Scientists in Italy are investigating the mysterious appearance of pink glacial ice in the Alps, caused by algae that accelerate the effects of climate change. There is debate about where the algae come from, but Biagio Di Mauro of Italy’s National Research Council said the pink snow observed on parts of the Presena glacier is likely caused by the same plant found in Greenland. The plant, known as Ancylonema nordenskioeldii, is present in Greenland’s so-called Dark Zone, where the ice is also melting. “Everything that darkens the snow causes it to melt because it accelerates the absorption of radiation,” said Di Mauro. “Overheating of the planet is a problem, the last thing we needed was algae,” said tourist Marta Durante.

Source: The Guardian July 05, 2020 23:48 UTC