Climate change is turning parts of Antarctica green, say scientists

(The Guardian, 20 May 2020) Researchers map ‘beginning of new ecosystem’ as algae bloom across surface of melting snow

Scientists have created the first large-scale map of microscopic algae on the Antarctic peninsula as they bloom across the surface of the melting snow, tinting the surface green and potentially creating a source of nutrition for other species.

The British team behind the research believe these blooms will expand their range in the future because global heating is creating more of the slushy conditions they need to thrive.

In some areas, the single-cell life-forms are so dense they turn the snow bright green and can be seen from space, according to the study, publishedon Wednesday in the journal Nature Communications.

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The Guardian, 20 May 2020: Climate change is turning parts of Antarctica green, say scientists