New study investigates threat of #WatermelonSnow to mountain glaciers https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/algae-watermelon-snow-mountain-glacier-research-1.7074420

Satellite mapping of red snow on North American glaciers https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adi3268

"The study found that the red-pigmented #algae blooms contribute to glacial melt. However, #GlobalWarming poses a far greater threat to mountain #glaciers and to the surprisingly complex microscopic ecosystems that allow #SnowAlgae to colonize them."

Pink or red "watermelon snow" is caused by microscopic algae blooms. While it may be beautiful, it can also cause glaciers to melt at a faster rate. SFU Molecular Biology and Biochemistry professor Lynne Quarmby was recently on CBC's Quirks and Quarks to talk about recent research to map its impact on glaciers in northwestern North America:
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/quirks-quarks-nov-25-2023-1.7038066

#SFUScience #watermelonsnow #snow #glaciers #MBBSFU #molecularbiology

Missed our February #CaféScientifique talk with #SFUMBB professor Lynne Quarmby? Watch it online!

Take a journey from molecular biology to the high Arctic and home again, illuminating the science of cells, the climate, and the algae that causes watermelon snow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mCZIjlYnAE #sfuscience #sfu #molecularbiology #climatechange #watermelonsnow #publiclecture