Penguin poop feeds algae that darken Antarctic snow
NSIDC says the light-absorbing waste melts snow, while rising temperatures expand habitats for the algae it fertilizes.
TLDR
NSIDC says a study by research affiliate Alia Khan finds that green, light-absorbing penguin poop melts snow and fertilizes snow algae. As temperatures rise, the algae’s habitats spread, darkening the snow surface. AGU says the algae form dense green patches along the Antarctic Peninsula’s coastline.
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