Resilient algae darken glacier surface and may speed up Greenland ice melt, study finds

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Single-cell imaging reveals efficient nutrient uptake and growth of microalgae darkening the Greenland Ice Sheet

Blooms of dark pigmented microalgae accelerate glacier and ice sheet melting by reducing the surface albedo. However, the role of nutrient availability in regulating algal growth on the ice remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate glacier ice algae on the Greenland Ice Sheet, providing single-cell measurements of carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) ratios and assimilation rates of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), ammonium and nitrate foll…

Phys.org

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Resilient algae darken glacier surface and may speed up Greenland ice melt, study finds

Glaciers are huge white ice masses that can reflect a lot of sunlight. However, especially where the glaciers are not covered in snow and the bare ice is exposed, they sometimes have dark patches. These are microscopic algae that grow on the ice and darken its surface. As a result of this darkening, the tiny inhabitants cause the ice to warm up and melt faster.

geo

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The earth's ice masses literally melt. Microalgae that collect on its surface are responsible for this.The Earth's glaciers melt faster and faster. Since the turn of the millennium alone, the ice giants have lost about five percent of their mass. However, this is not only due to the global temperature rise. Part of the ice melt is due to tiny algae that colonize the surface of the glaciers.The effect is also known as albedo: bright materials ref…

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Environmental News Network - Spread of Dark Algae Could Hasten Melt of Greenland Ice Sheet

A global perspective on environmental issues. Our mission is to inform, educate, enable and create a platform for global environmental action.

Globely News

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How Trump's Greenland Push Could End In Disaster

Since Donald Trump regained the presidency, he has coveted Greenland. Trump has insisted that the U.S. will control the island, currently an autonomous territory of Denmark, and if his overtures are rejected, perhaps seize Greenland by force. During a recent congressional hearing, senators and expert witnesses focused on Greenland’s strategic value and its natural resources: critical minerals, fossil fuels and hydropower. No one mentioned the ha…

The Invading Sea

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The Greenland ice sheet is falling apart – new study

As the ocean warms, the ice sheet has sped up in response, increasing the stresses acting upon its surface.