Greenland's ice is abundant with life, both above and below its surface. Until recently, science was unaware of the existence of certain microscopic organisms living there. Recent findings even suggest that these tiny creatures are responsible for adding color to the ice and accelerating its melting
Danish researchers have found more than 4,000 different species of microorganisms in melt holes in the ice like these. Credit: Laura Halbach
Headed by Professor Alexandre Anesio, a group of researchers from the Department of Environmental Science athave discovered that the glaciers are teeming with life. Microbes that have adapted to life on the ice. And not just one or twoWhen the ice becomes badly affected by algae, it is more black than it is white. Previously, researchers believed that the color was due to dust that settled on the ice. Today, we know that the black color is caused by tiny algae.
Therefore, it might not come as a surprise that life also thrives on the glaciers. After all, there is sun, oxygen, and water. Nevertheless, until recently, researchers believed that the ice had too little nourishment to sustain life. But they were wrong.One of the microorganisms on the ice that the researchers spent most time investigating is a small black algae. The algae grows on top of the ice and tinges it black. There is a reason why the black algae is so interesting for the researchers.
The algae on the ice also existed before people kicked off global warming through industrialization. However, climate change means spring arrives ever earlier in the Arctic and as a result, the algae have a longer season to grow and spread.
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