Prompt Cast
The Phenomenon of Red Snow: How Green Algae Turns Snow Red
TLDR Clomidomonas Nivalis, a type of green algae, produces a red pigment called astaxanthin during warm seasons, which turns snow red when it blooms and photosynthesizes. This red snow not only absorbs more solar radiation, causing it to melt faster, but also has implications for climate change and should not be consumed.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Snow is normally white because the crystals that make up ice or snow scatter all colors on the visible wavelength, but it can turn red under certain conditions.
01:50
Red snow is caused by green algae and has been observed by famous historical figures such as Pliny the Elder and Charles Darwin.
03:44
Clomidomonas Nivalis is a type of green algae that can turn white snow red.
06:07
Green algae called Clomidomonas Nivalis produces a red pigment called astaxanthin during warm seasons, which acts as a sunscreen to protect the organisms from excessive solar radiation, and when the snow melts and becomes wet, the algae blooms and photosynthesizes.
07:52
When a large number of these red snow algae come together, the snow turns a vivid red color, resembling a puddle of blood, and the red pigment absorbs more solar radiation than white snow, causing it to melt faster.
09:36
Red snow algae on glaciers can accelerate snow melt rates by 5% to 15%, which is concerning because Arctic snow melt is important to climate change and needs to be taken into account in climate models.
11:25
Red snow algae smells like watermelon, but people should not eat it as it can cause gastric problems.
Categories:
Society & Culture
