Here in the Alps, we have red pigmented algae that wear this specific coat to protect them from ultraviolet light. However, although the color itself seems harmless, scientists think they are far from being a good signal.
These pink glaciers, or watermelon snow, do happen naturally; even Aristotle had left an observation of them. However, researchers assume that human activities are accelerating their growth. Especially considering that climate change and extreme weather are some of the causes of freshwater and ocean algae blooms, there is a great possibility that they are taking a role in pink algae blooms too. Unfortunately, the direct cause of algae blooms is unknown since there has been lack of research on these specific types.
Nevertheless, Eric Maréchal, the head of a plant physiology lab at the Grenoble Alpes University, has recently started exploring deeper into this glacier blood. After collecting samples from different altitudes of the French Alps, scientists discovered that many algae species found in those samples have evolved to adapt to the elevations they were found in. They have also attempted to investigate the factors that have spurred pink blooms by experimenting with different kinds of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus on algae, but they have not yet observed any significant signals. Something they did notice during their research is that there is a great diversity of algae, many parts of which are yet to be discovered. Therefore, with these organisms being “the basis of all ecosystems,” as Adeline Stewart, an author of a research paper on pink glaciers said, and a sign of climate change, the scientists further plan to observe their distributions over the world and use them for evaluation of different habitats.
However, for glaciers, red algae are more than a warning sign of climate change. The red hues absorb more sunlight than glaciers normally do, causing a rapid melting of these ice. The abnormal rate of melting can lead to disruptions in the ecosystem, and due to what they call a “runaway effect,” the rate seems to increase every year. The “runaway effect” explains the dilemma of pink glaciers. When they melt due to the sunlight absorption, they provide a better environment for red pigmented algae to thrive, leading to more algae and more melting of ice. With this cycle threatening the stability of the ecosystems, more research is indeed needed to hinder the growth of these organisms. Especially since they can be sighted in any mountain with glaciers these days, we cannot merely be amazed by its color, but it is definitely time to give these watermelon ice more attention.
Q&A:
Xavier: Is this phenomenon a rare occurrence, or does it impact many glaciers in the Alps? Any signs of spreading to other regions around the world?
This phenomenon is not just limited to the Alps, but the pink glaciers are seen very often in high elevations. In my opinion, I do not think it is “spreading,” but it has just become a common sight.
Wooseok: Can it be said that the main cause of this phenomenon entirely stems from the color of the algae? For example, if the algae were naturally white, would this phenomenon still be a problem?
The algae itself does not pose a problem yet since they are not causing the harm directly like algae blooms. However, if the population increases significantly at an uncontrollable rate, then this phenomenon would be an indication of an environmental problem.
John: Is there a negative feedback loop that induces a larger population of these algae? If so, what is it?
Yes, as explained above, scientists call this a “runaway effect.” When pink glaciers melt due to red pigmented algae, they provide a better environment for algae to grow..
Hannah: Is there a way to prevent the algae from spreading or even occurring in the first place?
Pink glaciers are not a new phenomenon. Although it cannot be proven, there are a few historical records of similar occurrences. Therefore, it seems more possible to make an effort in slowing down the population growth.
Works Cited:
“Blood Glaciers: Why Is Alpine Snow Turning Pink?” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 15 June 2021, www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jun/15/blood-glaciers-why-is-alpine-snow-turning-pink.
Giaimo, Cara. “Glacier Blood? Watermelon Snow? Whatever It's Called, Snow Shouldn't Be So Red.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 11 June 2021, www.nytimes.com/2021/06/11/science/watermelon-snow-algae-glacier-blood.html.
Lanese, Nicoletta. “'Glacier Blood' Could Be Key to Understanding Impacts of Climate Change.” LiveScience, Purch, 7 June 2021, www.livescience.com/glacier-blood-microalgae-expedition.html.
Yadav, Prerna. “Know Truth behind 'Glacier Blood' and Why Is It Key to Understand Climate Change.” English, 8 June 2021, www.indiatvnews.com/trending/offbeat-know-truth-behind-glacier-blood-and-why-is-it-key-to-understand-climate-change-710239.
Opmerkingen