Nature



07/15/2015

Multicoloured snow


Multicoloured snow

When we think about the Arctic, we think about the endless white fields of snow and ice. Actually Northern territory is not only white, snow cover can be painted all colors of the rainbow.

The most common "color" phenomenon of the Arctic is "red snow". As a result of this phenomenon the snow acquires a reddish pink tint and distinctive taste, similar to the taste of watermelon. However, eating this kind of snow is not recommended.

Coloration of snow happens due to "Snow algae," (Chlamydomonas nivalis), algae’s cells contain a red pigment in addition to green. This algae likes the cold, when the temperatures begin to decline, Chlamydomonas nivalis changes its shade from green to red.

Red snow fields can often be found in the Arctic latitudes and mountain regions of the Earth. Today scientists know of more than 350 species of algae that can make snow can blue, yellow, green, brown and even black.

Photo  credit: http://www.alpnn.com/