Red snow in the Alps: what is the “blood of the glaciers”, this phenomenon that worries scientists? – ScoopCube - ScoopCube

the basics As summer approaches, the snow in the French Alps turns scarlet. A mysterious phenomenon that worries scientists.

When summer approaches, the snowy areas in the French Alps turn red. A phenomenon that locals call the “blood of the glaciers” and that is of concern to scientists. They are actually red microalgae that multiply so much that they color the snow. They are also present in winter but less visible due to their number and green color.

“When the solar radiation becomes very strong from May onwards, the algae form a shield made of red molecules that play the role of sun protection. This also coincides with the moment when they multiply and offer surreal landscapes on the peaks, ”explains Parisian Éric Maréchal, Research Director at the Laboratory for Cell and Plant Physiology in Grenoble.

However, the phenomenon has increased in recent years. And possibly the increase in the CO2 in the atmosphere, on which the algae feed, is the cause. In addition, these microalgae would accelerate the snowmelt. “Unfortunately, the red color favors the melting of the glaciers by eliminating the albedo effect of the snow. It reflects less solar radiation, heats up and melts faster. In areas without glaciers, this shortens the duration of snowfall, with cascading consequences for the supply of dams or agricultural irrigation in the plains, “confirms Éric Maréchal.

These microalgae also have advantages. They are said to be high in antioxidants and could be useful in fighting cell aging.

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2021-06-14 17:24:09Z
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