A few weeks ago, a strange natural phenomenon appeared on Galindez Island, which is located at the northernmost tip of Antarctica. Blood-red snow sprinkled across that island, just like a murder scene.
This phenomenon is called watermelon snow.
Scientists found that watermelon snow contains polar snow algae (Chlamydomonas Nivalis). They can survive in extremely cold environments and lying dormant in snow and ice. When the summer comes, this type of polar snow algae will bloom and turn orange or red to protect itself from ultraviolet rays. It also absorbs heat and quickens the melting of snow. And, the faster the melting process, the faster its breeding speed.
The Antarctic has been hit by the heatwave just in the summer. The temperature on the nearby Seymour Island has reached 20.75 degrees. It is the first time Antarctica has broken through 20 degrees. Although the high temperature lasts for a short time, it also proves that rising temperatures have accelerated global warming.
In fact, watermelon snow has also been found in the Arctic, Alps and other mountains or polar regions of the same altitude. Usually, it only appears in summer. Although this snow smells like watermelon, it is inedible because polar snow algae can be bad for digestion!
