05-21-2020, 11:02 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-52737603
UK scientists have created the first wide-area maps of microscopic algae growing in coastal Antarctica.
Satellite observations were used to count nearly 1,700 patches where large blooms had turned snow cover green.
The team says the photosynthesising organisms are an important "sink" for pulling carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
They are also key actors in the cycling of nutrients in what is one the most remote regions on Earth.
"These are primary producers at the bottom of a food chain. If there are changes in the algae, it obviously has knock-on effects further up the food chain," explained study leader Dr Matt Davey from Cambridge University.
I have to admit, I wasn't aware that Antarctica had any of these! Although, 2km2 really isn't a lot, considering just how massive the continent is .
They do look rather nice, though (helping to break up the constant white snow drifts) - and, more importantly, they take in carbon dioxide. We don't know whether these green patches are growing or shrinking - but, at least we're able to monitor that now!
UK scientists have created the first wide-area maps of microscopic algae growing in coastal Antarctica.
Satellite observations were used to count nearly 1,700 patches where large blooms had turned snow cover green.
The team says the photosynthesising organisms are an important "sink" for pulling carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
They are also key actors in the cycling of nutrients in what is one the most remote regions on Earth.
"These are primary producers at the bottom of a food chain. If there are changes in the algae, it obviously has knock-on effects further up the food chain," explained study leader Dr Matt Davey from Cambridge University.
I have to admit, I wasn't aware that Antarctica had any of these! Although, 2km2 really isn't a lot, considering just how massive the continent is .
They do look rather nice, though (helping to break up the constant white snow drifts) - and, more importantly, they take in carbon dioxide. We don't know whether these green patches are growing or shrinking - but, at least we're able to monitor that now!
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